A servant called by God and a true disciple of Jesus Christ, Reverend Baker is changing lives in the congregation and community through dedication, prayer, storytelling, praise, instruction, and outreach. At the heart of his Christian journey has been family, and he and his wife Gloria have been active members of Olive Branch Community Church since 2008.  Always serving to advance the kingdom of God, Reverend Baker serves as worship leader, preacher, disciple, and gospel singer at Olive Branch. 

Formally trained in theology and Christianity, Reverend Baker’s deep passion for family grounds and guides him in skillfully using the captivating art of storytelling to spread the good news of the gospel. Pernell Baker was called to preach in 1991 and ordained in 2001 at The People’s Community Baptist Church by the late Reverend Dr. Thomas J. (T.J.) Baltimore, Sr. 

In addition to Reverend Baker’s ministerial duties, he also serves as Olive Branch’s Building and Grounds Manager with oversight for safety and security of the entire campus. 

Moreover, Reverend Baker’s Christian service extends beyond the campus of Olive Branch Community Church.  Steeped in the value and importance of family, Reverend Baker’s outreach can be seen throughout Montgomery County, for he finds joy serving families in shelters.  Additionally, Reverend Baker enjoys supporting other faith-based groups throughout the region.  He has served as retreat director for the DC Baptist Convention.  Also, as a man of God, because Reverend Baker always seeks to nurture spiritual growth and maturity in all listeners, he is known for having served in various workshops in ministry for the 2nd National Ketoctan Baptist Association, an organization of churches in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. 

A native of Coalwood, West Virginia, though raised in Buffalo, New York, Reverend Baker is a decorated U.S. Navy veteran, a Petty Officer 2nd Class, whose honor, courage, and commitment is evident in his readiness to serve others.

Reverend Baker is married to the former Gloria J. Colson-Valdes. The Bakers reside in Silver Spring, Maryland.