Christ Centered and Bible Based

The church's motto is "Christ Centered and Bible Based".  Our many auxiliaries and members live by this principle; and strive daily to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  God has continually opened up the windows of Heaven for Starlight Missionary Baptist Church.  We are grateful for the opportunity to serve God and allow Him to fulfill His purpose for our lives.  We pray that Starlight will always be a light to shine before men, keeping the faith as did our founders.  "Depending upon the continued guidance of the truth, we work and pray for transformation of the world into the kingdom of God and Life Everlasting."  With such a faith, the Pastor and people of Starlight Missionary Baptist Church expect to meet the challenge of the FUTURE.  In spite of hardships, we remain centered in Christ and based in the Bible; a church with one mission.... TO LEAD OTHERS TO CHRIST.

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If you are new to our church, we consider it an honor to have you. Plan your visit, and allow us to make your visit the best it can be.

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Angel of the Church

Starlight Missionary Baptist Church, established in 1878,  is led by the Rev. Dr. Shovie Ducre.  He is the 16th Pastor and has served in this capacity for the last 38 years.  He has faithfully delivered the Word of God not only to Starlight MBC but to the greater north shore region.  As such he is considered a great resource to many regarding pastoral leadership and rightly dividing the Word of God.

147th Church Anniversary

Starlight MBC hosted a week long celebration of its 147th year of service to our Lord and Savior.  Glorifying God and edifying His people, through music, song, and fellowship. Click the button below to view Starlight MBC's rich history.

Starlight - Congregational Management System

SMBC Congregational Management System

As a means to serve the congregation better, Starlight MBC is implementing a church-wide system to improve information management, resources management and communications and engagement across the church family.  The focus is to serve God's people better and more effectively.  Then allowing more individuals an opportunity to engage the community and tell a dying world about the life saving joy of a relationship with Jesus Christ.


All members are asked to join the system by establishing an account and completing a profile page for yourself and your family members.  This is vital to the chruch's ability to better serve each member and effectively communicate to assure the kind of worship and praise experience that enables a joyful and close walk with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Service Recognition - Deacon Maurice Bacon

Deacon Maurice Bacon was recognized during worship service on May 4, 2025 for his long tenure as Church Clerk.  His tenure began about 1988 and concluded in 2024.  Over the years he was responsible for multiple improvements in the church's administrative and fiscal operations; continuously improving and effectively supporting the needs of the congregation and the ministries.  His fiscal skills were essential to the planning, execution and operation phases of the church's facility infrastructure expansion.  In the midst of the expansion and the devastation of hurricane Katrina, he assured the fiscal soundness of the church while supporting the Pastor's congregational care program and our Youth Ministry led community support program - Operation Food.


Deacon Bacon has played a critical role in setting the church on a great trajectory to continue God's plan for it.  We honor and thank you, Deacon Bacon, for all you have given in service to God's people and His mission for Starlight Missionary Baptist Church.

Thirty-one years of teaching on God's Word

Deacon Argusta McDuffey - has served as Tuesday Night Bible Study teacher for the past 31 years and he continues in this role today.  We celebrate his dedication and skillfulness in dissecting and presenting God's Holy work.  He began his teaching at Starlight MBC in the book of Genesis and recently completed the book of Revelation, some 31 years later.  This speaks volumes of the detail and patience he applies to preparation and presentation such that anyone can understand the message. 


Thank you Deacon McDuffey for sharing those nuggets God has placed on your heart.

Communion

Communion - sharing the broken body and shedded blood of our savior Jesus Christ.


We celebrate His sacrifice for us every 1st and 2nd Sundays of the month.  As reminder of all He had done, is doing and will do for us in this life and to remind us that He is with us always.

Sunday School

Sunday School provides a structured opportunity to learn of and explore the Bible and the Christian way.  For new believers to become grounded in Biblical belief and for the experienced Christian to grow into Biblical maturity.  There are classes for all ages spanning Pre-K through high school, young adults and adults alike.

Youth Ministry

We believe that the children and youth are very special and we are committed to  helping them grow in their faith, spirituality and personal development.  We minister to the whole child providing sound biblical teaching during Sunday School, weekly Bible Study and Vacation Bible School as well as opportunities to develop socially, emotionally and academically.


Youth  Ministry - Understanding History


The Word of God is a core developmental element for our youth.  Our youth are exposed to how faith played such an important role during the civil rights struggle and how important it is today's experience.  SMBC Youth visited the Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, MS.

Health Ministry

The concept of health has a wide array of topics associated and so does the SMBC Health Ministry.  The Ministry included healthcare professionals (registered nurses) and advocates. Faith is used to serve the congregation and community regarding education, counseling, promotion and maintenance and advocacy.  The Ministry sponsors several events such as the Keep Moving program; which includes a 2-mile cancer walk and bicycle fun ride. 

Music Ministry

The Music Ministry is focused on delivering the Word of God via music and song.   The Ministry includes Mass Choir, Men's Chorus, Youth Choir and Sunshine Choir.  It is blessed with talented voices, musicians and directors whose mission is to lead persons to salvation through Jesus Christ.

Celebrating Service

We recently celebrated the service of our Deaconess Ministry.  Starlight has served this community for 146 years, where the ladies of the Deaconess Ministry has kept their hands to the plough.  Sharing the Word and love of God through service and faith.

Family

It has been said that Starlight MBC is like one big happy family.  It is not only family as part of the body of Christ but how that is manifested is what makes it special.  Starlight engages the entire family; from the youngest to the parents.  There's something for everyone.

Family

As part of the Body of Christ, we care for each other over the entire spectrum of life.  As our Covenant encourages and expects, we are to be there for one another in the good times and when life gives us challenges.  Together with the strength of faith, all things are possible.