The Mount Lebanon Baptist Church will begin holding full Sunday services in Suffolk on Easter.

The church has been holding Bible study sessions for a year and a half at the Hampton Inn on Centerbrooke Lane. Its services will now be held at King’s Fork Middle School at 10 a.m. every Sunday.

Pastor Karl Wilkins, who has been worshipping at the church’s Chesapeake location, will be the site pastor at Mount Suffolk. Wilkins has been involved in ministry for approximately 20 years. He is also a Suffolk native.

“I’ve been in Suffolk all of my life; I just worship in Chesapeake,” he said. “I was a barber for 30 years in the community. It is just amazing how God has given me an assignment of not only changing hairstyles but changing lives through the ministries. God has not only anointed my hands, but God has anointed my mouth.”

Wilkins graduated from Virginia Union University with two master’s degrees. He received a degree in theology and Christian education.

“I consider it a privilege and an honor to come to my hometown and be a tangible instrument to the community,” Wilkins said.

Bishop K.W. Brown was motivated by seeing a need within a community and asked Wilkins to begin cultivating a congregation.

“Bishop K.W. Brown sent me on a mission,” Wilkins said. “We believe that Mount Suffolk has an assignment here in the city of Suffolk. The mission is here to reach those that are lost. Our church motto is to change lives.”

Mount Suffolk will offer a different worship experience.

“We are a more community focused and evangelistic type of ministry,” Wilkins said. “We are more charismatic and not governed by our programs. We believe in following the Holy Spirit in our services.”

Those who come out to the service on Resurrection Sunday will experience an encouraging service.

“They can expect an inspiring, motivating and encouraging word that we believe will change their lives,” Wilkins said. “We also believe it will change the city as well. We are looking for that to happen for those who come with us on Sunday.”

Wilkins said the church desires to have an actual building in the future.