El Vista Baptist Church
Serving the Lord in Peoria since 1949
Services:Sunday School...9:30 a.m.Sunday Morning Service...10:30 a.m.Sunday Prayer & Choir...5:00 p.m.Sunday Evening Service...6:00 p.m.Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study...7:00 p.m.Wednesday Patch the Pirate Club...7:00 p.m.Friday Everlasting Nation Fellowship...10:00 a.m.Saturday Soul Winning...10:00 a.m.
Streaming Links provided on the Announcements page
6301 North Syler StreetPeoria, IL 61615(309) 692-8675
8th Annual Bible Prophecy Conference
April 19 - 21, 2026
Speaker: Dr. Phil Stringer
Let's Impact Peoria for Jesus Christ in 2026!
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Meet Our Staff
Pastor Joey Watt
Pastor
Bro. Phil Lancaster
Music & Teen Director
Pastor Jorge Montoya
Spanish Pastor
Pastor Watt has been at El Vista since 1986. He grew up here as a child and left to attend Tennessee Temple College & Seminary. After graduation, he pastored Liberty Baptist Church in Rochester, IN. Pastor, Martha (his late wife), and their five childern came to Peoria, IL to begin his ministry in January 1986. During his pastorate, they added one more daughter. Since Martha's passing, Pastor has remarried and he and Suzie continue to serve the Lord in many ways at El Vista.
Brother Lancaster came to El Vista in 1982 from Michigan where he also grew up. He graduated Tennessee Temple College & University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he studied music. He and his wife, Randi, reared their four children at El Vista.
Pastor Montoya started the Spanish ministry at El Vista in 2009 with only a few people. It has now grown to an average attendance of around 30 each service. Services are conducted at the same time as the English services. He and his wife, Gregoria, have six children.
Weekly Reflection
18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
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Please note, El Vista Baptist Church is not soliciting for or receiving compensation from any of the following websites and/or companies. We find that the sources and information provided to be very helpful in daily Christian study habits. There are many other sources of information available to you on the internet and in stores. It is our hope and prayer that the information you find is Bible-based and follows the teaching of the Word of God.
Bible Study Tools
At El Vista, we believe that studying the Bible is a vital part of faithful Christian living. Our hope is you will find these links useful in your daily studies.
Matthew Henry is one of many commentaries available to assist you in researching Bible passages.
Days of Praise is an excellent source to guide you through your daily devotions. You will also find many other valuable sources of information at the Institute for Creation Research website.