About
SCC
What We Believe
We are non-denominational Christians who believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We believe He is the Son of God, sent to redeem humanity and reconcile us back to the Father. After His resurrection, Jesus gave us Holy Spirit — our helper, guide, and comforter — who empowers us to live a victorious life in Christ. Our faith is grounded in the Word of God, and our mission is to walk boldly in the truth, love others deeply, and make disciples of all nations.
Our Vision
Connect— Commit — Conquer
We believe that when people connect with God and His Word, commit to spiritual growth and serve in community, they are empowered to conquer every obstacle, live victoriously, and fulfill their divine purpose. This vision guides everything we do — from worship to outreach — as we lead people into wholeness and victory in every area of life.
Lead Pastor
Eric Avery
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Pastor Eric Avery is a man of faith, purpose, and perseverance. The foundation of integrity and grit instilled in him by his mother, Ida, shaped his early years — but it was a life-changing encounter with Jesus after a serious car accident that marked the true turning point in his life. From that moment forward, Pastor Eric committed
himself fully to the study of God’s Word and the call to ministry. After years of faithfully serving in churches throughout the D.C. area, he responded to the vision God placed on his heart and began a weekly Bible study with a small group of believers — a gathering that would become the foundation of Soteria Christian Center. Today, Pastor Eric leads with compassion, clarity, and conviction. He carries a unique anointing to teach on faith and financial breakthrough, and he is passionate about empowering God’s people to live victoriously in every area of life.
Pastor Eric is a devoted husband to Pastor Lisa Avery and a proud father to their four daughters, as well as a joyful grandfather. He is deeply honored by the love and support of his family, who walk alongside him in life and ministry.
Co-Pastor
Lisa Avery
Pastor Lisa Avery is a bold and faithful woman of God, born and raised in Washington, D.C., with deep family roots in Bluefield, West Virginia. Though she experienced glimpses of God's presence throughout her life, it was in becoming a wife and mother that she fully committed herself to serve Him wholeheartedly. With unwavering faith, she prayed for her husband to join her on the journey of walking with the
Lord —and God answered. A devoted mother to four daughters and a loving grandmother to three grandsons, Pastor Lisa has consistently poured into her family with strength, wisdom,
and spiritual guidance. She is a three-time breast cancer overcomer, having faced each diagnosis with fierce determination and unshakable belief in God’s promises. Refusing to be defined by survival, Pastor Lisa stands firm in her identity as an overcomer — walking through chemotherapy, surgeries, and every challenge without missing a beat, grounded in the promise of life and life more abundantly.
Today, Pastor Lisa is cancer-free and passionately shares the message of God’s goodness and faithfulness. She serves as the lead visionary of the Praying Ladies of Soteria, inspiring women to stand strong in prayer and in purpose.
