Our Church History

GOD’S HAND IN THE HISTORY OF COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH

It was a cold, snowy, Tuesday evening in March of 2004 when a courageous, convicted band of 147 believers convened in the Milford Township Fire Hall in Milford, Square, PA. for what would be the first worship service of the body to become known as the Community Baptist Church of Quakertown, PA. With a deep passion for the preaching of the Word of God and a desire to honor the Lord Jesus Christ, this little assembly raised the roof in praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God, invoking His blessing and guidance as they sought to form a New Testament Church.

In the early months of ministry, obvious growth, spiritually, numerically and financially blossomed and a contagious sense of awe and anticipation to what the Lord was doing was evident at each turn. In June of 2004, the newly convened assembly called Pastor David Smith as their undershepherd. It was in that historic Fourth of July service of 2004 that 180 resolved members signed a Charter of Covenant and Commitment, thus officially beginning a New Testament, separatist, Baptist, Biblicist, self-governing, self – propagating, self – supporting, immersionist assembly with Christ as its head.

God providentially made available to this newly formed church a building formally known as the Valley Baptist Church of Pennsburg, PA. located on Otts Road. By the week of July 20, 2004, a leased was signed, the move made and Community Baptist conducted its first baptism service in this new location on Sunday, July 25. It was during the nineteen months of ministry at this location that effective evangelistic outreach, youth ministry, the addition of our first assistant Pastor (Pastor Dennis Gruber and family), prayer fellowships, our annual Missions Conference (five missionaries taken on for support), selection of five deacons, revival meetings (Paul Schwanke), a children’s QUEST Club ministry and discipleship of many converts took place.

In the spring of 2006, the Community Baptist Church body was informed that the church building at Otts Road would be razed and we would need to find a new home. This was a daunting test of the faith and obedience of God’s people, and a dramatic occasion for the God of glory to show forth His mighty works and perfect faithfulness. In His marvelous and mysterious manner, the church became aware of an option at Benner Hall in Richlandtown, PA., as a temporary place of worship (March 2006). With much excitement and expectancy, the hearty assembly waited upon the Lord for each step. After just two Sundays at Benner Hall, the hand of God opened the usage of the Upper Bucks Senior Center as a fourth location for His vital work. Although the adjustments to this place were most challenging and the patience, determination, dedication and diligence of every member was tested, this new place of ministry made possible a formal introduction to the City of Quakertown and much fresh outreach of the Gospel to a very needy region. During this time, CBC learned that the depth of our worship and service unto the Lord, does not hinge upon the comfort or convenience of our physical existence. This was a scriptural, spiritual and eternal work, no matter the location.

While at the Senior Center, the body continued to labor, trusting God for the future and seeking to stay faithful in worship, giving, witnessing and growing in godliness. It was in November of 2006 that the Lord honored this obedience with the cash purchase of the Land for the Lord, a 12 acre parcel in Milford Township, Bucks County which will be the site of the permanent facility.

In April of 2007, just after our 3rd Annual Faith Promise Conference, great news came to the body of Christ known as Community Baptist. Though it didn’t seem possible, the Quakertown Christian School had a new facility built which included capacity for the usage of a church within. The space had recently become available and was waiting as a bountiful provision from the Lord of the Church, who meets every need (Phil. 4:19). What a special Dedication Day it was when the CBC body conducted its first services in this location March 4, 2007. This was without doubt, God’s abounding grace operating on behalf of this ministry. Here was a facility with multiple classrooms, permanent office space, a gym, kitchen, fellowship hall, and auditorium to take steps of faith forward in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Over the past four years in this facility, CBC has witnessed the salvation of many souls, the addition of twenty church planters being supported across the Globe. The expansion of Faith Promise Giving from that early $40,000.00 goal to almost $120,000. The joy of mothering a church in the birth of Heartland Baptist Church, Alliance, Nebraska with Pastor Dennis Gruber. A growing savings to the CBC Building Fund ($400,000.00) along with an expansion of discipleship and Bible teaching ministries by the hosting of seminary modules and the recent School of the Scriptures. In addition, concentrated ministry of youth, families, singles, seniors, plus renewed commitment to witnessing the Gospel, earnest prayer and obedience in giving have flourished. Along with this, the calling of a full-time assistant pastor and a part – time music pastor were confirmed. Above all, the body has purposely sought to seek the Lord Jesus Christ as preeminent (Col. 1:18) as well as strengthen commitment to the “old paths” (Jer. 6:16), preaching the Book, the Blood and the Blessed Hope!

By the grace of God, CBC anticipates the erection of a new building in the coming months which will unleash new and effective ministry in this region of God’s vast harvest field. Blessed be the God of all grace and mercy who has made possible these blessings and even now overshadows His Church, “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” (Eph. 4:12-15).