Did you ever hear of a church that started in a high school? The Iglesia Bautista Biblica, right here in Los Angeles, has just such a story. It’s a tale of faith, perseverance, and the power of community. Iglesia Bautista Biblica isn’t just a building. It represents a vibrant community built on the teachings of Jesus Christ. The church’s history is deeply intertwined with the city itself, reflecting the spirit of Los Angeles.
In 1997, Pastor Paul Chappell of Lancaster Baptist Church envisioned a new church in Los Angeles. Through prayer and dedicated outreach, a team of soul winners began their mission. They started on June 6, 1998, at Belmont High School. Two West Coast Baptist College students, William Miracle and Radford Wong, led the charge. By November 1998, a new location was secured. The first service in their own space took place on December 6, 1998. The Iglesia Bautista Biblica was taking root.
The story continues with Pastor Salvador Menjivar. A recent graduate, he arrived at Iglesia Bautista Biblica in 1999 at Pastor Chappell’s recommendation. He attended a Missions service. That service drew a remarkable 48 visitors to the Spanish ministry. This was a sign of things to come. On April 9, 2000, Pastor Menjivar was ordained at Lancaster Baptist Church. Just a week later, on April 16, 2000, he became the pastor of Iglesia Bautista Biblica. The church held its Constitution Service, marking a pivotal moment in its history. By the end of 2000, attendance peaked at 103. The Iglesia Bautista Biblica was thriving.
Over the next few years, the church experienced significant growth. In 2001, they received donated pews, a symbol of their growing congregation. The year 2002 brought their first banquet. They raised an impressive $77,000 in pledges and cash. That same year, they held their first Family Camp, solidifying their commitment to community. In 2003, Iglesia Bautista Biblica expanded to the second floor of their building. This doubled their space from 3,500 to nearly 7,000 square feet. They also ordained their first deacon, a sign of their growing leadership.
Growth continued. English classes for children began in 2004. Pastor Chappell returned to preach at their annual banquet. A second deacon was ordained. A third deacon followed in 2006. From 2007 to 2009, Iglesia Bautista Biblica added three more Sunday school classes. They established classes for ladies, couples, and Spanish-speaking children. In 2011, the church purchased a new building across the street from their original location. Following renovations, they moved into their new home. They launched an AWANA club for children in January 2013. In September 2014, Iglesia Bautista Biblica celebrated 15 years of service to the Los Angeles community. The church’s journey from a high school to its own building is a testament to the power of faith and community. The Iglesia Bautista Biblica continues to serve Los Angeles, inspiring its members and impacting the community.