“My home will be established here.” Kay Minter spoke those words. She had a real sense of peace about Reston Bible Church. Let’s explore the story of this impactful church.
Reston Bible Church started in 1975. Mike Minter and his wife Kay founded it. They desired to know Christ. They wanted to make Him known. This was to be achieved through biblical teaching. They also sort to create an authentic Christian community. This community would be in Northern Virginia and around the world.
Mike Minter’s journey is quite interesting. He was born into a Navy family. He attended the United States Naval Academy. Later, he studied political science. A friend led him to Christianity while he was traveling in Europe. He attended Florida Bible College where he met Kay.
In 1974 Mike and Kay Minter moved to Reston. They packed all their belongings in a small moving truck. Mike took a job at Reston Golf and Country Club. It is now named Hidden Creek Country Club. He shined shoes and worked as a locker room attendant. His job allowed him to connect with people. He invited them to a Bible study. The first Bible study had eight to ten people. The country club manager trusted Christ the next morning.
In March 1975 Reston Bible Church held its first worship service. It took place in Room “G” of the Sheraton Hotel in Reston. About 25 people attended. Kay sang “Amazing Grace”. Mike preached on John 3:16.
By September 1975 the church had 100 people. Many were families with children. Sunday school classes began in 1977. The church moved to Reston’s International Center. In the early days everyone helped. Church was an all-day event.
Reston Bible Church has always had a heart for missions. In 1978 they formed a missions policy. The mission budget that first year was 5000 dollars. In 2021 the church supported over 240 missionaries in 58 nations. The total budget was 1.5 million dollars.
Construction began on the first fixed facility in 1983. It was on North Shore Drive in Reston. Volunteers helped with the construction. They hammered nails and painted walls. The first service was held in the new facility on May 27 1984.
By the early 1990s the church averaged about 800 people. By 1999 attendance had grown to almost 2000. The church focused on Bible-based teaching. In 1994 Reston Bible Church started small groups. These were for worship, instruction, and fellowship. Today almost 100 Shepherd Groups meet throughout the week.
The church has always been a light in the community. They have a food pantry and a community garden. They offer Spanish services and English classes.
After outgrowing the Reston building Reston Bible Church moved to Dulles. In 2010 the Oakbrook Court facility opened. In 2021 Pastor Mike Minter became pastor emeritus. In 2022 Pastor Jim Supp became the senior teaching pastor. Reston Bible Church continues to grow. It continues to impact lives around the world.