What began with just six people has blossomed into a vibrant community. This is the story of North Champions Baptist Church. Imagine Rev. Robin Guess and his family. It was September 20 1970. They held the church’s first service with Pete Sanchez. It started small but the dream was big.
Initially, services took place at Klein Intermediate School. As more people joined, Wednesday services moved to St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church. The church officially formed on October 1 1972. Gordon Meece proposed the name Champion Forest Baptist Church. 230 people became charter members that day.
In February 1973, they broke ground on a nine-acre site. It was located at 12501 Champion Forest Drive. This was in the Greenwood Forest Subdivision. By March 1974, the church held its first revival. John Bisagno was the guest preacher.
April 1975 marked the start of two worship services. There were also two Sunday School hours. That June, Vacation Bible School began on campus. The Women’s Missionary Union also started. Wednesday evening meals at the church became a tradition.
Members pledged $400000 for a new family life center in 1976. This was through the “Together We Build” program. Construction started on the family life center. The first parking lot expansion was completed. The church library also opened its doors.
Rev. Robin Guess resigned on July 24 1977. A nine-member Pastor Search Committee was formed. On April 2 1978, Rev. O. Damon Shook became the second pastor. Five portable buildings were leased for Sunday School space. Champion Forest was recognized for its growth. It was in the top 1% of Southern Baptist churches.
The worship center was remodeled in 1979. It gained seating, a larger choir loft, and more office space. A two-story education building was also completed. Balcony seating was added in 1980. Plans for a new worship center began.
May 1981 saw the start of “Building Together By Faith”. This program funded the new worship center. A groundbreaking service was held in October. By 1983, the new worship center was complete. It included office space, a music suite, and an instrumental room. The old worship center became education space and a chapel.
Champion Forest continued to grow rapidly. By 1983, it was among the top ten fastest-growing churches. Additional education space was needed in 1984. The family life center was renovated. It housed the preschool and youth departments.
In 1991, the church purchased 54 acres of land. It was at Stuebner-Airline and Strack Road. This was for a future relocation. Plans for the new site began in 1992. In 1993, a Christian school for preschool and kindergarten was approved.
Construction on Phase I of the new site started in 1995. It included a family life center and an education building. By 1996, the church operated two campuses. One at the old site and one at the new site.
In August 1999, the church moved fully to the new site. The old facilities were sold. Phase III construction began in 2000. It added a worship center, a chapel, and a library. The worship center was dedicated in August 2002.
Champion Forest’s impact extended beyond its walls. In 2003, it was the top financial contributor to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Damon Shook retired in 2005. He oversaw significant growth during his tenure. Dr. David Fleming became the third pastor in 2006.
The church expanded its reach through multi-site strategy. In 2010, CFBC ministered in six different languages. Dr. David Fleming stepped down in 2019. Dr. Jarrett Stephens became the fourth Senior Pastor in 2020. Today, North Champions Baptist Church continues to evolve. It embraces diversity and focuses on its mission.