Climb the steps and hear the story of Cliffdale Church. It began with humble roots. The church started in 1988. A small group gathered in a storefront building. It was a time of excitement and anticipation.
Within a short time, Cliffdale Church grew. The congregation exceeded 100 people. A larger, permanent location was needed. The church sought a new home.
In 1990, Cliffdale Church purchased four acres. This land on Cliffdale Road became their site. The “Log Cabin” church was built here. Soon after, a fellowship hall was added. It served as a multi-purpose facility for all.
By 1996, Cliffdale had outgrown its “Log Cabin.” Expansion was necessary to accommodate growth. A new sanctuary was designed to hold 350+ seats. The design included nursery rooms. A check-in center and hospitality kitchen were added.
By 2000, Cliffdale Church needed even more space. Another seven acres were purchased. This brought the total acreage to 14. Cliffdale Church faithfully kept growing.
Later, an addition was constructed. It now houses Renaissance Classical Christian Academy. The academy serves grades K-12. Education became a core mission of the church.
The fall of 2008 was significant. Renaissance Classical Christian Academy opened its doors. It offered a distinctively Christian education. The academy cultivated a Kingdom environment.
Joshua Goodman is the Senior/Lead Pastor. He has ministry in his blood. Joshua spent his childhood on the mission field in Haiti. He served alongside his father, Emory Goodman. This instilled a sense of adventure.
In 1985, the family returned to the States. Joshua continued to partner with his father. They built Cliffdale Christian Center. It became a thriving, multi-racial church.
At 18, Joshua became the youth pastor. He led short-term mission trips. These trips went to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Belize. He built a youth group of over 100 members.
Joshua felt called to plant a church. It was on a local college campus. He and several families began “Pursuit” church. He successfully pastored this congregation for over four years.
In 2012, Emory Goodman stepped aside. He wanted to pursue his love for mission work. Emory asked Joshua to “return home to Cliffdale”. He wanted Joshua to assume the role of Senior Pastor.
In 2013, Pursuit Church and Cliffdale Christian Center merged. They became one congregation. The new banner was Cliffdale Church. Joshua became the Senior Pastor.
Cliffdale Church continues to be multi-cultural. It is a multi-racial gathering of excited believers. The church has been actively serving its community since 1988. It seeks to expand the Kingdom of God. This is done through love and discipleship.