Surely God works in mysterious ways. The story of Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church is proof. This Manila church’s origins are truly remarkable.
Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church began in 1975. It started with a young Filipino man named Dr. Bienvenido Mirando Abante Jr. Many people know him as Pastor Benny. He defied church growth strategies. He trusted God completely.
Pastor Benny didn’t seek an easy path. He put his faith in God. This trust led Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church to grow. The church expanded from a small corner in Sta. Ana. It now has congregations in Metro Manila and globally. There are over 20 congregations in the Middle East.
The Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church supports many missions. They give around 10 million pesos annually. The church is known for cheerful giving. Pastor Benny is called the Father of Cheerful Giving. The church generously gives to God’s work.
Because of this generosity the Lord has blessed Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church. They own properties worth at least 250 million pesos. These include prime real estate and church buildings.
Since 1975 Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church has shown dedicated service. Pastor Abante has served the Lord faithfully. The church considers itself the Bride of Christ. They take this role seriously. The church preaches the Gospel. They stand firm against challenges.
Pastor Abante once dreamed of becoming a lawyer. But he surrendered to pastoral ministry. On September 22 1975 the Bible Baptist Mission in Sta. Ana was born. The first service was held at 2444 La Torre Street. It was in a nearly derelict apartment. Ninety-six people attended.
Seven people trusted Christ as their Savior that day. Four were baptized. Evangelistic gatherings followed. God blessed them with many new believers. A larger worship space was needed. On December 5 1975 Missionary Art Sims donated money. He helped buy property and build a church.
The groundbreaking celebration was on July 5 1976. Over 200 people attended. On December 5 1976 the new church was dedicated. Pastor Abante called it “The Monument of God’s Grace.”
Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church grew spiritually and numerically. They excelled in cheerful giving. Pastor Abante’s leadership helped the church thrive. His financial stewardship was exemplary. His ministry became vibrant.
Despite criticism Pastor Abante remained compassionate. He shared his insights on financial blessings. Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church proved the power of Firstfruits giving. In 1979 the Firstfruits offering was Ph11157.31. By 2010 it reached 21 million pesos. This allowed the church to buy a historic house in Sta. Ana.
In 1997 BMA Tower 1 was dedicated. This five-story building can seat 1000 people. BMA Tower 2 was later dedicated. It stands in front of Sta. Ana Rotunda. Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church shows what unwavering faith can achieve. The church remains unashamed of the Gospel. They see it as the power of God for salvation.