We're "One Family Developing People to Reflect Jesus"
First Baptist Church began in 1961 with the hopes of reaching the Big Bear Valley for Christ.
From the house church days to it's current location, First Baptist has never lost focus on its
original goal: developing people into passionate Christ followers who reflect him in their
every day life.
What to Expect
Atmosphere: We may not be the best looking bunch, but we sure try to be the friendliest. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by some of First Baptist's finest and pointed to a comfortable seat if you need help finding one.
Kids: Families are always welcome in our service, and we also invite you to check out our children's programming available during all the services for kids birth through 6th grade at every service. Just ask a greeter and they'll point you in the right direction.
Style: Being a multi-generational church, we strive to have a service that connects with as many as possible. You'll hear songs that are both familiar and modern, contemplative and upbeat. You'll also hear a message that is both relevant and grounded in Scripture. We value God's Word, and we believe it's true. So at First Baptist, you can expect to hear an engaging message that will challenge you in your knowledge and application of the Bible.
How Can I Get Connected? Check out the Ministries page for more information on how to find your place at First Baptist.
From the house church days to it's current location, First Baptist has never lost focus on its
original goal: developing people into passionate Christ followers who reflect him in their
every day life.
What to Expect
Atmosphere: We may not be the best looking bunch, but we sure try to be the friendliest. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by some of First Baptist's finest and pointed to a comfortable seat if you need help finding one.
Kids: Families are always welcome in our service, and we also invite you to check out our children's programming available during all the services for kids birth through 6th grade at every service. Just ask a greeter and they'll point you in the right direction.
Style: Being a multi-generational church, we strive to have a service that connects with as many as possible. You'll hear songs that are both familiar and modern, contemplative and upbeat. You'll also hear a message that is both relevant and grounded in Scripture. We value God's Word, and we believe it's true. So at First Baptist, you can expect to hear an engaging message that will challenge you in your knowledge and application of the Bible.
How Can I Get Connected? Check out the Ministries page for more information on how to find your place at First Baptist.
What We Believe
We believe in God the Father Almighty; and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord and Savior: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, buried, and on the third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven and was seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from where He shall come to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit; Christ’s Church (the body of believers), the unity and fellowship of believers, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
We believe that according to the Holy Scriptures (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-5) marriage is defined as a sacred union between one man and one woman. As a result, we stand unified that this sacred union can never be man with man or woman with woman. If children are granted to this union, we believe God’s plan is for children to have the benefit of both one father and one mother.
We believe that God exists in three personalities; the Father – Planner, the Son – Savior and Completer, and the Holy Spirit – Revealer, Teacher, and Comforter.
We believe the Bible alone, in its entirety, is the inspired word of God directed to man for our revelation, salvation, instruction and information. We believe that it is the mind of Christ, and the believer’s only source of divine revelation as revealed and taught to us by the Holy Spirit.
We believe that man is born with a sin nature from Adam and without the saving grace of God man is doomed to hell separated from God for eternity.
We believe that Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the Cross and Calvary is man’s only hope of redemption. Man is born a sinner but may be saved by grace. Romans 5:12. We believe in the imminent return of Jesus Christ for His Bride the Church when all who believe in Him will be raised to be with Him for all eternity. 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 – 18. We believe in Eternal Security of the believer as is written in John 10:28; 17: 12, 1 Peter 1:3-5.
We believe and teach that all scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correcting and training in righteousness, so that every believer may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
We believe that according to the Holy Scriptures (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-5) marriage is defined as a sacred union between one man and one woman. As a result, we stand unified that this sacred union can never be man with man or woman with woman. If children are granted to this union, we believe God’s plan is for children to have the benefit of both one father and one mother.
We believe that God exists in three personalities; the Father – Planner, the Son – Savior and Completer, and the Holy Spirit – Revealer, Teacher, and Comforter.
We believe the Bible alone, in its entirety, is the inspired word of God directed to man for our revelation, salvation, instruction and information. We believe that it is the mind of Christ, and the believer’s only source of divine revelation as revealed and taught to us by the Holy Spirit.
We believe that man is born with a sin nature from Adam and without the saving grace of God man is doomed to hell separated from God for eternity.
We believe that Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the Cross and Calvary is man’s only hope of redemption. Man is born a sinner but may be saved by grace. Romans 5:12. We believe in the imminent return of Jesus Christ for His Bride the Church when all who believe in Him will be raised to be with Him for all eternity. 1 Thessalonians 4: 13 – 18. We believe in Eternal Security of the believer as is written in John 10:28; 17: 12, 1 Peter 1:3-5.
We believe and teach that all scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correcting and training in righteousness, so that every believer may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Our History
Under God’s leading in 1961, twenty-seven adults and children met together in the home of Art and Gloria Poland for our first Sunday morning of worship, Bible study and Christian fellowship. Dr. Paul Ray, head of Church Extension for American Baptist Churches of Pacific Southwest, brought the first message. God blessed these efforts by enabling the self-supporting First Baptist Church of Big Bear Valley to become established during the early 60’s with 97 charter members (including 17 children).
The small congregation leased a 3 acre parcel of land on October 15, 1961 from Bear Valley Mutual Water Company, owner of the lake water and early owner of much of the land around the lake. Volunteers built the little white church in the pines 1 ½ miles to the east of the village of Big Bear Lake. On April 16, 1969, the Southwest Region was able to buy that parcel of land, together with the adjacent ¾ acre lot covered by the China Garden Road Easement for $26,500 and hold it in trust for the congregation.
As time moved along and the congregation grew, the church building also expanded. The Christian Education wing was added to the east within the first year after the congregation moved into the new building. In 1973 property was purchased within the new housing tract on McWhinney Lane, where the parsonage was constructed in 1974. The Fellowship Hall was added in 1980 to accommodate the growing Sunday school classes. In 1988, the Early Childhood Education Center (preschool) was established and licensed by the state of California. In 1996, the administrative offices were added on the east of the church, and the worship Center was extended toward the boulevard. In 1998, the nursery portion of the education wing was expanded. Early in 2001, clear title to our 3 ¾ acre property was purchased from the Pacific Southwest Region for $26,500.
For the past 50 years, First Baptist has served the Lord by preaching the Gospel and teaching God’s Word to the people of Big Bear Valley. We stand ready to continue in that heritage and look to the future with a sense of renewed vigor and purpose.
The small congregation leased a 3 acre parcel of land on October 15, 1961 from Bear Valley Mutual Water Company, owner of the lake water and early owner of much of the land around the lake. Volunteers built the little white church in the pines 1 ½ miles to the east of the village of Big Bear Lake. On April 16, 1969, the Southwest Region was able to buy that parcel of land, together with the adjacent ¾ acre lot covered by the China Garden Road Easement for $26,500 and hold it in trust for the congregation.
As time moved along and the congregation grew, the church building also expanded. The Christian Education wing was added to the east within the first year after the congregation moved into the new building. In 1973 property was purchased within the new housing tract on McWhinney Lane, where the parsonage was constructed in 1974. The Fellowship Hall was added in 1980 to accommodate the growing Sunday school classes. In 1988, the Early Childhood Education Center (preschool) was established and licensed by the state of California. In 1996, the administrative offices were added on the east of the church, and the worship Center was extended toward the boulevard. In 1998, the nursery portion of the education wing was expanded. Early in 2001, clear title to our 3 ¾ acre property was purchased from the Pacific Southwest Region for $26,500.
For the past 50 years, First Baptist has served the Lord by preaching the Gospel and teaching God’s Word to the people of Big Bear Valley. We stand ready to continue in that heritage and look to the future with a sense of renewed vigor and purpose.
- Pastor Harlan Davenport - 1977 to 1992
- Pastor Fred Snider -1994 -2000
- Pastor Allen Barnes - 2001-2007
- Pastor Jim Walden - 2008 until March 2012
- Pastor Michael White - started November 2012
Our Affiliation with "Transformation Ministries"
Our church is a member of Transformation Ministries. We are an affiliation of Baptist Churches. Transformation Ministries is an association of over 175 churches in Southern California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. We are joined in a common commitment to produce fully committed followers of Jesus Christ. We are a part of a fellowship of churches that draws strength from one another in our desire to redeem the world to Jesus Christ.
Facts about our affiliation:
- Every church within Transformation Ministries is completely autonomous there is no control from anywhere except in our own church government.
- We support our own pastor.
- We determine our own programs.
- There are no fellowship dues. All monies given to Transformation Ministries are the decision of the church body.
- We are provided valuable resources through cooperating with other churches of similar faith.
- Our church is strengthened and better enabled to fulfill our mission because of our association with these other like-minded churches.
- The other churches within Transformation Ministries hold the same beliefs that we find so important. We are of one mind with them and it is a comfort to partner with them in ministry.
For further information about Transformation Ministries, please see their website at: http://transmin.org/
