All great movements start with a small number of people with a vision, and Abundant Life Baptist Church is no exception. In 1994, Pastor Randy Shephard and 29 people with a heart for God formed what was then known as Liberty Baptist Church. It wasn't long before the church purchased its first property.
With God's blessings, the church's attendance grew to over 100 and the congregation purchased a house and three acres directly behind the worship center. Two short years passed and the church expanded by purchasing a house and one acre directly to the east of the worship center, allowing Abundant Life to expand its Sunday School. With three buildings, over five acres of land, people committing their lives to Christ, and an attendance of 200, God had truly blessed in those four years.
The next two years brought significant changes for Abundant Life. Pastor Shepard felt God leading him elsewhere, and after prayerful consideration unanimously called Pastor Phil Hopper to lead the congregation. During this time, God strengthened and focused the church's vision.
With a new pastor, a renewed spirit, and a new name (Abundant Life Baptist Church), God began again to do wonderful things.
The church started January 1, 2000 $164,000.00 in debt, which God challenged the leadership and congregation to retire. The debt was retired in 5 months and by year's end the church had an additional $40,000 that enable it to move forward toward the goal of a new ministry complex. In February 2001, an additional 1.6 acres was purchased.
In the spring of 2002, Phase I of the building campaign was kicked off by breaking ground on a 20,000 sq.ft. building, featuring a 600-seat auditorium/full size gym, kitchen, classrooms, and office space. The building was complete and the first service held on June 8, 2003. Currently, the church averages over 1600 in attendance each week.
