ANKENY, Iowa–After 12 years of renting space at Northeast Elementary School in Ankeny, Iowa, Community Baptist Church has a place to officially call its own at 4703 N Ankeny Boulevard in Ankeny. ABC invited the public to be a part of a building dedication ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 2, 2019. An official Grand Opening is planned for later this fall.

The new 17,000 square foot facility, complete with a multi-use auditorium, 11 classrooms, offices, kitchen, and nursery space was finished in late April. The first meeting in the new facility took place on May 5 with a soft opening.

The building dedication service included music, recognition of special guests, a Bible challenge from Pastor Shon Lundberg, and concluded with a tour of the new facility.

Community Baptist Church began in October 2006 in Ankeny, Iowa, as a new church plant by a group of approximately 30 local residents. It has since grown to a vibrant church with over 200 in attendance at the first service in May. The mission of Community Baptist Church is to build a community of grace and truth by sharing the gospel and the love of Christ to Ankeny and surrounding communities.

You can watch a video recap here.

Prairie Flower Baptist Church of Washington has called Tim O’Tool, from the Pastoral Staff of High Pointe Church in Altoona, IA, to be their next Associate Pastor. His main focus will be youth programming, small group oversight, and assisting the Lead Pastor in the performance of his duties. Tim is married to his wife, Jonna, and together they have two children. Tim started full-time at Prairie Flower Baptist Church on Sunday, May 5, 2019.

Pastor O’Tool blogs about God’s leading in their transition here.

Fellowship Baptist Church of Des Moines recently added a new member to their pastoral staff. Pastor Jared Cline will serve alongside Pastor Daniel Vance as the church’s Assistant Pastor. Pastor Cline wrote this update regarding God’s leading in their lives.

“We came to Fellowship Baptist Church after suddenly and unexpectedly resigning from First Baptist Church in Vinton, Iowa following three years as the Lead Pastor. We knew that it was what had to be done, but we were uncertain about the timing and circumstances, since we had no plan or other ministries that we were seeking. First Baptist Church was our long-term plan! The desire to complete a M.Div. at FBBC had always been there, and we saw this as an opportunity to see that desire fulfilled.  We did not have much before we had to move, so we compiled a prayer list of needs. First, we needed to be close to the University of Iowa Hospital. Two of our children have double disabilities and require frequent visits to that specific facility. Second, we needed to be close to FBBC so that I could continue post-graduate studies. Third, we needed a position in ministry that allowed some flexibility and service opportunities to preach and teach. Fourth, we needed a place where our family could heal and grow. The Lord led us to Fellowship Baptist Church! Many doors opened for us, but the Lord’s leading was clear the moment we stepped through the doors. The connection we felt to the people and leadership was apparent immediately. We are so thankful to God for His wisdom and timing! We are reminded time and again that the Lord’s ways are not our ways, and His ways are always best (Is. 55:8). Soli Deo Gloria.”