For the preaching
of the cross
is to them that perish
foolishness;
but unto us
which are saved
it is the
power of God.
I Corinthians 1:18 (KJV)
Our First Eleven Months
Sun, Nov. 14, 1999
A Brief History of San Antonio Community Church
to 14 November 1999
Presented at Constitution Service
San Antonio Community Church has been born of a vision.
A vision for a ministry in San Antonio held by the Pasco Baptist Association and shared by the members of Blanton Baptist Church and First Baptist of Dade City.
A vision born in the pastor’s heart over twenty years earlier and brought to maturity over the last three years.
A vision for churches in the area of crusades held by the Billy Graham Evangelism Association.
A vision for church planting nurtured and fed by the Florida Baptist Convention and the North American Mission Board.
On December 5, Don Walton asked Brad Stevens to pray about starting a new church, either between Dade City and Zephyrhills or in San Antonio.
On December 7, Brad and Janet spend about two hours driving throughout San Antonio in an attitude of prayer, concluding that God’s plan was for a new work in San Antonio.
On January 25, Don and Brad meet with Pastor Chris Christopherson at Blanton Baptist Church to enlist their support as the mother church for the mission.
On February 7, a group of 39 meets at Brad’s house for fellowship and prayer. The vision is cast. The group returns weekly for worship and prayer. The group commits to call every telephone number with the “588” prefix to share the news of the new work and to offer prayer support for each home.
Also in February, Pastor Brad and Chris Christopherson meet with Eddie and Louise Williams and their family to discuss meeting in the roller rink. Just a few days earlier, Louise had committed to God to do whatever He asked her to do and opened the door to the church — without cost.
On March 7, the core group meets at the rink for a trial service. The first invitation is given for membership in the new work. Eighteen join.
On March 14, San Antonio Community Church meets for the first public worship service at the rink with 79 in attendance. There are 46 in Sunday School classes. Prayers begin for someone to work with youth. The next day, a door-to-door visitation program begins with the goal of knocking on every door in San Antonio to meet every household and offer our help and encouragement.
In May, Sarah Reed comes as a summer intern, developing the drama team and assisting with numerous ministry endeavors. Also, Daniel Edgeman commits to God’s call to come to San Antonio and help with the new work, and Brad invites him to come as the minister of youth. The congregation agrees and issues a call.
In July, our youth ministry begins and F.I.R.E. is born (Freed in the Real Explosion). We hold our first Vacation Bible School, a backyard Bible club at the home of David and Rita Dious with an average of fifteen children.
On September 12, we have our first baptism service at Blanton, baptizing two men and two children.
In October, the congregation calls Audrey Freijo to join the staff as minister of children, locates a parcel of property on State Road 52 and begins investigating its purchase and development potential, and is incorporated.
Today, we come to our constituting service with 78 members, 7 awaiting baptism, one WatchCare member, three children’s Bible study groups, one group for youth, and three groups for adults, 19 choir members, four instrumentalists, a town full of prospects, a future rich with hope, and a God Who is big enough to do whatever He chooses through whoever will let Him.
San Antonio Community Church has been born of a vision and a great commission.
