Our Story
We praise the Lord for the opportunity, by God's grace, to celebrate more than 40 years of ministry in Clarkston. These years have been a testimony to the greatness of God's gospel and the enduring impact of His grace in our lives. God has faithfully gathered our church family together. We trust that the retelling of our church's story will praise His work.
Maranatha Baptist Church was chartered on February 10, 1967 under the leadership of Pastor Phil Somers, Sr. The congregation met for three years in the Owen Elementary School in Pontiac. On March 12, 1969 property was purchased on Flemings Lake Road in Independence Township. Shortly after that, construction began on the original auditorium. The first service was held on December 7, 1969.
Maranatha was founded as an autonomous (self-governing) Baptist church. As autonomous, we govern our own church life with no higher human authority than that of our own congregation. As Baptists, we are committed to Baptist doctrinal distinctives. Maranatha has always identified itself with historic orthodoxy, being committed to the ardent defense of the gospel essentials of true Christianity.
Maranatha has seen slow but steady growth over the years. In twenty years the church has grown from a small group of 50-60 members to now include more than 300 members. Today Maranatha looks very different from its early days. Our property has been developed, buildings have been built, and friends have come and gone.
The most defining part of Maranatha's story is not the history of our physical property but the Christian lives and homes that have been built and matured. This story is still being written. As a church family, we look forward to seeing the advances of the gospel--the story of God's glory seen in His Son--makes in our lives and in the lives of others in our community. We realize that this church is not our own, but His. We exist to tell His story and invite you to join us in this journey from glory to glory.
Maranatha Baptist Church was chartered on February 10, 1967 under the leadership of Pastor Phil Somers, Sr. The congregation met for three years in the Owen Elementary School in Pontiac. On March 12, 1969 property was purchased on Flemings Lake Road in Independence Township. Shortly after that, construction began on the original auditorium. The first service was held on December 7, 1969.
Maranatha was founded as an autonomous (self-governing) Baptist church. As autonomous, we govern our own church life with no higher human authority than that of our own congregation. As Baptists, we are committed to Baptist doctrinal distinctives. Maranatha has always identified itself with historic orthodoxy, being committed to the ardent defense of the gospel essentials of true Christianity.
Maranatha has seen slow but steady growth over the years. In twenty years the church has grown from a small group of 50-60 members to now include more than 300 members. Today Maranatha looks very different from its early days. Our property has been developed, buildings have been built, and friends have come and gone.
The most defining part of Maranatha's story is not the history of our physical property but the Christian lives and homes that have been built and matured. This story is still being written. As a church family, we look forward to seeing the advances of the gospel--the story of God's glory seen in His Son--makes in our lives and in the lives of others in our community. We realize that this church is not our own, but His. We exist to tell His story and invite you to join us in this journey from glory to glory.