We are a network of approximately 175 Regular Baptist Churches in Michigan
The MARBC Network exists to connect
churches with one another and with their communities
in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

MARBC Association News​

Southern SMARBC Regional Association Meeting, Thursday, December 3

The SMARBC will hold its quarterly meeting at First Baptist Church in Brooklyn, MI, on Thursday, December 3, from 9:00 a.m to noon. Refreshments will be available at 8:30 a.m. for those arriving early and a lunch will follow the meeting. The topic for the meeting is "A Pastoral Approach to Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse." The guest speaker is Jacob Elwart, pastor of discipleship ministries at Inter-City Baptist Church & assistant professor of biblical counseling at Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary.
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MARBC Conference Highlights available on the State Conference page

Grand Rapids GRARBC Monthly Breakpoint Meeting, Thursday, December 15

The monthly GRARBC Breakpoint luncheon will be held at Forest Hills Baptist Church in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, December 15, from Noon - 1:30 p.m. Nate Archer, lead pastor of First Baptist Church in Middleville, will share on the topic, "Civil Disobedience."  Lunch will be provided by the host church.

MARBC Church News

Mike Wittmer installed as the new lead pastor at Cedar Springs Baptist Church

       Installation prayer for new Cedar Springs pastor, Mike Wittmer

Cedar Springs Baptist Church welcomed their new senior pastor and wife, Dr. Mike and Julie Wittmer, during a special installation service on Sunday afternoon, November 8.  Many members of the church were joined by guests from area churches and members of the Wittmer family for the special service of celebration.  Mike began his ministry with Cedar Springs in October and continues as a professor of systematic and historical theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids.

Cedar Springs Baptist Church enjoyed a special revitalization partnership with sister MARBC church West Cannon Baptist Church in Belmont.  West Cannon's leadership team assisted the Cedar Springs church in evaluating and strengthening its ministry over the span of one year.  West Cannon's lead pastor, Doug Crawford, preached on Sundays at Cedar Springs during this interim revitalization period.  Other West Cannon leadership assisted with mentoring leaders and the West Cannon church family partnered with the Cedar Springs family in other areas of practical ministry.  Dan Currie from Interpas Interim Ministries served in the revitalization in the area of pastoral care.
            Mike and Julie Wittmer                               Doug Crawford

Trinity Baptist Church in Muskegon celebrates Scott Church's 25 years of ministry as Lead Pastor

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Trinity Baptist Church in Muskegon held a special service and lunch celebration in recognition of the 25 years of ministry shared by Pastor Scott and Judy Church.  Pastor Don Jackson, who formerly served with Scott on the staff of Calvary Baptist Church in Battle Creek, was the special speaker.  Ken Floyd, MARBC Ministry Director, shared a special greeting on behalf of the MARBC and led in a prayer of dedication.

Greg East installed as Lead Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Ludington

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Calvary Baptist Church in Ludington celebrated the installation of new lead pastor, Greg East, on Sunday, October 25.  Greg has previously served at Calvary for several years as associate pastor.  He has served in an interim pastor role since the death of former lead pastor Tim Tucker in July.  The installation speaker was Pastor Mike Myers, lead pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Winfield, IL.

Phil Cox ordained by Good News Baptist Church in Grand Rapids

An ordination council was called by Good News Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, MI on October 23, 2020 to examine their Associate Pastor Pastor Phil Cox. Upon recommendation from the council on October 25, 2020, Good News Baptist Church voted to ordain Rev. Phil Cox in an afternoon service. We are excited to work through this process with Pastor Phil and excited for how God will continue to us him in ministry in the future.

Nick Boonstra ordained by
​First Baptist Church in Middleville

Dr. Mike Wittmer, ordination council moderator; Ashley and Nick Boonstra; Dr. Nate Archer, lead pastor of First Baptist Church

Nick Boonstra was ordained by the First Baptist Church in Middleville on November 8.  An ordination council was held by the church on November 5.  The council highly commended the candidate for his excellent articulation of doctrine and his winsome ability to interact with the council.  Nick received his degree in youth ministry from Baptist Bible College in 2011 and is currently working on a master's degree at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He was raised in the Middleville area and did an internship at First Baptist Church in 2011 and 2012. He served as a youth pastor at a church in Pennsylvania for three years before being called back to FBC in 2015. Nick and his wife Ashley have 3 children, Micah, Maliah and Noah.

Bob McNeil honored by Shelby Road Baptist Church after 35 years of faithful service

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            Pastor Bob and Cindy McNeil with Church Resolution

​Pastor Bob and Cindy McNeil were recognized for their 35 years of faithful ministry by Shelby Road Baptist Church in Shelby.  The church presented a special resolution to Pastor McNeil that recognizes highlights of his three and half decades of ministry with the church.

​A resolution and tribute to the Reverend Robert D. McNeil.
                  
                  Whereas, the members of the Shelby Road Baptist Church Deacon Board celebrate the retirement and ministry of Robert McNeil in Shelby, Michigan with integrity, excellence and dedication.
 
                  Whereas, Robert McNeil attended Grand Rapids Baptist College and Seminary, studying Bible and World Religions.  He was hired at Shelby Road Baptist Church as the senior pastor on December 9, 1984.  When he was hired, the membership of SRBC was sixty-one and he was the only person on staff.
 
                  Whereas, through God’s grace and sovereignty, SRBC grew to more than five hundred weekly attenders, multiple programs, and ministries.  He taught God’s Word faithfully, using practical application and humor to reach people for Jesus Christ.  He is known as a legendary communicator amongst his peers.
 
                  Whereas, Pastor McNeil prepared and delivered more than 5,000 messages to teach, convict and encourage, upholding the Word of God to his flock.  He encouraged people to build a “rock pile” to remember how God has worked in their life.  Pastor McNeil would certainly be the cornerstone of the “rock pile” at SRBC.
 
                  Whereas, Pastor McNeil had a vision to create a “powerhouse” Missions program and a goal realized that twenty percent of the church budget would go towards worldwide missions.  In 2020, the annual church budget is nearly $750,000.00.
 
                  Whereas, Pastor McNeil created the annual Harvest Dinner and Praise Offering event.  Always giving credit where credit is due, God has used this annual event to do amazing things both here at SRBC and worldwide.  The first Harvest Dinner was held at Arnold and Shirley Merrill’s house in their basement in 1988.
 
                  Whereas, Pastor McNeil was able to increase the staff of Shelby Road Baptist Church to four full-time pastors, one part-time pastor and four assistants.  He helped teach, disciple and mentor six associate pastors and several interns during his leadership.
 
                  Whereas, Pastor McNeil led five major building projects during his tenure.  During one project, the newly constructed auditorium collapsed during a storm and another when the general contractor went bankrupt.  All of the projects together total almost four million dollars.
 
                  Whereas, Pastor McNeil has been present during difficult, discouraging and tragic times for countless individuals and families.  He did this providing encouragement and love to others.
 
                  Resolved by the SRBC Deacon Board, that we offer this expression of special tribute and gratitude to commend and thank Reverend Robert D. McNeil for faithfully leading Shelby Road Baptist Church for thirty-five years.  To God be the glory!

Annual State Conference

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Regional Focus

Connect with other gospel-driven churches in your area by participating in one of our seven regional associations.

Making Disciples Through Healthy Local Churches

Our motto is "Partnering Together for the Sake of the Gospel." We focus on church planting, revitalization efforts, and church growth.

Church Plant

  The ultimate goal of the MARBC growth strategy includes a preparedness to assist sister churches to plant a new church. Our process is simple: (1) Assess; (2) Orient; (3) Resource; (3) Coach; and (4) Integrate. 

Revitalize


​Our association is committed to direct significant practical resources toward church revitalization efforts so churches can once again make a gospel impact in their communities.​

Growth

 We make it a priority to focus upon the spiritual and ministry growth of our associational partners through conferences, regional gatherings, and seminars. 

Why Join an Association?

Belonging to a network of likeminded churches brings a partnership you cannot find outside of one.

Contact Us
The MARBC is a regional partner with the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches.
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Grand Rapids, MI 49505
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