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The History of Maranatha Baptist Church
Maranatha began as a Bible study fellowship in September 1995, under the leadership of Dr. John Hartog II. Saylorville Baptist Church and Urbandale Baptist Church helped support this outreach. That fall, the people structured the doctrinal statement and by laws, organizing themselves as a local church and also as an Iowa corporation.
The congregation then called Dr. Hartog as their first pastor and elected their first deacons and subsidiary church officers. Regular Sunday and Wednesday services began in January 1996. In May 1998, Maranatha broke ground for their first building, dedicating it to God’s use with thankful hearts in July 1999.
In 2002 the church began construction on an addition that holds a gymnasium and Sunday School classrooms. At a joyful celebration in May 2005, the people committed this addition into God’s hands.
It is important to fellowship with churches of like beliefs and practice, so Maranatha is currently a member of the Iowa Association of Regular Baptist Churches and the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches.
Since the birth of Maranatha, a number of people have trusted Christ as Savior, and spiritual growth has taken place in the lives of many people. This is evidenced by their obedience to baptism, their love for one another, their faithful service in the church, and their devotion to missions.
In December of 2005, Pastor Hartog retired as the pastor of Maranatha. He continues to be used by God through pulpit supplies as well as teaching at Faith Baptist Bible College and seminary in Ankeny. Maranatha Baptist Church called Pastor Wayne Hart to be their next pastor and he began his ministry in November, 2006.
We recognize that God has strengthened us and enabled us to this point, and that Maranatha is His work. All the glory belongs to Him!
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