About Us

Central Baptist Church is a family of around 150 members.

Central Baptist Church is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches - New Jersey and the American Baptist Churches - USA.

Brief History

January 26, 1893, Central Baptist Church was organized. By October 1, 1893, Frank C. Colby became the first Pastor, and the members numbered 99. On July 26, 1894, the cornerstone was laid, and on December 28, 1894, Central Baptist Church was dedicated. (The property cost $3,600., and the church cost $20,000.)

The building dimension of 60 feet on Highland Avenue, with a depth of 90 feet on Third Avenue, is an imposing and impressive structure. The tower is 12 feet square, and 72 feet in height. According to the deed, the church could not have a bell; therefore, a beacon light was used to shine from the tower for the evening services.

Pastorate of our church has been held by 16 pastors, and the Sunday School has been led by 18 superintendents.

Link to Summary of Origins of Central Baptist Church, with events dating back to the days of Christ's ministry in the middle east.

Biblically, we know that our church is not our magnificent building. The church is the people of God, redeemed by His grace and committed to do His will.

Our Pastor

Rev. Dr. George Hancock-Stefan (“Pastor George”) has been the Pastor at Central Baptist Church since 1991.

For weekly inspiration read Pastor's Corner.

Rev. Dr. Hancock-Stefan has been the pastor of Central Baptist Church since 1991. He has also served the church as Executive Director of the Romanian Missionary Society and as Minister of Christian Education at First Baptist of Hightstown. In addition to preaching every Sunday, Pastor George enjoys overseeing the Sunday School, leading Bible studies, and working with other churches to reach the community. Currently, he leads the Area Association of Community Churches in Atlantic Highlands and the North Shore Group in Monmouth County.

Dr. Hancock-Stefan earned a B.A. in American History and Bible from Wheaton College, a M.Div. in Parish Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Trinity International University in Deerfield, IL. His dissertation examines the impact of the Reformation on the Romanian people from 1517 - 1645. He currently teaches at Palmer Theological Seminary, New Brunswick Seminary, and the ABCNJ Academy. Teaching areas include church history, historical theology, Eastern Orthodoxy, missions and intercultural studies.

He and his wife Ginny, a piano teacher and the church music director, live in Atlantic Highlands with their daughter SaraGrace. Daughters Ashley and Christina currently attend American University and the University of the Arts. Their eldest daughter, Lindsey, lives in Brick with her husband, Bruce, and son David.

Organization

Members of Central Baptist Church are encouraged to participate actively in different capacities.
Central Baptist Church is organized by the following boards and committees: