top

Read the Bible with us!

We believe that the bible tells the one true story of the world - a story that leads to Jesus. And since at Central, Jesus is central, it means that it's well worth reading. But we know that reading the bible can be pretty tough - so why not do it with us, and stick to a plan?!? That's what we're doing in 2024, and we invite you to do with us. Check out the plan, insights, resources, and more at the link below.

Check out what we're

Talking About on Sundays

in our current sermon series.
Six Days That Changed the World

Forever

We’ve all had days that have changed our lives forever. Good ones, bad ones – in good ways and bad. But before any of us were born, there were six days that happened that have changed our lives forever – for good…for VERY good, and we simply must share about them. So join us as we dive in to these six days that changed the world, Forever.

Central Baptist Church

Welcomes you!

If you're checking out Central, let us tell you a bit about what we're about. Here at Central, we believe that Jesus is central. We want everything we do, think, and say to come from that. So, we strive to be a church that

Lives by faith in Jesus

Is known by loving like Jesus

And is a voice of hope in the world, echoing Jesus

MATT AGRESTI

Lead Pastor

Check out

Our Most Recent Sermons

  • March 24, 2024

    Series: Forever

    Speaker: Matt Agresti

    Topic: God's Love , Hell , Jesus , Judgment , Love

    Saturday – the day after Jesus died – was a day of nothing, of rest, of darkness and void. A Sabbath rest, resting from God’s presence. A day without God. A day, essentially, of hell. And it was a day that changed our world forever.

  • March 17, 2024

    Series: Forever

    Speaker: Matt Agresti

    Book: 1 Peter

    Sin. We might be aware of it – or we might have lost touch with what it is, but in either case, we all carry its burden.  The question is – what can wash away my sin? The answer to this question is given to us on Good Friday, and we hear about it today.

  • March 10, 2024

    Series: Forever

    Speaker: Matt Agresti

    Topic: Exodus , Freedom , Jesus , Salvation

    Book: Exodus

    On the day before Jesus would go to the cross, he ‘eagerly desired’ to do one thing: eat a meal with his closest followers. But it wasn’t just any meal, it was a Passover supper – and it was one that he transformed to point to what God was doing through him. It can all be summed up in one word: freedom. Find out more in this kick-off to our new series.

Find out...

A bit about us

Who are we? What matters here? Why are we here?
Who are we?

Central Baptist Church is an intergenerational congregation in the heart of Atlantic Highlands, NJ – that has been here for over 125 years. We are not a perfect people, but we’re a warm, kind, and generous community.  We’d love for you to join us and ‘come and see’ for yourself.

 

We  blend contemporary and traditional elements of worship into our services; preserving our faith history while embracing new traditions in worship.  We love kids, and are excited to be growing our kids programs. We are affiliated with the American Baptist Churches – New Jersey and the American Baptist Churches – USA.

What matters here?

What is ‘central’ at Central?  Jesus.  He is our center, as we seek to live our lives by faith in him, to be known by the way we love like him, and to echo him by being a voice of hope in the world. This is what matters here at Central.

Why are we here?

We are here because we believe that Jesus Christ is the hope of the world – a world that God so deeply and profoundly loves – and through churches like ours, God shares his love with the world. So we are here to share his love, to bear witness to his amazing grace, and as he calls us to, to love our neighbors.

CENTRAL LEARNS

Central Learns is an after school program that we are excited to launch, providing space for kids K-12 to come and get homework help, tutoring, and enrichment by former educators and other skilled volunteers. Starting in February of 2024, it is every Wednesday from 3-5PM, and is free for all. Register and find out more details using the link below.

Where to find us

Upcoming Events

But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.

The Apostle Paul
Romans 5:8

"(The person) can certainly flee from God (he does so); but he cannot escape Him. ... He may let go of God, but God does not let go of him.

Karl Barth

"Do things that will get people asking questions, the answer to which is the Gospel."

Lesslie Newbigin

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Jesus
John 10:10
Latest from our blog

Central Happenings

What is happening at Central?
Where to find us

Atlantic Highlands

Loving the northern shore of Monmouth County...
We'd love for you to

Get Connected today

Let us know some info, and we'll follow up with you asap. If you have questions, need prayer, or want to take a next step of faith at Central, let us know below.
[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]