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.

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.

Sanctuary Renovation

We have recently completed the renovation of our sanctuary including repainting, carpeting, lighting, pew restoration, and sound system.

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.

This biographical data is from Rev. Dr. Hancock-Stefan’s recent Service of Installation as Professor at Palmer Theological Seminary:

An ethnic Romanian born and raised in Yugoslavia, Dr. Hancock-Stefan has served the Seminary for several years as an adjunct, affiliate and then visiting professor. He is known for his competence as an instructor, his pastoral approach to academic excellence, his enthusiasm for learning and his missionary commitment to the whole world. As a child he attended grade school in a communist system antagonistic to Christianity. On Sundays he faithfully attended the local Romanian Baptist Church. Nonetheless, when he moved to the United States and entered high school, he experienced a crisis of faith that ended only through the ministry of strong Christian mentors. An ordained American Baptist Pastor, Dr. Hancock-Stefan has served the church as Executive Director of the Romanian Missionary Society, minister of Christian Education, solo pastor, and theological educator. His experience as an educator includes collaboration to provide underground theological education for thousands in East Europe and Russia. Dr. Hancock-Stefan earned a B.A. in American History and Bible from Wheaton College, an 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. Teaching areas include church history, historical theology, Eastern Orthodoxy, missions and intercultural studies. Dr. Hancock-Stefan joins us as a Pastor-Scholar-Teacher, serving as Pastor of Central Baptist Church (ABC-USA) in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. He and his wife Ginny, a home schooler, piano teacher and the church music director, live in Atlantic Highlands with their daughters Ashley, Christina, and SaraGrace. Their eldest daughter, Lindsey, is a sophomore at Drew University.

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: