Our History

There is no greater fulfillment than investing in something that will outlast you.  The history of BCP is the story of how visionary men and women have established sound fundamental Baptist churches throughout North America for almost two decades.  These churches established in the past join the dozens of current church plants that are an investment into eternity. 

1990 - A Small Beginning

On May 25, 1990, Baptist Church Planters was born in the hearts of seven missionary men who were earnestly praying and seeking God’s will about reaching the lost of North America.  They purposed to start a mission agency that would “meet America’s great need.”  Together they determined this agency would be a church and missionary directed mission.

1991-1997 - Steps of Faith

Starting with nothing but a dream, these missionaries stepped out in faith.  Space was available at West Side Baptist Church, Lorain, OH for the new mission to organize.  It was at West Side that a staff was formed, missionaries were interviewed, and Baptist Church Planters was established.  God supplied the helpers to make the initial days productive.

God also supplied a leader.  In 1991, Rev. Frank Hartwig was named the first president.  Under Brother Hartwig’s leadership, missionaries, churches, and many of God’s people rallied to construct a debt-free facility that would serve the agency’s needs.  In May, 1995, the mission moved into the new facility which is our present location at 36830 Royalton Road, Grafton, OH.

In 1997, David Little was appointed president.  Under his leadership the agency has taken further steps of faith.  The mission has increased credibility, hired a capable staff, and cast a vision of church planting for the future.  President Little’s leadership has resulted in heightened enthusiasm for church planting throughout North America.

2005-Present - Moving Forward

In March of 2005, the year of Baptist Church Planters’ 15th Anniversary, the Council voted to expand the present facility.  God clearly led the Council to begin the process of adding 6,500 square feet to the existing building. 

The building started in early spring 2006 by a major team of five men and many volunteers coming from surrounding areas at different times to help.  It was completed the summer of 2007.  The Dedication Service was August 9, 2007, with Dr. Kevin Bauder, Central Baptist Theological Seminary of Minneapolis, Plymouth, MN as the keynote speaker. The total cost was $400,000.  At the time of the dedication the building was pronounced debt free.  To God be all the glory!  God provided through His people $400,000.  The new facilities are used for training sessions, candidate school, pastor’s workshops, and council meetings.