Community Baptist Church: A History of Faith and Service
Community Baptist Church was founded in early June 1994, when a small group of believers first gathered in a home in Henderson. As the congregation grew, it moved to the Green Valley Association building and later to a storefront at 115 North Main Street in downtown Henderson, Kentucky. According to the church’s published history, volunteers adapted the downtown space to serve both worship and educational needs during the church’s early years.
The church was officially constituted on December 11, 1994, with 68 charter members. By August 1995, membership had increased to 117, making Community Baptist Church one of the fastest-growing congregations in Henderson.
Among the church’s earliest leaders was Dr. David Nelson (1926–2015), retired pastor of First Baptist Church in Owensboro, Kentucky, who served as interim pastor and helped guide the congregation during its formative years. In March 1995, Dr. John T. Dunaway (1932–2012) came from First Baptist Church of Corbin, Kentucky, to become Community Baptist Church’s first elected pastor, serving until his retirement in August 2004.
Dr. Timothy W. Hobbs served as pastor of Community Baptist Church from September 1, 2004, until his retirement on April 25, 2022, providing nearly eighteen years of steady leadership, pastoral care, and spiritual guidance to the congregation. His ministry marked the longest and pastorates to date.
During his time as pastor, Dr. Hobbs helped lead Community Baptist Church through a period of spiritual growth, congregational stability, and expanded community outreach. Known for his thoughtful preaching, compassionate pastoral presence, and commitment to biblical teaching, he emphasized both discipleship within the church and service beyond its walls. Under his leadership, the church strengthened its ministries for children, youth, senior adults, and families while continuing its mission to serve the Henderson community through outreach programs, mission support, and local partnerships. He was significant in leading the church into retiring our million-dollar debt.
Dr. Hobbs also guided the congregation through significant moments in both the church and the community. His ministry included seasons of celebration and growth, as well as times of challenge that required wisdom, faith, and perseverance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped the church adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining worship, fellowship, and ministry connections for members and the broader community.
Throughout his pastorate, Dr. Hobbs became widely respected not only within the church but also across Henderson and the surrounding region for his leadership, integrity, and heart for ministry. His nearly two decades of service left a lasting impact on Community Baptist Church, which helped shape the congregation’s identity as a welcoming, mission-minded church committed to sharing the love of Christ.
Following his retirement in April 2022, the church continued to build on the strong spiritual foundation established during his years of faithful service.
In December 1996, Community Baptist Church relocated to its current campus at 1026 Pebble Creek Drive in Henderson. From its earliest days, the church has emphasized both worship and community engagement, supporting ministries and service projects such as Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army meal preparation, Red Cross blood drives, the making of sleeping mats for people experiencing homelessness, and home-building efforts in Appalachia. The church has also maintained active ministries for children, youth, and senior adults.
Today, Community Baptist Church continues its ministry in Henderson through worship services, Bible study, community outreach, and online worship opportunities. In April 2023, the congregation voted to call Rev. Lauren McDuffie as senior pastor, and she began serving in July 2023. Her arrival marked the next chapter in the church’s mission to be the presence of Christ and to serve a world in need.