About

The Church began in 1971…

as a Bible study on Mulberry Street with only five families. Soon our growth required that we move out of the home and we began renting the Masonic Temple, which provided a meeting place for the next nine years.

In September, 1971, the study / fellowship was officially incorporated as a church, adopting the name of Mountain Bible Church of Tehachapi. Fruitvale Community Church of Bakersfield (now known as Riverlakes) was very instrumental in lending assistance in the early formation of Mountain Bible Church.

Interim pastors filled the pulpit until April 11, 1972, when our Emeritus Pastor, Dr. Marvin D. Slifer, began his duties as the full-time pastor. Pastor Marvin moved to Tehachapi from Brawley, California with his wife Diane and their daughters, Julie and Amy.

By 1972, there were approximately 30-40 regular attendees fellowshipping at the church. In time, we purchased and developed 3.3 acres on Maple Street. We began construction of our first facility early in 1980. On August 31, 1980, we dedicated the building for the ministries of our Lord Jesus Christ, now known as the Fellowship Hall.

In 1998, the original building was remodeled. By 2001 our congregation had grown and the need for a larger sanctuary was necessary. In 2002 our Worship Center was completed, we were able to purchase the property south to Valley Blvd. increasing our acreage to 8.3. In 2006 we finished the installation of four modular buildings used for Sunday School, meeting rooms and fellowship.

The church has maintained a major commitment to community ministries as well as to missions. Over the years, the focus of these ministries has been on families.

The church’s logo was adopted from Philippians 2:16 “Holding forth the Word of Life.” The intent of the church has been to provide a place where God’s Word could be studied without the confusion of denominational doctrines.

God’s hand of blessing and provision has been evident from the beginning of our fellowship. The most important priority from the beginning of our church is Christ. The most concise statement of our message is, John 3:16. The most significant reason for our eternal hope is stated in John 13:34-35 “By this shall all men know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” We believe God’s priority for His church is first that we would mature into the character qualities of Christ (Galatians 5:22-23) and then to make disciples of Christ everywhere we go. Matthew 28:18-19.