“Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?"
2 Samuel 7:18b
The Calling
In the summer of 1993, Pastor Bob and his family visited New City Fellowship PCA, in Chattanooga, TN. The church’s cross-cultural vision, passionate yet practical preaching, creative blend of different musical styles along with the congregation’s unashamed affection for the gospel and each other, reminded Pastor Bob of Kermit Bible Chapel in Buffalo, NY, the church where he was saved at age 14.
In January 1994, Pastor Bob and his family returned to Chattanooga for what was schedule to be a 6-month sabbatical from his position as Associate Pastor at New Life in Christ Church in Fredericksburg. In April, Pastor Bob presented a vision statement and philosophy of ministry to a core group in Fredericksburg from which nine families and three singles committed to tithe and start the new church.
Key Dates and Events:
May 15, 1994 – First Service was held at Picker’s Supply, a music store located in downtown Fredericksburg. Approximately fifty adults and children were in attendance.
1994-1999 – Growing the Vision. NCF continued to meet in the Picker’s Supply Concert Hall while continuing to grow in numbers (from 50 to 140 attending) and developing as a church.
1995 – Lance and Sharon Lewis arrived with their family in early 1995 from Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia as he came on board as the Assistant to the Pastor.
1996-1998 – Raul Hernandez made weekly trips from his home in Charlottesville, VA to help begin Hispanic Outreach Ministry at NCF.
November 10, 1996 – NCF changed its status from a Mission Church to a Particular Church in the PCA, receiving its commission from the James River Presbytery. Pastor Becker was installed as Teaching Elder and installed as Ruling Elders were Mike Taylor, Doc Murdoc, and Lance Lewis. Greg Ritchie was installed as the first Deacon.
July 23, 2000 – NCF celebrated its first service at its new home on 200 Prince Edward Street with a sanctuary able to seat over 400 people.
2000-Present – Growing and Growing in members, staff and ministries.
2004 – Open Hand of Fredericksburg, a faith-based community service non-profit, was birthed and incorporated.
