Back in 2017, our church leadership was approached by First Baptist Church in Hackensack for some assistance and guidance while they searched for a new pastor. As time would move on, it was apparent that First Baptist was looking for a longer, potentially more permanent, relationship with Hawthorne Gospel Church.

On January 20th and 27th, FBC met as a congregation and were introduced to this concept by their leadership. The congregation also was offered the opportunity to voice concerns and raise any questions they might have about moving forward with HGC. Those questions were then submitted to our leadership to consider.

On, February 3rd, a number of HGC pastors and elders traveled down to FBC to meet with their congregation to answer those questions and address concerns about how things might look moving forward if the "adoption" was approved by the FBC congregation. Pastor John spent a great deal of time answering the questions that were previously submitted and addressing ones that came up from the people while there. He shared about the exciting possibilities of ministering in the city of Hackensack, the desire to see people come to Christ, and the continued focus of keeping the Word of God at the forefront as FBC has done for over 140 years.

On Sunday, February 10th , the congregation at FBC voted to move ahead with being adopted by HGC. In the days ahead, our staff and elders will continue assessing the ministry needs at FBC and determine the next steps in this process.

At this time, our staff and elders, along with the congregation of FBC, have mutually agreed to pursue HGC adopting First Baptist Church and making their congregation and property an additional campus of the Hawthorne Gospel Church. In the days ahead, our staff and elders will continue assessing the ministry needs at FBC and determine the next steps in this process. Please pray for the Lord's leading for this new ministry.