The History of Crossway
Rooted in faith. Growing through generations
A Story of God’s Faithfulness
Since 2006, God has faithfully led us every step of the way.
Although Crossway is a relatively young church, our story is rooted in a biblical pattern that stretches back to the New Testament: churches planting churches. This was part of the mission Christ entrusted to His followers as He sent them out to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19–20).
Crossway’s beginnings can be traced to the partnership and vision of two churches in Michigan: First Baptist Church of Capac and Inter-City Baptist Church of Allen Park. Both churches shared a desire to see the gospel advance and God’s work accomplished throughout the world, including here in California.
In 2006, Pastor Mark Brock, Crossway’s founding pastor, believed God was leading him to serve in Bakersfield. He and his family moved to California and began the work of gathering a core group of believers with the desire to establish a local church.
Crossway’s beginnings can be traced to the partnership and vision of two churches in Michigan: First Baptist Church of Capac and Inter-City Baptist Church of Allen Park. Both churches shared a desire to see the gospel advance and God’s work accomplished throughout the world, including here in California.
In 2006, Pastor Mark Brock, Crossway’s founding pastor, believed God was leading him to serve in Bakersfield. He and his family moved to California and began the work of gathering a core group of believers with the desire to establish a local church.
The first gathering of this group took place on October 1, 2006. Over the next sixteen months, God faithfully worked through the teaching of His Word, the salvation of individuals, and the growth and sanctification of His people. In early 2008, Crossway officially united together as a church family.
God has continued to faithfully work through Crossway’s history. In February 2026, Crossway planted its first church, Christ Fellowship Church in Bakersfield. As Crossway was once strengthened and supported through the ministry of other churches, we are grateful for the opportunity to continue this biblical pattern by helping establish another gospel-centered church in our community.
We continue to trust God’s faithfulness as we seek to glorify Him by making faithful followers of Jesus Christ and advancing the gospel for His glory.
God has continued to faithfully work through Crossway’s history. In February 2026, Crossway planted its first church, Christ Fellowship Church in Bakersfield. As Crossway was once strengthened and supported through the ministry of other churches, we are grateful for the opportunity to continue this biblical pattern by helping establish another gospel-centered church in our community.
We continue to trust God’s faithfulness as we seek to glorify Him by making faithful followers of Jesus Christ and advancing the gospel for His glory.