our Approach
More Than A Slogan
Our slogan above represents our purpose as a church. We want to be a church which is anchored in the everlasting truth of the Bible. Over and over, we are reminded that God’s Word will never fade away, and we must hold fast to it as our foundation. Within the bounds of its truth, we desire to grow together in spiritual maturity, in love for one another and the community where we live, and in the ability to reach others with the gospel message. We hope that you will consider the opportunity to grow with us!
OUR STAFF
Daniel Obinger - Senior Pastor
Pastor Daniel Obinger has been the Pastor of Griffith Baptist since 2014. Along with his role as senior pastor, Dan is the administrator of Calumet Christian School. Before taking the pastoral role, Dan served at Bible League International as the Executive Director of U.S. Ministry. He oversaw the ministry of providing Bibles, Scripture Materials & training to local churches throughout the United States.
Prior to joining Bible League International in November 2011, he served at Moody Bible Institute in educational roles, as senior pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Highland, IN, and as an associate pastor at Grandville Baptist Church in Grandville, MI. A graduate of Baptist Bible College in Clarks Summit, PA, Dan earned his Masters of Theological Studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI.
Dan says: “I knew at a young age that God wanted me to work in ministry. My passion has long been to have His Word presented – from the pulpit, in the classroom and around the globe. I look forward to working with the incredible staff we have at Calumet Christian to build a school that truly makes an impact in NW Indiana.”
Brenda Obinger - Children's Ministry Coordinator
Brenda Obinger has been serving at Griffith Baptist Church alongside her husband since 2014. After taking over the Children's Ministry in 2018, Brenda says she "wants the kids to be active inside the church and outside of the church as well as have activities to look forward to where they can fellowship with kids their age."
Along with her role at Griffith Baptist, Brenda is the Academic Coordinator at Calumet Christian School. She works with students who have medical, emotional, behavioral and academic needs. She is also the school nurse, having went to school to be a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Brenda's favorite Bible verse is Psalm 143:10 which states, "Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness."
OUR STORY
Since 1956, Griffith Baptist Church has served Griffith, Indiana and the surrounding area as an independent Baptist church, but how did it all begin?
The first mention of having a Baptist church in Griffith can be found in a resolution passed by the First Baptist Church in Hammond, Indiana, on October 21st, 1953. After surveying the town of Griffith, 43 persons met for Sunday School and church service at the American Legion Hall on the first Sunday of 1954. That summer, after holding their first Vacation Bible School, this group began to form into a church body desiring separation from the Hammond church. With Reverend Tietjen acting as their first pastor, groundbreaking services were held in March of 1955. While the building program was in process, Reverend Reynolds took over as pastor of this group.
Early in February of 1956, this group discontinued their membership from the First Baptist Church of Hammond. Later that month, on February 27th, the church was issued incorporation papers by the state under the name of the First Baptist Church of Griffith, Inc. After much debate amongst this new church, those that desired to be affiliated as Conservative Baptist left the church and formed their own First Baptist Church of Griffith. Those that were left chose to be unaffiliated with any Baptist associations and re-incorporated early in April 1956. Finally, on April 11, 1956, this group of 53 persons changed their name to Griffith Baptist Church and were led by interim pastor Dr. Lloyd Perry.
At 3:00 pm on the afternoon of Sunday, August 5th, 1956, the dedication service was held for our current building. Shortly after this dedication ceremony, the church took another step to secure their independence and brought on Dewey Moore as full time Pastor.
For the next 35 years, Griffith Baptist continued to grow and brought on more staff and ministries. With this growth came a new back parking area, new multi-purpose building, and official dedication of additional add-ons to the building on June 7th, 1992.
Griffith Baptist Church has served in Lake County, Indiana for over 65 years and has played a key role in the starting of several other Baptist churches in Griffith, Indiana. Through the highs and lows, God used Griffith Baptist and is still working today. We invite you to come visit us today and see God working!