About Us

Beliefs

Welcome

Thank you for taking a closer look at Christ Bible Church. I am the preaching pastor, Jimmy Caraway.

Members of Christ Bible are a gathering of people who have trusted Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sin. He alone died on a cross and rose from the dead and it is through him alone that we are granted eternal life in heaven.

There are two characteristics you will soon discover at CBC: our love for Scripture and our love for one another. We believe Scripture is sufficient; we do not need another source to know God or know what kind of life honors him.

— Psalm 19:7–9

John 13:34–35: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples."

  • Expository Preaching – careful explanation of the one meaning in the text and its relevance for believers today.
  • Biblical Shepherding – caring for the spiritual and physical needs of members for their maturity in Christ.
  • Church Discipline – to ensure the purity of the church and for the purpose of restoration.
  • Two New Testament Ordinances – baptism and communion as acts of obedience and remembrance.
  • Elder Form of Church Government – biblically qualified men entrusted with the care of those in the local church.
  • Biblical Giving – private, voluntary, sacrificial, and generous.
  • The Bible is God’s written revelation to man, all 66 books equally inspired in all parts, without error as originally given. (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16)
  • There is one God, eternally existent in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)
  • The deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, atoning death, bodily resurrection, and personal return. (John 1:1–2, 14)
  • The Holy Spirit is a divine person, equal in essence with the Father and the Son. (John 16:7–8)
  • Man was created in innocence but by voluntary disobedience became sinful. (Genesis 1:26–27; Romans 5:12)
  • The salvation of man is wholly of grace through New Birth by the Holy Spirit. (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8–9)
  • The resurrection of both the saved and the unsaved. (1 Corinthians 15:35–58)

View Full Constitution (PDF)

A biblical philosophy of ministry is a set of non-negotiable biblical principles that guides all choices and decisions. All ministries at Christ Bible Church are guided by these principles and are not intended to replace corporate worship.

Non-Negotiable Biblical Principles:

  • "Make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you" (Matt 28:19–20)
  • "The equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ" (Eph 4:12)
  • "So that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom 15:5–6)

Christ Bible Church began from a Bible study sponsored by First Baptist Church of Evans City, PA in 1960. CBC was incorporated in October 1961. The current 11-acre property was purchased in 1962, a building seating 275 was built in 1964, and the present auditorium seating ~450 was added in 1977.

Since 1970, CBC has been served by 3 pastors. Robert Stamp served 1970–2001. John Buchta (M.Div., The Master’s Seminary, 1994) then led the church and adopted a new constitution. He passed away in February 2005.

In March 2005, Jimmy Caraway accepted the pastorate. Pastor Caraway is a graduate of The Master’s Seminary (M.Div., 1992; Th.M., 2000; D.Min., 2007). He and his wife Tami have two adult children.

In 2010 the name was changed to Christ Bible Church. The church is independent and debt-free. Precious Beginnings Preschool began in 1997.

Worship transcends time. God desires believers’ worship: "The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth" (John 4:23). Colossians 3:16: "Let the word of Christ dwell within you richly… singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Style of Music

Scripture, not tradition, governs all things. Christ Bible enjoys a variety of musical styles. Careful attention is given to songs with biblically engaging lyrics. The chief instrument in the worship of God is the human voice.

Worship Team Guidelines

  1. A desire to glorify God above all things.
  2. A correct understanding of worshiping God through music.
  3. CBC Church Membership and faithful Sunday school attendance.
  4. An appropriate amount of musical talent.
  5. Christ-honoring attire.
  6. A willingness to follow musical direction from the worship leaders.