In May of 1966, Pastor James Winkler, sent from New York Avenue Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, established a mission to serve Northeast Tacoma and Federal Way. The mission grew steadily, and by April 23, 1967, it was organized as Bible Baptist Church of Federal Way. A year later, on May 14, 1968, the name was changed to Faith Baptist Church. Initially meeting at Olympic View Elementary, the church later acquired its current property.

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Pastor Winkler led Faith for two-and-a-half years, but due to his wife's health, he resigned in January 1968. Dave McElreath became the new Pastor in February 1968, serving until March 1980 when he accepted a call to Ambassador Baptist Church in Longmont, Colorado.

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In August 1980, Michael Lane and his family arrived in Tacoma from Grand Prairie, Texas. Pastor Lane led the congregation for five years before feeling called to establish Faith Baptist Christian Academy on November 8, 1985. After serving as Pastor and Administrator, the Lanes followed a missionary call to Honduras in May 1994.

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While presenting the ministry of Mt. Pisgah Scripture Printing on the West Coast, Bro. Mark Smith had the opportunity to preach in the services at Faith Baptist Church, and was approached by church members who would ask him to become their pastor. Through much prayer, Bro. Smith felt God leading him to move his family to the Northwest.

 

On June 2, 1994, Pastor Mark Smith officially became the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church, and continues today as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church and Senior Administrator of FBCA.