About Us

Minister Robert R. Gaines is founding pastor of The Center Cross Baptist Church, and is a down-to-earth, bare-bones teacher of the Bible.  Minister Gaines is a former Marine with a Bachelor's degree in Bibliology and Theology from Washington Bible College (now Lancaster Bible College), ordained to the work of the Gospel Ministry in January, 2010, and is focused on strong disciples rather than many disciples.   Minister Gaines believes that his emphasis on the Word of God strengthens disciples and makes them more successful in living and leading Christian lives.

The Center Cross Baptist Church was founded (by vision) in November of 2011 and had its first worship fellowship on December 25, 2012.  The church operated in Minister Gaines' home and in a hotel conference room until August 2016 when the Lord closed the doors and put the little branch of Zion into dormancy.   For four years Minister Gaines matured in teaching and pastoral ministries until March of 2020 when the Lord called The Center Cross Baptist Church out of dormancy and into bloom in another garden.  The Lord has not yet directed us into a building but has called us to a discipleship ministry to senior adults.   

Our mission is to help restore the joy of God's salvation to those who are in any tribulation.  We mean to remind the saints of God that in His presence is fullness of joy.  The Center Cross Baptist Church is an on-line presence of the church of the living God.  We are not here to replace the fellowship/assembling of Christians that draws us together for worship and preparation, which fellowship is to continue, and increase as the return of Jesus approaches.  (Hebrews 10:25)  God's salvation in Jesus Christ is constant, consistent, and complete.  Our joy is the absolute assurance that all is well in spite of outward appearances.  We may not be "happy" at a given moment but joy is a permanent virtue produced by the indwelling Holy Spirit.