Community Bible Fellowship finds a home

Former peninsula group to offer services in GH

Susan Schell

of the Gateway

The Community Bible Fellowship has been meeting on the Key Peninsula for 17 years, but, until now, it was a ministry without a home.

The group recently began moving into a building on Hunt Street in Gig Harbor, which previously housed Impact Church.

“We were absolutely thrilled,” said Tim Cedarland, teaching pastor for CBF. “An administrator saw a listing for the building online completely by chance. He wasn’t even looking for an actual church — he was just searching for office space.”

The group had been dealing with delays and regulations involved with trying to build a new church on the Key Peninsula when the windfall occurred.

“Everyone was ecstatic,” said Sam Eitzen, director of youth ministries. “We found the place in April. At first we thought we might lose some members, because this is a long drive from the peninsulas.”

Eitzen’s worries proved to be unfounded when 67 people attended the first Sunday meeting at the new church.

Cedarland started the group by hosting Bible study sessions at his home.

When the group grew too large, it met at Minter Creek Elementary School, then moved to Key Peninsula Middle School.

Cedarland said the group has a diverse population and a lot of young people.

The church is non-denominational and accepts everyone.

“We have a strong desire to see the word of God spread and taught,” Cedarland said.

“We really feel the Bible has the answer to every phase of a person’s life. It is the source of truth. What is the attraction for young people is just to see the word applied to everyday life.”

Before launching CBF, Cedarland was a prison missionary and evangelical minister who traveled all over the world.

Eitzen grew up in a predominately Arab community in Morocco as a “missionary kid” and volunteered with CBF before he become the director of youth ministries.

He leads a Bible study class from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each Tuesday, except during the summer, when the group meets every other Tuesday.

The next class will be Aug. 18.

Eitzen also is involved with group outings, such as a trip to Ocean Shores, planned for September.

“I try to get to know each and every student personally,” Eitzen said. “I like hanging out with them at Bible study and helping them through any issues they may have at home.”

Cedarland said the CBF group consists of a lot of wonderful people who are “real.”

“We read the scriptures right out of the Bible,” he said. “I tell people, ‘If they’re looking for a big show, they’re in the wrong place.’ ”

A new location

Address: 4819 Hunt St. NW in Gig Harbor, formerly Impact Church.

Phone: 253-851-3535.

More info: To learn more about services and class times, visit www.cbfgigharbor.com.

Reach reporter Susan Schell at 253-853-9240 or by e-mail at susan.schell@gateline.com.