On January 2, 2000, a small group of believers, led by John Radank, assembled together in the town of Hohenfels, Germany to worship the Lord Jesus Christ. Just a few months later in April, this assembly of believers chartered as Hohenfels Baptist Church with John Radank as the Pastor. Under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, the church was immediately burdened for others to come to Christ. By faith, they were led to reach the surrounding community through active witnessing and to reach the world by supporting six missionary families. Right from the beginning, Pastor Radank was not only convinced that God wanted a church in the Hohenfels Community, but a church that would strive to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ! His vision, and more importantly, God's vision, continues in the hearts of God's people still serving at Hohenfels Baptist Church.
Literally hundreds of military people have passed through our church. It was (and is) our pleasure to see God working in their lives. God has allowed us to see many come to a saving knowledge of our Savior; marriages have been saved; individuals have been encouraged; families have been strengthened; many have dedicated or rededicated themselves to simply follow Jesus, and some have even surrendered their lives to full-time ministry.
As we have grown, God has opened the doors for us to move 3 times. Our first service was held in the pastor’s living room in Hohenfels. God actually led the landlord to remove a bedroom wall to allow for our growing congregation at no cost to the church. However, the added space eventually proved inadequate and we began looking for a church building. God eventually provided a building in the town of Oberpfraundorf. He really opened some amazing doors in renting this facility from the local government. After a few years, the building was earmarked for demolition and HBC was on the move again. This time, God used a stranger who overheard our need for a large building to put us in contact with the owner of an old school building.
This old school building, which is our current facility in Hörmannsdorf, turned out to be a great place for a church. It has a large room for the main auditorium, multiple classrooms, multiple bathrooms, a kitchen, and an ideal space for a nursery. God has truly blessed us with the space and facilities to minister to the whole family. It is evident that God wants a church in the Hohenfels Community!
In the Summer of 2016, God led the Ensley family back to Hohenfels to serve with the Radank family. The two families had already met when the Ensleys were stationed here from 2009-2012. It was under the ministry of Pastor Radank and HBC that God called William Ensley into full-time ministry. Somewhere along the way, God began to knit the hearts of these two families together and eventually bring the Ensleys back to Germany.
In God’s timing, Pastor Radank nominated Bro. Bill to serve as the assistant pastor and eventually the next pastor. The church approved, and on January 7, 2018, Pastor Ensley became the second pastor of Hohenfels Baptist Church. The church welcomed the Ensley family with open arms and we look forward to what God has for us in this ever-changing ministry! The calling of God on our second pastor confirms that God wants a church in the Hohenfels community.
Prior to Pastor Ensley's arrival, God had already been leading the Radank family into missionary evangelism, and under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, Pastor John and Rose decided to transform their ministry into helping missionaries in a greater capacity. In the past, they have helped many missionaries and church planters stay focused on the mission field, so it is no surprise that God would lead them into this role full-time. In fact, God has already used them to help start two German speaking churches. Even though Pastor John and Rose will always be a part of the ministry here at HBC, their attendance will be sorely missed.
As we look back at our history, it is easy to see how this was all planned in the mind of God, but it was nothing short of faith while being lived. We certainly serve a great and wonderful God who still wants a church in the Hohenfels community and we believe our “History” is being written every day. Please come and make some history with us. I am confident that you will find caring and friendly people who love the Lord and strive to encourage each other.
At Hohenfels Baptist Church, you will hopefully find a place to call your church home while you reside in the Hohenfels Military Community. God not only wants a church in our community, He also wants you to be a part of it!