"The LORD'S voice crieth unto the city…"

This article is from our church’s website.

Sunday, October 11th, 2009, was a special day in the life of Christ Independent Baptist Church. The pastor of many years, Pastor Victor Rivera, stepped down as pastor, and Pastor David Peterman was called by the church as the new pastor. Dr. Charles Horton, the special speaker, brought the message in the morning service. After the service, the church had a special luncheon in celebration of the event. In the evening service, Pastor David Peterman preached a message from Joshua chapter one, called “A Change of Leadership”. Also, the church honored Pastor and Mrs. Rivera with special gifts to show their love and appreciation for them. C.I.B.C. is eternally grateful for their testimony and ministry here in Philadelphia since 1986. We are thankful that their ministry, though changing, will remain at C.I.B.C.

Pastor Victor Rivera and Pastor David Peterman

Pastor and Mrs. Rivera were honored for their years of faithful service.

This is an exciting time at Christ Independent Baptist Church—for the first time in its twenty-nine year history, the pastor is a product of the ministry! Pastor Peterman was saved in 1980, at the tender age of eight years old. In 1988, after many struggles during his teen years, he got right with the Lord in a service at C.I.B.C. He returned to his parents’ home (he had run away and was placed in foster care), and became an active member of the church. God called Pastor Peterman to the pastorate in a special meeting at C.I.B.C. in November , 1989.

Pastor David Peterman

For nearly twenty years after this call, Pastor Peterman served the Lord at C.I.B.C. His full-time ministry began in 1992, as the Bus and Jr. Church Director. Since 1994, he has worked in the Christian academy. He was part of the church’s rescue mission work for many years. He served as assistant pastor from 2001 until October 2009, when he was called as the new pastor. Christ Independent Baptist Church is excited at what the Lord has done, and is looking for Him to do even greater things in the coming days!