From a meeting in the
living room of a family’s home, to its
current membership of over three thousand, the
history of Higher Ground Baptist Church is an
exciting testimony of God’s goodness.
Seeds
of Faith…
On
September 4, 1988 six people met in a home in
East Carters Valley, located just north of
Kingsport, Tennessee near the Virginia state
line. They shared their vision and their dreams
of a church that would win souls, glorify the
Lord and exalt Him, and agreed to talk among
friends who may also be interested in organizing
a new work. Word quickly spread, and
within two weeks, the number had grown to 59.
One interesting fact is how Higher Ground
received its name. Just one week after
their first meeting, as the group fellowshipped
together, the subject of a name for the church
was mentioned. One of the ladies present
mentioned that just the night before, with the
reality of a new church burning in her heart,
she “had a dream that seemed to last all
night. I was in our new church up on a
hill, and was in the choir singing about Higher
Ground.” The leader of the group
excitedly remarked… “that’s it-
Higher Ground Baptist Church!”
On September 27, 1988 the group met at the East
Carters Valley Fire Hall to begin the plan for
the church. They voted to
officially adopt the name, Higher Ground,
appoint a temporary treasurer, a secretary, and
a group of men to start the search for suitable
property on which to build a church.
At that meeting, $26,775 was pledged
toward a land purchase, and the first
“collection” of $807.02 was received.
After meeting for a few weeks at the Scott
County Funeral Home, and outgrowing the space, a
building was found to rent along one of the main
thoroughfares of Kingsport, and the first
service was held in the Warehouse of Toys
building on Wednesday, October 26, 1988. The
church was officially chartered with the State
of Tennessee. Although the church did not have a
pastor, local preachers were scheduled to come
and fill the pulpit each week.
Steps
of Faith…
A three acre tract of property was found to be
for sale at 1625 Lynn Garden Drive and was
purchased for $150,000. By
December of 1988, only three months after its
inception, Higher Ground Baptist Church was
occupying its new building, which seated 300
worshippers. From the first service, the
building was full. Higher
Ground now had over one hundred and ninety five
members, with hosts of visitors coming each week
to see what was happening “on the hill.” God
had begun a mighty work.
After discussing the growth situation, two
portable buildings were purchased and used to
accommodate the Sunday School and Children’s
classrooms. When the subject
was discussed on how large to build the
sanctuary, someone suggested one that
would seat 850. Another
person said, “we don’t even have a
pastor, and we’re wanting to build a church
that size?” To which the man of faith
said, “if we build it, God will send the
people to fill it!.” Immediately, work
began on the new sanctuary for 850, with
classroom space for the growing congregation.
This was finished and moved into in the
early part of 1990.
Still, the Higher Ground had not called its
first pastor. Evangelist Phil
Hoskins had preached numerous times at the
church, and each time the church was asked about
calling a pastor, he would receive the most
votes. He was well known in the area, having
grown up in Kingsport, and well loved by the
folks at Higher Ground. In January 1991, after
much prayer, Phil Hoskins agreed to come to
Higher Ground for one year. If
the church did not grow during that time, he
would return to evangelism.
Products
of Faith…
God
used Pastor Phil Hoskins in a great way.
Higher Ground became known for its
unusual services. The Jesus
that was preached was real, and the Holy Spirit
was welcome in every service. People
were saved on a regular basis, and it was not
unusual for 15-20 people to come for church
membership weekly. Dynamic music, as well as
anointed preaching, played an important part in
the life of the church, lifting the hearts of
those discouraged, strengthening the weak, and
helping bring victory to the defeated.
Songs of praise, and hymns about the
blood, the cross, and the Savior prepared hearts
to receive the Word of God from the messenger of
the Gospel. Believers were anointed with oil
according to James 4:14-15, and many received
their healing.
The church continued to grow, and a church staff
was needed to assist in the day-to-day
responsibilities. By 1995, the ministry staff
was in place. An additional classroom and office
building was built, and the growth in Worship
required two morning services.
Visions
of Faith…
The two Morning Worship Services temporarily
helped ease the crowding in the sanctuary, but
additional classrooms were needed for Sunday
School. A second classroom
annex was built, as well as the house that was
moved to the back of the property was converted
to classroom space.
Through God’s provision, the property
adjoining the church (14 acres) was purchased,
and a parking lot was developed. Pastor
Phil cast the vision for the much needed Worship
Center, and within one and a half years over one
and a half million dollars was donated to begin
construction.
Groundbreaking
was held on September 14, 1997 and construction
began on a 3,500 seat Worship Center. During the
construction phase, God moved time after time,
right on time, providing that which was needed.
In July 1998, Higher Ground moved into its new
$5.8 million dollar facility.
The church has continued to grow. God continues
to move in the services through His power and
His Spirit. Souls are saved weekly, believers
are being added to the membership, and the
ministry heart and outreach of Higher Ground has
never been greater. Preaching of the Word,
Praise and Worship, and personal Ministry could
be defined as the heartbeat of Higher Ground
Baptist Church, with Christ being preeminent.
As Pastor Phil Hoskins has said so many
times, “Our
greatest days are still ahead!”