The History of EBC

Earnest Beginnings

Half a century ago God had a plan for reaching people for Christ in the White Bear Lake area. With a handful of committed Christ-followers who chose to respond to his call, he began to work. One small living room soon overflowed with people, and First Baptist Church of White Bear Lake was launched.

Mission Driven

In the 1990s, something truly significant happened in the life of this church. A group of 300 church members under the lead of new pastor, Bob Merritt, participated in a wholehearted re-focus of the church's mission—"empowered by God to reach people for Christ." That entailed breaking through the religious barriers that tend to keep people away from church, and willingly participating with God's desire to reach as many people for Christ as possible. This would be an alive church where people could grow in their faith, serve in areas God has gifted them, and develop community. Then this body of Christ-followers would be equipped to reach others in our community and our world.

A Place to Call Home

In the meantime, we changed our name to "Eagle Brook Church," and people from all backgrounds and ages found a church home here. Since 1991, the church has grown from a few hundred to 7,000 plus in attendance. People continue to invite friends and family, confident that God will be presented to people in a joyful, excellent way. Biblical truth will be taught with relevancy so people can apply it to their lives. Lives will continue to be changed as God works through us. New visitors will be welcomed into a casual and "real" environment.

Three Campuses: One Mission

In December 2007, we opened a third campus in Spring Lake Park, giving us the room we need to reach thousands more people just like you who are looking for a place to be found.

Today, we continue to offer services at our campus in White Bear Lake, as well as the Lino Lakes and Spring Lake Park locations. Though we continue to change and grow over time, our mission remains the same—empowered by God to reach people for Christ. It’s the same desire that got this church started in the first place, and is at the heart of our future.