Compassion Christian Center

Temple of Compassion, was founded in 1969 by Pastor Ted and First Lady Martha Johnson. Temple of Compassion was affiliated with the diocese of the Church of God in Christ. Upon establishment of the church, Pastor Ted and First Lady Martha Johnson were the sole members. The first church was located on the corner of Third and Clyde Streets in the City of Bakersfield.  In 1971, the church relocated to a small building on Lakeview Avenue commonly known as the “Ice House.” In 1975, the body of believers moved to a larger office at 440 Brundage Lane. It was there that the church experienced growth and maturity. In 1979, another move became necessary. They shared the facilities on Eleventh and Tulare Street with Christ Holy Sanctified Church. This was a very transitional time for the congregation. It was also during this time that a “teaching” ministry was launched. The church stood on Philippians 4:19 for God to supply their needs. The need was for a place to call their own.  In 1982, two tentative moves were made to locations on Union and Lakeview Avenue. In 1983, the church moved to a permanent location at 201 South Hayes Street. A church slogan was adopted: “For me to fail, impossible, for you to fail, impossible.” The membership increased rapidly. Subsequently, the facilities became inadequate.  In June 1986, a welcomed move was made to 1030 Fourth Street, with dedication services held October 26, 1986. The present facilities here at Fourth and “N” are serving to carry out the vision of the ministry. God enabled his good stewards at Compassion to pay-off a $400,000 mortgage in three years! What a mighty God we serve! The church name was officially changed from Temple of Compassion to the Bakersfield Compassion Christian Center Church, Inc. Compassion Christian Center is a word-oriented, teaching ministry that ministers to the total needs of the family, with outreach in the community, city, and world.  In 1992, Pastor Ted went home to be with the Lord.

In 1995, replacing the Interim Pastor, Pastor Martha followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and took the “helm of the ministry” for a season.  Pastor Martha’s trademark “love walk” was a stabilizing force.  Pastor Martha’s transformation from a shy behind the scenes first lady to a Senior Pastor inspired both church and community members.  For the next 23 years, Pastor Martha’s choice to walk by faith and not by sight unfolded with the expansion of Agapeland Christian Academy (K-6th), the implementation of Angelfood Ministries feeding the San Joaquin Valley, the development of Spiritual Servant Leaders through the Ministry Development Institute (MDI), and her support of “Spring Bling,” ministry to thousands of teens through The Daniel Generation (TDG).  December 2016, Pastor Martha announced her “season” as the Senior Pastor of CCC was coming to an end.   2017 was a year of transition and restructuring.  Sunday, March 4, 2018, Pastor Martha “passed the baton” of Senior Pastor to Pastor Roland B. Banks and Friday, April 6, 2018 Pastor Roland was officially installed as the Pastor of Compassion Christian Center.  Pastor Roland has declared, “Our Best Days and our Blessed Days are ahead.” Through the Spirit of Faith, the Gift of Faith and the Word of Faith, WE, REVITALIZE!