Our Leadership

Founded in 1946 as First Baptist Church of Livermore by Rev. Mack McCray, Cedar Grove Community Church has a deep-rooted history in the small town of Livermore, which then had a population of just 3,900. In its inaugural year, the congregation gathered at Odd Fellows Hall, quickly growing to around 100 members.

For the first two decades, the church met at a building located at College and M Street before acquiring its current property in 1969. This site, which previously housed a sanitarium and later a Bible college, has since become a historic landmark, recognized for its unique architecture and the historical significance of the sanitarium. As a result, any major updates or projects on the property require city approval, as we've discovered on numerous occasions over the years.

In a pivotal move in 1981, Cedar Grove separated from the American Baptist Convention, marking a defining moment in its journey. The church officially adopted the name Cedar Grove Community Church in 1995, setting the stage for a new era of growth and community impact.

Over the years, the church experienced the leadership of 12 pastors before welcoming our current lead pastor, Joel Dombrow, in April 2019. Within the first 10 months of Pastor Joel's leadership, the church saw significant new growth (25%) for the first time in over a decade.

However, this momentum was challenged by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. In response, the church quickly adapted, launching online services and initiating significant updates to the property.

Despite numerous adversities in recent years—including COVID mandates, canceled outdoor services due to area fires, an oak tree falling on the building, flooding of the auditorium, encounters with bears at Lake Shasta, and the challenges of Pastor Joel's year-long cancer treatment—Cedar Grove persevered. The congregation remained faithful, and in recent months, the church has regained significant momentum, now ministering to more than 600 people on-site each Sunday. God's grace has continually sustained us, and it is clear that He is once again doing something very special among us. We are excited about what the future holds.

As we reflect on our history, we see a tapestry woven with faith, resilience, and a commitment to community. Cedar Grove Community Church stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness and His promise to continue building His church, no matter the circumstances.