About Us
Eighty years of grace,
one unchanging gospel
From seventeen people in a living room to the dome on M-55 — the story of Houghton Lake Baptist Church is a story of God's faithfulness.
From the church archives
1942
Seventeen in a living room
On December 7, 1942, Rev. R. D. Chambers and Rev. John Allen started a Sunday School in the Lake Township district. Seventeen people gathered in the W. Hose family home.
1947
A building of our own
Meeting first at the Stony Hill Township Hall, the young congregation called Rev. Allen as pastor and built a small building — partly from salvaged lumber. It was dedicated October 26, 1947, with 27 charter members, as the Lake Township Gospel Tabernacle.
1955
Houghton Lake Baptist Church
After becoming the Stony Hill Baptist Fellowship in 1954, the church took its present name in 1955 — and soon relocated to a new building on M-55 under Pastor William Jeffries.
1963
The mortgage burns
Under Pastor John Metzler the church paid off its building and burned the mortgage — a debt-free congregation still reaching its town.
1980
The dome is raised
Under Pastor Glen Arsnoe the church built its distinctive dome-roofed sanctuary — the building our neighbors still know us by, crowned with a cross at the corner of US-127 and M-55.
1990s
Room to grow
The church purchased thirteen acres on Cloverleaf Lane with an eye to the future, and joined the Independent Fundamental Baptist Association of Michigan — a fellowship that connects us with Camp CoBeAc.
2026
A new chapter
In March 2026 the church called Pastor Bonner, who came with his family after twenty years of ministry in the Saginaw area — with a heart for shepherding and a passion for strengthening church families.
The dates change. The buildings change. The message never has: Jesus Christ saves sinners.
Our Pastor
Pastor Bonner
A heart for shepherding and a passion for strengthening church families.
Pastor Bonner came to Houghton Lake Baptist Church in March of 2026 after twenty years of faithful service in a local church in the Saginaw area. He earned his bachelor's degree from Maranatha Baptist University in 2006 and a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from MBU in 2019.
He and his wife Katrina were married in January of 2006, and the Lord has blessed them with three children — Katelyn, Autumn, and Caleb. When he isn't studying or visiting, you'll likely find him around a campfire, walking the dogs, working on a home project, or out hunting, fishing, or golfing.
Our values
Five convictions that shape everything we do
I
The Priority of the Word
1 Timothy 3:15–16
The Bible is the Word of God, and it has the power to build the church. We are born again by the Word and grow up in Christ by the Word — so preaching here explains God's message clearly and applies it practically.
II
The Practice of Love
John 13:34–35
Christ said the world would know His disciples by their love for one another. We aim to live that out through selfless service, grace-filled relationships, and honest care for each other.
III
The Purity of Worship
John 4:23–24
God desires worship in spirit and in truth. Our services are reverent, Christ-exalting, and God-centered — worship directed at Him, not entertainment directed at us.
IV
The Participation of Believers
1 Corinthians 12:7
Every believer has been gifted by God for the good of the whole body. Church membership here means far more than attendance — every member has a part in the work.
V
The Proclamation of the Gospel
Mark 16:15
We embrace the Great Commission — witnessing by life and by word, baptizing those who repent and trust Christ, and walking with them as disciples.