About Our Church
“Proclaiming God's Unchanging Word to an Ever-Changing World”
Maranatha Bible Church is a multiethnic and multigenerational local church with a deep passion for the truth. We believe that the theology of the church determines the health and testimony of the church.
Our Mission
We uphold the Scriptures as our ultimate authority. Our desire is to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ through the faithful teaching of Scripture, genuine worship, caring fellowship, and compassionate outreach.
Biblical Teaching
Verse-by-verse expository preaching that applies Scripture to everyday life.
Genuine Community
A multiethnic and multigenerational family of believers united in Christ.
Gospel Mission
Reaching our neighbors and the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ.
Our Story
The name “Maranatha Bible Church” was chosen in November 2021 because it stands as a memorial of where everything began for this ministry: during a life-altering service in September 2014 at the Maranatha Shabiba Conference, which is held annually at the well-known Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference in Muskegon, Michigan.
The Aramaic word “Maranatha” means “Our Lord, come!” It expresses our eager anticipation of Christ's return and our commitment to faithful living until that day.
It Began at a Conference
On September 6th, 2014, during a young adults Christian conference in Michigan called Maranatha Shabiba, a group of young people experienced something special. On the last evening service of the weekend, the Lord visited many hearts with an unusual conviction that caused the meeting to extend far beyond what was planned. Daniel Batarseh was invited to speak, though he was not the planned speaker for that year. It was through a message that challenged people to examine themselves concerning their salvation that a large group of young people from Chicago gave their hearts to Christ.
Something More Than Emotion
Though it was undeniable that the Lord moved on that summer evening, it was the hunger of these young people afterwards that proved the sincerity of their change. These newly saved souls yearned to meet, learn, and grow in their knowledge of Christ as much as possible. Though Daniel was living in Canada at the time, he was frequently invited to help disciple and teach the group over the course of 4 months.
Daniel Moves to Chicago
Daniel Batarseh was invited to move to Chicago to become a full-time young adults pastor in January, 2015. While studying at Moody Bible Institute for his Masters in Biblical Studies, he began teaching the Bible twice a week.
Years of Growth
The passion of this group led to prayer meetings, a Friday Night Bible Study, and a gathering on the Lord's Day for many years. While these new disciples were nearly meeting on a daily basis, the Lord by His grace was adding to their number. Space cannot contain all the testimonies of what God has done during these years.
Maranatha Bible Church is Born
Through God's perfect providence, the Lord nurtured this group that started with a little over a dozen young people and their leaders, to now being a multiethnic and multigenerational local church with a deep passion for the truth. In November 2021, the church was officially named Maranatha Bible Church.
Continued Growth
Mark Griffin was ordained into the ministry at Maranatha Bible Church in August 2023. The church continues to grow as a community committed to the faithful teaching of Scripture, genuine worship, and caring fellowship.
The Story Continues
Today, Maranatha Bible Church meets at 4701 N. Canfield Ave. in Norridge, IL. What makes the culture at MBC special is our time of fellowship - once the service is done, many people stay in the building to eat, talk, pray, sing, and fellowship for hours. We give God all the glory and are eager to experience what chapters He has yet to write as we humbly serve Him.
“The LORD has done great things for us: we are glad.”Psalm 126:3
Our Meetings
Join us for worship and fellowship throughout the week.
“As for the saints of the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”- Psalm 16:3
Weekly Gatherings
Prayer Meeting
Wed 7:00 PM
Brief worship with exhortation from Scripture, followed by corporate intercession and prayer.
Lord's Day Worship
Sun 1:00 PM
Worshipping Christ in song and hearing from the Lord through the preaching of His word.
Bible Study
Fri 7:00 PM
An interactive journey through the Old Testament, chapter by chapter, verse by verse.
Our Location
We are located in Norridge, IL with free parking available.
Address
4701 N. Canfield Ave.
Norridge, IL 60706
Service Times
Wednesday: 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM
We'd Love to Meet You
Join us this Sunday at 1:00 PM for worship and experience the warmth of our church family. Many people stay after the service to eat, talk, pray, sing, and fellowship for hours.