Our History
The Beginning
Mountain Bible Church began in 1971 as a small Bible study on Mulberry Street with just five families. As the group grew, it moved from a living room into the Masonic Temple, which served as the church’s meeting place for the next nine years.
That September, the fellowship was officially incorporated as Mountain Bible Church of Tehachapi. With the support of Fruitvale Community Church in Bakersfield (now Riverlakes Community Church), the foundation was laid for a lasting ministry in Tehachapi.
Our First Pastor
In April 1972, Dr. Marvin D. Slifer became the church’s first full-time pastor, moving to Tehachapi with his wife, Diane, and their daughters, Julie and Amy. Under his leadership, the young church family grew to about 30–40 regular attendees.
A Home of Our Own
In time, the church purchased 3.3 acres on Maple Street, and construction of the first facility began in 1980. On August 31 of that year, the building—now known as the Fellowship Hall—was dedicated to the ministries of Jesus Christ.
The original building was remodeled in 1998, and as the congregation continued to grow, the need for a larger sanctuary became clear. In 2002, the Worship Center was completed, expanding the church property to 8.3 acres. By 2006, additional modular buildings were added to support children’s ministries, Sunday school, and fellowship gatherings.
Ministry and Mission
From the very beginning, Mountain Bible Church has been committed to community outreach and missions, with a strong focus on families.
Our name and guiding verse come from Philippians 2:16, “Holding forth the word of life.” This continues to reflect our intent—to be a place where God’s Word is faithfully taught and lived out in love.
Continuing in Christ
From the beginning, God’s hand of blessing and provision has been evident at Mountain Bible Church. Our priority has always been Christ Himself—our message summed up in John 3:16, our witness defined by love (John 13:34–35), and our calling to grow in Christlike character (Galatians 5:22–23) and make disciples everywhere we go (Matthew 28:18–19).
After many faithful years of service, our beloved Pastor, Dr. Marvin D. Slifer, retired, leaving a rich legacy of shepherding and teaching. Building on this foundation, in 2025 Pastor George Alaniz and his wife, Carol, joined Mountain Bible Church, bringing years of faithful ministry experience from First Christian Church of Fallbrook, California. With a heart for God’s Word and for people, Pastor George is helping lead our church family into a new season of renewal and growth—continuing the same Christ-centered mission that has defined us since the beginning.
Mountain Bible Church continues to hold forth the Word of Life, trusting God to shape us into Christlike disciples and to reach the next generation with the hope of the gospel. Our story is still being written, and we invite you to be part of it.