Good Shepherd Baptist Church sits on Cleveland Avenue in Amherst, Ohio, where the congregation has been gathering since May 1971. The church's roots, however, reach back to 1959, when it began as a mission of Lorain Baptist Church.
From Mission Church to Cleveland Avenue
Good Shepherd Baptist Church was established on June 21, 1959, as a mission of Lorain Baptist Church. Less than a year later, on February 7, 1960, it became Amherst Baptist Church and soon purchased property at the corner of Leavitt Road and Cooper Foster Park Road. Construction on the first church building began in August 1960, and by February 1962 the name was changed to Leavitt Road Baptist Church. The congregation worshiped at that location until May 1971, when the church moved into a newly built facility on Cleveland Avenue and took its current name, Good Shepherd Baptist Church.
Throughout its history the church has helped plant three new congregations and opened its doors to support the launch of others.
A Small Church with a Big Heart
Pastor Gabe Rey describes Good Shepherd as "a small church with a big heart for Amherst and the surrounding communities." The church's desire, he writes, "is to serve both the physical and spiritual needs of our neighbors." That calling shows up in two long-running partnerships that anchor the church's outreach: one with Second Harvest Food Pantry, which provides meals for families in need year-round, and one with Amherst Schools, which keeps students from going hungry over weekends during the school year.
Sunday Mornings in Amherst
Sundays at Good Shepherd follow a simple rhythm. Bible studies for all ages begin at 10 a.m., followed by the worship service at 11 a.m. Worship is a time to sing together, be encouraged, and hear a biblical message that speaks to everyday life. Visitors are welcomed to come as they are. Midweek Bible studies are held seasonally throughout the year.
Present in the Community
Good Shepherd's three core values are Generosity, Community Engagement, and Gospel Advancement, and members live them out around town. They help lead worship at the Lorain County Fair, share prayer, conversation, and hot chocolate along the parade route at Amherst's Miracle on Main Street, and host or support other local events. Everything flows from a desire to serve people well and point them to the hope of the Gospel.
Meet the Team
Pastor Gabe Rey leads the congregation, with Cherie Stempowski serving as office manager. The church office can be reached at 440-988-4506 or at office@gsbcamherst.org.
Giving and Staying Connected
Supporters can give online through the church's secure giving platform, mail a gift to 1100 Cleveland Avenue, Amherst, Ohio 44001, or contact the office about giving through platforms such as Zelle. Updates and sermons are shared on the church's Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Looking Ahead
Good Shepherd Baptist Church is committed to deepening its service to the community it cherishes. The congregation pledges to continue offering both practical support and spiritual care to everyone who enters its doors, and to gently guide people toward the love, healing, and purpose found in a growing relationship with Jesus.