First Baptist Woodstock Expands into East Cobb

First Baptist Church of Woodstock has opened its second satellite church in north metro Atlanta. Starting today, it will hold services at the former Shallowford Falls Community Church at 3662 Shallowford Road in Marietta.  

The church will be referred to as the Shallowford Satellite Campus. Services kick off today at 11 a.m. Plans have been made to begin Sunday morning Bible study for all ages, which will start 9:30 a.m., as well as weekly student and children’s ministries.

The church already has a satellite campus in Jasper.

The Rev. Jonathan Catanzaro, who was mentored by First Baptist Pastor Johnny Hunt, will serve as campus pastor. Catanzaro grew up in New Orleans and Wake Forest, North Carolina.

While in Wake Forest, he served as an associate pastor and also hearned his bachelor of arts, master of divinity and master of theology from the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

He and his wife Elissa have two children and reside in Woodstock. 

Catanzaro answered a few questions for Patch about the church's new beginning. 

1. When did the idea to launch this satellite church begin? How long have you been working on it?

Shallowford Falls Community Church in conjunction with the Noonday Baptist Association contacted Woodstock First Baptist back in October about the possibility of a partnership. On Nov. 14, the church unanimously voted to move forward with the process to become a satellite campus of Woodstock First Baptist.

2. What's significant about the location?

We are very excited about our location on Shallowford road. There are over 60,000 people within a 3 mile radius that we want to reach with the love of Christ. It is our desire to make a difference in the lives of people all around us. We look forward to ministering to the community through programs like Vacation Bible School, Upward Sports and other ministries for the whole family.

3. How will it vary from the main campus in Woodstock?

The only real difference is that most Sundays we will watch Pastor Johnny Hunt's messages through video. The worship will be live with the same passion and quality as First Baptist Woodstock. 

4. How many people are you expecting to come to your first service?

We're not really sure what to expect! Because we have been inviting our neighbors in the community for several weeks, we will be ready for anything. We're hopeful that many will come to see the new beginning God has started among us.

5.  Is there any possibility FBCW would launch another satellite church in the future?

We don't know. It's never something FBCW has really sought in the past. God opened these doors and it is our desire that as a result, many would know of the change that a personal relationship with Jesus can bring. It's not about going to any particular church, it's about truly knowing God.

6. Why should people come out and attend the first service and make the church their permanent home?

We would love for people to come and see the work God is doing among us. We want people to come and know that we truly love our community and  desire to make a difference in people's lives...just as Jesus has changed ours.

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