Malden Community Church Launch

Malden Community Church Launches with Mission to Connect, Serve, and Grow

MALDEN, MA — October 2026 — A new church has come to Malden with a clear and simple mission: Connect. Serve. Grow.

Malden Community Church will begin its new journey on Sunday, October 4, at 11:00 a.m. at 493 Main Street, at the corner of Salem and Main Streets, inviting individuals and families from across Malden and the surrounding communities to be part of something new.

Malden Community Church welcomes people at every stage of their faith journey. Whether someone is searching for answers, growing in faith, returning to church, or looking for a place to serve and connect, there is a place for them at Malden Community Church.

Formed through a powerful story of faith and unity, Malden Community Church represents a new beginning — a fresh opportunity to build a Christ-centered, Gospel-driven, and community-focused church for the city of Malden. What began decades ago as one church family has come full circle, as the congregation of Maplewood Baptist Church — originally a part of the First Baptist Church of Malden congregation— reunites in a spirit of homecoming to step into a new season together, to create a new church with a new name, keeping its Baptist roots at its core.

“Malden Community Church is not about simply bringing two legacy churches together and continuing to do things the way they have always been done. It is about people—where they are, where they have been, and where God is leading them next,” said Pastor Gary McClenthen. “We want to create a church where people can walk through the doors and feel that they belong. None of us has a perfect story. We all carry experiences, challenges, hopes and dreams that have shaped who we are. We believe the church should be a place where people can come as they are, encounter Christ, build meaningful relationships and discover that they have a place in God’s story.”

“Our hope is to build something that looks forward while honoring the faith and people who came before us,” McClenthen continued. “We are grateful for the foundation that has been laid, but we are excited about what God can do through a new church with a new vision, new energy and a heart for Malden.”

A Bridge to a New Beginning

The church’s new blue-and-gold logo features a gracefully arched bridge. Its clean, modern design symbolizes connection and community, while subtly forming the shape of a cross within its framework—reminding us that Christ is the foundation of the church and that His love connects people to Him and to one another.

Like a bridge that carries people from one place to another, the logo represents transition, connection and a journey into something new.

The church’s mission is captured in three simple words:

CONNECT — Building relationships with God and one another.

SERVE — Making a meaningful impact in the Malden community.

GROW — Taking the next steps in faith and discipleship.

Malden Community Church is already looking for new ways to engage with the local community through service initiatives, outreach efforts and opportunities for connection. Additional community events and outreach programs will be announced in the coming months as the church celebrates its launch and begins this new chapter.

Grand Opening Celebration

The public is invited to attend the Grand Opening Sunday service at 11:00 a.m. on October 4, featuring welcoming fellowship, uplifting worship, a message of hope and opportunities to learn more about Malden Community Church. Following the service, guests are invited to stay for fellowship and refreshments.

Later that afternoon, the church will host its official Launch Celebration at 3:00 p.m. The celebration will include Mayor Christenson, local city officials, representatives of The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts (TABCOM), neighborhood church leaders and members of the community.

The celebration will mark not simply the beginning of another church in Malden, but the beginning of a new chapter for a congregation committed to faith, community and service.

“We believe there is something special about building a church together—not just a place where people come on Sunday, but a community where people know one another, care for one another and serve alongside one another,” said McClenthen. “Our prayer is that Malden Community Church will be a place where people find hope, discover purpose, deepen their relationship with Christ and recognize that they truly belong.”

For more information about Malden Community Church, contact Pastor Gary McClenthen at 781-324-2745.