Over forty years ago, a single Deacon recognized an underserved community in Clearwater. Today, the Clearwater Church of God By Faith continues to grow, maintaining its service-focus humble roots, while expanding its mission and ministries.

Deacon Paul Mack is considered the founder of the Church. In the 1970s, Deacon Mack and several others had been commuting from the Clearwater area to Tampa regularly to worship. Deteriorating, the Tampa church facilities were inadequate for the community-based initiatives the members were trying to achieve. This prompted the congregation to temporarily move to a storefront located at 1419 North Betty Lane in Clearwater, FL, while the Tampa church was being renovated.

Deacon Paul Mack again insisted (after the Tampa church renovation was completed) in 1989, that this was a good time for the Clearwater members to end commuting across the bridge to Tampa and start the Clearwater Mission. In January of 1981, the church became an official mission. Pastor Albert Landers served as the shepherd of this flock from 1981-1986, Elder James T. Blount pastored from 1986-1987, and Elder Wayne Mack pastored from 1987-1988.

During Pastor Mack’s tenure, the church property was purchased. In 1988, Elder Harvey Lawrence was appointed pastor. Determined to move out of the storefront and into a standalone sanctuary, Pastor Lawrence told his congregation they would build a new church. Pastor Lawrence met fierce opposition. But with the guidance of Elder C.M. Folge, the Clearwater Church Of God By Faith held the groundbreaking ceremony in February 1989. Construction of the edifice started in 1990 and was completed on February 22, 1992.

Since then, the church has developed several ministries, added more members to the local church body, and purchased additional property for parking and future growth. Dedicated members, inspiring seniors, and with steadfast leadership, the Clearwater Church Of God By Faith is a living and growing testament to the community it serves.