History of Christ Bible Church

How We Started

In May 2020, during the height of COVID restrictions and the unrest following the Black Lives Matter riots in Minneapolis, Levi Secord joined a Zoom call with Ardel Caneday, then a Biblical Studies professor at the University of Northwestern (UNW). They discussed how the church should respond to cultural upheaval. Many churches seemed fractured, hesitant, or unclear. In his frustration, Levi asked Ardel, “What can we do? What should we be doing?”

Soon after, Ardel asked Levi to meet on campus at the University of Northwestern. Levi agreed, fairly certain what Ardel would propose—and he was right. Ardel shared that he was planning to retire and, in retirement, wanted to plant a church. He asked Levi to consider serving as the pastor.

At that point, it was only an idea. Yet the Lord’s hand soon became evident—moving Ardel into retirement earlier than expected and granting him a vision for church planting, while also preparing Levi for what lay ahead.

There were still many hurdles. Levi was serving as associate pastor at Riverview Baptist Church. For several years, churches had contacted him about senior pastor roles. He loved his time at Riverview and was in a position to be selective.

At the same time, Levi was interviewing for a head pastor position in Mankato—a stable opportunity with a significant pay raise. It was the safer path.

Earlier that May, the Lord had also connected Levi with Pastor Jason Wredberg of Redeemer Bible Church in Minnetonka. After seeing something Levi posted online, Jason reached out. Over lunch, they discovered shared convictions and concerns. Jason was connected to the Pillar Church Planting Network in the Twin Cities, of which Levi was also a part. Once again, God seemed to be preparing a path before Levi even knew it.

After Ardel shared the church planting idea, Levi arranged a meeting with Ardel and Jason to explore planting through the Pillar network. Conversations began about potential elders. In August 2020, the men who would eventually launch the church began meeting together: Tim Lovestrand, Jim Balentine, Phil Norris, Jim Ornell, Ardel Caneday, and Levi Secord. The Lord provided these men—some of whom Levi had never met prior to that first meeting.

Meanwhile, Levi was invited to preach candidating sermons in Mankato. Two paths stood before him: one stable and secure; the other only an idea. Financially, Mankato made sense. It was the safer option—especially since Levi and Emily had recently received a positive pregnancy test.

But Emily, to her credit, had already made up her mind. She wanted to plant the church. Levi has often thanked God for her wisdom, her trust in him, and her willingness to take risks for Christ. Levi withdrew from the Mankato opportunity and committed fully to planting the church.

The team began drafting documents, completing legal paperwork, and gathering interest. Meetings were held with the blessing of Bethlehem Baptist Church – North. Though Christ Bible Church would not be an official plant of the North campus, they gave their support. The team applied to the Pillar Network and was accepted. Levi informed Riverview, which became one of the sending churches.

Christ Bible Church would not exist without Riverview’s support. The local association of North American Baptist churches provided seed money. Riverview established a special giving line and contributed thousands of dollars. Again and again, when obstacles arose, the Lord provided.

Two major challenges remained: who would join a startup church in the middle of COVID—and where would they meet?

One day, sitting in his office, Levi searched for Christian schools in the area. At the top of the list was Hand in Hand Christian Montessori in Roseville. He called and left a message. Within hours, Christine Berg returned the call. She said two things: “We’ve been praying that God would give us a church to share our space with.” And, “Where do you stand on sexual ethics?” Levi was grateful she asked. They stood on the same ground. Hand in Hand wanted the right kind of church renting their space.

On a Saturday evening in February 2021, with no sound system and no idea how many would attend, the first service was held in the Hand in Hand cafeteria. Over one hundred people came. Some attended to support the launch. Others heard by word of mouth, and never left. Just like that, a church was born.

Levi continued serving at Riverview through May 2021—leading a Saturday evening service at the plant and then serving at Riverview on Sunday mornings. In June, he transitioned full-time to Christ Bible Church, and services moved to Sunday mornings in the cafeteria. About seventy people formed the core group at launch.

Each year since, the Lord has added to the church. He provided the finances to renovate the auditorium. He provided the resources to hire an additional pastor, Tuezong Xiong. The church has hosted conferences, published a book, and supported ministries impacting the world.

Again and again, when obstacles arose, the Lord opened doors.

Where We Are Now

Today, Christ Bible Church is a congregation in Roseville, Minnesota, seeking to glorify God by bringing all of Christ into all of life. We gather each Lord’s Day to worship through the ordinary means God has given—preaching, prayer, singing, and fellowship—as a people shaped by Scripture and dependent on God’s grace.

The same Lord who opened doors in 2020 continues to build his church today. As we look to the future, we do so with confidence not in ourselves, but in him. Our desire is simple: to honor Christ, guard the gospel, and walk in steady faithfulness as he continues his work among us.

We invite you to join us as we follow Christ together, trusting him to do what only he can do.