Church History

Church History

God impressed the vision and name of “Greater Works Bible Church” (Habakkuk 2:2-3, John 14:12) upon its Founder Pastor, Senior Pastor Robert L. Burton, several years prior to its conception, when finally the Lord equipped and led him and his wife Co-founder, Assistant Pastor Diane R. Burton out to make the vision realized for His purpose. 

Initially, they met and partially organized in a conference room at the Holiday Inn-South on Old Dixie Highway, Sunday, May 28, 2006. On November 30, 2006, Pastor Robert Burton and Pastor Diane Rodriguez-Burton incorporated the Greater Works Bible Church (GWBC) and in January 2007, God blessed them with the current facilities.

Pastor Robert L. Burton was installed as Pastor on February 4, 2007, by Reverend James E. Harris, Pastor, Dixon Grove Baptist Church. Sunday, February 10, 2007 the church opened its doors for service starting with the first Sunday school class at 9:45 a.m., and Worship service at 11:00 a.m.


The first members to join were the First Family, Reverend Robert Burton, his First Lady Pastor Diane Rodriguez-Burton, their children Brother Khalid Rodriguez, Sister Krista Burton; and Chartered Members Deacon Charlie and Deaconess Gail Snell. On August 19, 2007, Brother Amir Barnes, the grandson of Deacon/Deaconess Snell, was the first member to be baptized.
Since its beginning, GWBC has grown, not only in numbers, but in active ministries designed to minister to the whole person enabling growth in wisdom and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Under Senior Pastor Burton’s ministerial watch, Active Ministries consist of the following:


​Deacon and Deaconess Ministry, Women and Men’s Ministries, Usher Ministry, Music Ministry consisting of the Choir, Praise Team, and Dance programs; Public Relations Ministry, Christian Education Ministry, Outreach and Evangelism Ministry, Mothers Board, Intercessory Prayer Warriors, Hospitality, Audio/Recording and Youth Ministry. Our Youth Ministry has evolved as follows: Youth Sunday School Class, our youth are interwoven in most other church ministries and each 5th Sunday is recognized as Youth Sunday, allowing our youth to take the lead in most areas of the Worship. We also accept funds for our “Keep the Change” program which allows our youth opportunity to participate in field trips/outside activities. ​


Our current church building which houses our main sanctuary was constructed in the early 1940s and over the past thirteen years funding for maintenance and continual updates to comply with current and legal codes has and still is astronomical. In 2019 God placed in our hearts to initiate a building project to rebuild our church edifice erecting an updated, modern structure that meets all legal standards and codes for safety, and efficiency. Our building project is being funding through pledges made and being paid by members. Family and friends whom the Lord places on their hearts to give donations are also welcomed as a source of financial assistance for making our new building a near yet future reality as God is faithful.

At GWBC, we believe that Christian education enables an opportunity to learn about Bible Doctrine which encourages the Christian to have a better understanding of God’s Word. Emphasis is placed on being in right relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We encourage members to participate in some form of Christian training presented at our church. We currently offer Sunday school, Wednesday night Bible Study and a formal education through the Baptist International Bible Institute (BIBI). On Tuesday, September 11, 2007, GWBC was blessed to become one of the approved sites for the renowned Baptist International Bible Institute (BIBI) which was held on site from January 2009 through December 2014.


Our beautiful Library was added to Fellowship Hall and fully furnished by Sister Marie Scott in 2008, dedicated in loving memory of our faithful member, her late husband Brother Jerry Scott. The Library offers a variety of books for readers of all ages, although most are geared toward Christian study. A computer and printer is also available as part of our media assistance.

GWBC began outreaching to families in need and prepared and furnished holiday baskets on the weekends before Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2007. Our Outreach and Evangelism Ministry was birth out of a BIBI class (Outreach and Evangelism) and was formalized in 2008 with the administrative structure aid of Elder Geneva Green. Activities are designed to minister to people throughout the community in order to fulfill the Great Commission, Matthew 28:19-20 which instructs us to make disciples as we go throughout the world and about our daily activities.


In 2008, we purchased a church van; the fall of 2009, God blessed us with a finished Outreach room in Fellowship Hall. In 2018 we were blessed to install central air, and fully refurbish our Fellowship Hall, lined our parking lot and install other beautification accents. Our large wooden Cross was erected late summer 2017. An updated Security System was installed on the premises in early 2018. In 2011 Deaconess Younginer initiated our coats for comfort program.

GWBC began outreaching to families in need and prepared and furnished holiday baskets on the weekends before Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2007. Our Outreach and Evangelism Ministry was birth out of a BIBI class (Outreach and Evangelism) and was formalized in 2008 with the administrative structure aid of Elder Geneva Green. Activities are designed to minister to people throughout the community in order to fulfill the Great Commission, Matthew 28:19-20 which instructs us to make disciples as we go throughout the world and about our daily activities.


In 2008, we purchased a church van; the fall of 2009, God blessed us with a finished Outreach room in Fellowship Hall. In 2018 we were blessed to install central air, and fully refurbish our Fellowship Hall, lined our parking lot and install other beautification accents. Our large wooden Cross was erected late summer 2017. An updated Security System was installed on the premises in early 2018. In 2011 Deaconess Younginer initiated our coats for comfort program.

Share by: