OUR STORY

Our founders, Elder Ralph and Mother Groce laid a strong foundation of prayer, Biblical education, vibrant worship and community development. Decades later, Bible Center continues to be a place were people can find faith, family, and purpose in a welcoming environment that understands the unique challenges of today. Through faith and action we work to make earth a little more like Heaven. 

#HERELIKETHERE - Learn more about community outreach at Bible Center

  • 1956

    Bible Center Church began in the living room of Elder Ralph and Mother Bernice Groce's 3 bedroom home on Tioga street in 1956.

  • 2004

    John Wallace Jr., the Groce's grandson, became senior pastor. Pastor John is also a professor of sociology at the University of Pittsburgh whose research includes the role of faith-based organizations and their communities. 

  • 2007

    We bought and transformed "The Triplex!" Once abandoned and condemned housing units now serve as community program and office space for Bible Center Church and outreach.

  • 2012

    Members rolled up our sleeves and began renovations on a vacant former Rite Aide and turned it into the WARM (Worship, Arts, Recreation, and Ministry) Center, a multi-use facility for service, outreach, and gathering. 

  • 2013

    Bible Center started The Oasis Project, our community outreach arm to offer different services Homewood families. Programs focus on education, employment, entrepreneurship, and the environment in which these efforts take place.

  • 2018

    The Oasis Project has expanded to include 6 programs and businesses with a social focus

MEET OUR PASTORS

Senior Pastor - John M. Wallace Jr. PhD

Pastor John oversees the effective implementation of God’s mission and vision for Bible Center as well as to advance the Kingdom of God in the lives of the members and through the ministry of Bible Center. Pastor John is a graduate of the Homewood Headstart program whose grandparents taught him the value of education at a young age. He has received a BA from the University of Chicago, and a MA and PhD from the University of Michigan.

Executive Pastor - Cynthia Wallace Ed.D.

Pastor Cynthia oversees the administration and management of Bible Center's ministries, personnel, and finances in consultation with the Pastor and Leadership Team. She is also the Executive Director of the Oasis Project which includes oversight of Oasis Transportation, Everyday Cafe and our community programs. Pastor Cynthia has a B.A. in Behavioral Science from the University of Chicago, a M.A. in School Administration from the University of Michigan, a M.A. in Counseling from Geneva College and an Ed.D. in Education Leadership from the University of Pittsburgh.



OUR Beliefs

The Bible is God’s word to all people, and is the ultimate source of truth for living a Christian lifestyle. 

2 timothy 3:16 -17, Psalm 119:160, Proverbs 30:05


There is One God, who exists in three Persons; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.


Jesus Christ will return for his people (i.e. The Blessed Hope). 

Philippians 3:20-21, 1 John 3:2-3, Titus 2:13-15


Salvation is God’s gift to us and that the only means of being freed from sin is through repentance, faith in Christ, and being baptized in water.

We believe that regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for personal salvation.

Jesus Christ’s redeeming work on the Cross provides healing for the human body in answer to believing in prayer.

Baptism in the Holy Ghost, according to Acts 2:4, is given to believers who ask for it.

The Holy Spirit provides understanding of spiritual truths and guidance for believers to live righteously.