​Canaan is an urban Baptist Church that serves as a vanguard of

liberation, faith, and empowerment through our Christian witness.

​Join us for our Sunday Morning Worship Service at 10:00 a.m.

In-Person and Online via Facebook and YouTube

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ABOUT US​

 

Our Core Values

Congregational Intimacy (I Corinthians 13:13)

Salvation for the Lost (John 3:16)

Applied Christianity (James 2:14-20)

Impact the Human Condition (Luke 4:18-19)

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Our Mission

Canaan's mission is to do ministry for the Master through the five-fold ministries of discipleship, fellowship, service, worship, and evangelism, which are rooted in Acts 2:42-47.

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Our Vision

At Canaan Baptist Church, our vision is inspired by the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. We envision a multi-generational family of believers who connect, grow, and serve together. Guided by this vision, we aim to glorify God and extend His kingdom on earth.​

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The Canaan Story

On December 6, 2002, 13 Christian brothers and sisters, all of whom were former members of the historic Eighth Street Baptist Church in Wilmington, Delaware (Est. 1892), gathered to set into motion a series of events that led to the formation of what is known today as the Canaan Baptist Church. The Holy Spirit led them to plant a church under the auspices of American Baptist Churches USA and in association with the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. This group of individuals, known as the Core Planters, contributed to Canaan's establishment with their gifts, talents, and resources. They dedicated themselves to an unprecedented movement that established a haven for a community of believers needing a church family. For guidance, they contacted Rev. Dr. Christopher Alan Bullock, Pastor of the Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago and former Pastor of Eighth Street, who served as their spiritual advisor throughout the church planting process.

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In April 2003, Canaan held its first worship service in the auditorium of Warner Elementary School. Pastor Bullock was the guest preacher. After delivering a powerful message of hope, over 100 souls joined this new Branch of Zion called Canaan Baptist Church. Worship services were held at the Wilmington Drama League and the Ursuline Academy Performing Arts Center to accommodate a growing congregation. Dr. Roy Thompson served as interim pastor until the congregation unanimously elected Rev. Dr. Christopher Alan Bullock as its first pastor in April 2004. The pastoral installation service was held in September 2004, while the Lord continued to add members to the Canaan church on a weekly basis, and tithes and offerings increased significantly. In 2008, a successful capital campaign secured the funding to construct a $2.5 million sanctuary and ancillary facilities. In 2017, the newly constructed annex, the Hall of Faith, was unveiled following the launch of a second successful fundraising campaign, which raised $1.5 million.

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Under the visionary leadership of Pastor Bullock, Canaan Baptist Church has grown into a vibrant urban congregation that stands as a vanguard of liberation, faith, and empowerment through its Christian witness. For more than 22 years, Canaan has expanded its reach to serve over 1,200 members, remaining steadfast as a healthy Body of Christ. Through ministries formed to meet the needs of its membership and surrounding communities, Canaan sponsors special events that strengthen families, celebrate culture and history, and provide spiritual enrichment with a focus on applying biblical principles, God’s commandments, and covenant living. With an emphasis on discipleship, Canaan offers weekly prayer meetings, Wednesday Bible study, and Saturday Christian education programs with age-appropriate curricula to promote spiritual growth and development. On Sundays, Spirit-filled worship—both in person and online—unites the congregation through fervent prayer, high praise, faithful stewardship, and the preaching of God’s Word.

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Guided by the Holy Spirit, Canaan’s mission is to transform lives, proclaim salvation, nurture families, and extend the love of Christ throughout the community. This commitment is demonstrated not only in worship but also through strong partnerships with schools, civic, and community organizations. Beyond the walls of the sanctuary, Canaan extends its witness through active outreach and evangelism, including community canvassing, monthly food distribution, and public health initiatives. From sanctuary to street, the congregation seeks to embody the spirit of the early ekklesia, birthed on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), when the Holy Spirit empowered the church to be Christ’s witness “unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

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Looking ahead, Canaan remains rooted in Scripture, steadfast in prayer, and committed to building a community where faith is strengthened, fellowship is deepened, and justice is pursued. With confidence in God’s promises, we affirm that “He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Truly, to God be the glory for the great things He has done — and for the greater things yet to come.​​