The first worship service of the mission which became Green Valley Baptist Church met on September 8, 1974, in the East Social Center with the Rev. Jack Miller officiating.  Thirty-five participants met with 15 coming forward at the invitation for rededication and transfer of letter.  By April, 1976, the growing group of believers had to relocate to larger meeting space in the West Social Center.

      On February 27, 1977, the mission became the Green Valley Baptist Church with the Rev. Jack Miller as pastor with 137 charter members.  Soon, the current location of 8.9 acres was purchased.  Construction began in November of 1978 on the Worship Center/classroom building. 

     With Pastor Miller’s retirement, the Church called Glenn Lawson to a 15-year ministry in January, 1983.  John Elder arrived in June 1999 and served as pastor until 2007. Steve Zahare, our current pastor arrived in 2008.  

     Three missions have been birthed: Igelsia Bautista de Sahuarita (1983) and Sahuarita Community Baptist Church (1995), both now constituted as churches and Vail Valley Baptist Mission (1995). 

     With a growing congregation and ministry needs, two other building projects have been completed.  The first, built in 1988, is our Fellowship Hall and classrooms addition to the original building.  The second, completed in 2000, consists of the office complex, classrooms for children and youth, a library, and the Shepherd’s Fold Day Care.  Future plans call for a new Worship Center and music suite to be built joining both present units into one building complex. 

     In addition to buildings, Green Valley Baptist has become a leader in missions giving among Arizona Southern Baptist Churches, ranking fourth the past three years in Cooperative Program contributions.  We consistently exceed our goals for mission offerings throughout the year.  Our expanding children and youth ministries provide outreach and spiritual enrichment to the growing number of families moving to Sahuarita.  The music ministry gives foundational  support to our Worship Services and gives talented musicians an opportunity to be used in Praise and Celebration. 

     With a dedication to the Lord and His work, the Family of Green Valley Baptist Church walks hand in hand into the future.  We can chart buildings, but how do we list the hundreds of year round and seasonal members and guests whose lives have been touched by this Church’s ministry and outreach?  How do we gauge the impact these members and visitors have on others seeking a growing personal relationship with the Master?  Praise God for using these special people to birth and mature a great fellowship of believers!