Our Story

    Long Island Baptist Church began through God’s clear leading in 1985, when John Graf was sent out of Bible Baptist Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota, with a burden to see Christ honored and the Gospel faithfully preached on Long Island. What began as a step of faith soon became a growing work, and in 1986 the church was officially organized. From the beginning, the focus has been simple and unwavering—to exalt Jesus Christ and stand firmly upon the Word of God.

    For decades, the Lord has faithfully preserved this church through steady ministry and loving service. Under consistent pastoral leadership and with a committed church family, Long Island Baptist Church has sought to proclaim the Gospel, disciple believers, and live out the truth of God’s Word together. While the world around us has changed, our foundation and purpose have remained the same.

  In January of 2026, after many years of faithful service, Pastor John Graf retired from pastoral ministry. We thank God for his leadership, sacrifice, and the spiritual legacy he leaves behind. At that same time, Pastor Nick Galumbus became the pastor of Long Island Baptist Church, marking a new chapter in the life of our church. This transition has been a reminder that while leadership may change, the Lord who builds and sustains His church does not.

 



Today, we look back with gratitude for God’s grace that has carried us to this point, and we look forward with anticipation to what He will continue to do. Our prayer is that Long Island Baptist Church would remain faithful to Christ, fruitful in the Gospel, and a testimony of God’s goodness for generations to come.