The Lord used Steve Fernandez to start Community Bible Church in 1980, starting with 25 people and one midweek Bible study. With a focus upon expository preaching, discipleship, and missions, the Lord has caused the church to grow steadily. Prior to being called to Vallejo, Steve served for four years as an associate pastor at Valley Bible Church in Hercules, California. Steve was the founder and president of The Cornerstone Seminary in Vallejo, California. Steve was also a co-founder and instructor at Grace School of Theology and Ministry in Pleasant Hill, where he taught for 25 years.

The Lord took our dear Pastor Steve home to be with Him the evening of Resurrection Sunday, March 31, 2013. “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) After Steve went to glory, the Lord called Phil Foley to be the Lead Pastor, who has been in full-time ministry at CBC since 1996.