From the founding gathering in Pombal to the mission fields in the Sertão, the Seridó and the Amazon: the journey of a church devoted to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Congregational Evangelical Church of Pombal was born from a gathering of Presbyterian believers held at the home of Deacon Gerson Martins de Sá and his wife, Eusa Dantas de Sá.
It was there, in a family home, that a story of faith began that would span generations.
The church began with 33 members, plus young people and children. Its first pastor was the Reverend José Severino de Araújo.
Its first structure included the first Church Council, made up of elders and deacons, and the first Board of Trustees — records that preserve the names of those who laid the foundations of this work.
Throughout its history, the church has been led by different pastors, who served the congregation in preaching the Word and caring for the flock.
The available historical records have a gap in the numbering of the pastorates, so research on the complete list continues; it is shown further below without dates. On October 14, 2026, the church celebrated the installation of its pastor, Pastor Felipe Oliveira.
Mission work in the Sertão of Paraíba helped plant churches in Catolé do Rocha, Sousa and Cajazeiras, which are independent churches today.
The church also keeps a congregation in Condado and congregational work in the rural communities of Santa Maria, São João and Carvalhadas.
The missionary commitment reaches other fields: in the Amazon region, with missionary couple Eduardo and Donária, among the riverside communities of the Purus River; and in Caicó, Rio Grande do Norte, with the work of Alberto and Istênia.
The church also hosts and supports CEDIBS – Centro de Desenvolvimento Integral O Bom Samaritano (O Bom Samaritano Integral Development Center), which today serves 440 children, teenagers and young people in its units in Pombal and Paulista.
The church's journey is marked by its commitment to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, grounded in Reformed Christian theology.
Looking back on the road we have traveled, we recognize that it was all the work of grace. That is why all honor, glory and praise belong to God — and the mission continues, for the generations to come.
The church's first leadership, according to its institutional records. Preserving these names honors the faithfulness of men and women who served God in their generation.
Minutes · 1970
Elders
Deacons
Trustees · 1970
List based on the available historical records. The original numbering of the pastorates has a gap, so this list may be incomplete and does not give dates.
From the founding meeting to the congregations and mission fields, every stage bears witness to the same mission: to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I1970
On December 13, believers gathered at the home of Deacon Gerson Martins de Sá and Eusa Dantas de Sá begin the Congregational Evangelical Church of Pombal, with 33 members, plus young people and children.
II
Under the pastorate of Rev. José Severino de Araújo, with the first Church Council and the first Board of Trustees, the church organizes its life of worship, teaching and service.
III
The proclamation of the Gospel reaches beyond the city to other towns in the Sertão of Paraíba.
IV
The church helps establish churches in Catolé do Rocha, Sousa and Cajazeiras.
V
The work reaches Condado and the rural communities of Santa Maria, São João and Carvalhadas.
VI
Support for missionaries in the Amazon region and in Caicó, Rio Grande do Norte, and for CEDIBS, the O Bom Samaritano Integral Development Center, now with units in Pombal and Paulista.
VII
Faithful to the Scriptures, the church keeps proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Pombal and beyond — to the glory of God.
Do you have photographs, documents, bulletins or memories of the church's history? These records can enrich this page and preserve our story for the generations to come. All material will be handled with care and published only with permission.
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