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History
In September 1990, four couples met for prayer
and Bible study. From that meeting and subsequent Friday evening prayer meetings, the
dream for a new church in New Braunfels was born. A very small building on Highway
81 was found to house the meetings.
Working with Dr. Blair Richey, the Wesleyan superintendent of the Texas
district, this small group called Pastor Dave McKain to become the founding
pastor of the church. He answered the call, and on February 7, 1991, nineteen people (including
babies) were present for the first Sunday morning worship service.
The first several months were spent praying, developing a
strategy, and canvassing. With a comfortable seating capacity of only 50, the little
building soon began to fill up, and the search for another home began.
In January 1992, Dayspring averaged over 70 in attendance.
Knowing that the Highway 81 location was too small, Dayspring moved to Southbank
Community Center in February and experienced growth of over 100 people in
the fellowship.
As the church continued to grow numerically,
it moved to the
New Braunfels Christian Academy and then on to Memorial Elementary School.
In January 1993,
Dayspring began a building fund drive and had
several fund-raisers. Land was purchased on Walnut Street across from Memorial
Elementary. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on December 11, 1994 for
construction of the church building, and in August of 1995 Dayspring moved into
its new church
home.
In March of 1996 Robert Ganaway was called to become the
pastor of Dayspring Christian Fellowship. Under his leadership, the church began a
school, enlarged its youth ministry and sought to have both a strong worship service
and a strong teaching ministry.
In August of 2002 Robert Ganaway resigned
from Dayspring Christian Fellowship and moved on to follow his vision for
Christian education. At that time, Pastor Chris England, who was the current youth pastor,
became the interim pastor of Dayspring. He remained in this position until leaving in April 2003
to prepare for the mission field.
The following month, Dayspring Christian School
closed its doors. After the departure of Pastor England, Robert Tate assumed the
position of acting pastor.
In April of 2004 a new chapter in Dayspring history began. After more
than a year of praying and several months of searching, God demonstrated His
powerful provision. The church board and the congregation approved the extension of a
call to our new Senior Pastor. Phil and Amy Count accepted the
call and came on board April 4th. They are truly a gift from God, and
Dayspring is very excited about what God has planned for the future.
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