The Steadfast Bible Conference is a ministry of Grace Bible Church of Bakersfield. Please contact us with your questions regarding the conference or venue.
Dr. Michael Riccardi serves as assistant professor of theology at The Master’s Seminary. He grew up in Central New Jersey and attended Rutgers University, where he earned a B.A. in Italian and a M.A. in Education.
Through the latter stages of his undergraduate days, Mike was increasingly gripped by a constraining desire to preach the Word and shepherd the flock. The elders of his church affirmed his desire, and an admiration for John MacArthur—wanting to handle the Word of God with the same care and precision that he did—led Michael and his wife Janna to TMS in August of 2009. After completing his Master of Divinity degree in the summer of 2012, Mike continued his TMS education with a ThM in 2015 and a PhD in 2021. To date, Dr. Riccardi has published two books: Sanctification: The Christian’s Pursuit of God-Given Holiness and The Forest and the Trees: The Story of Scripture and Biblical Interpretation. He also contributed significantly to Biblical Doctrine and has published articles with The Master’s Seminary Journal, Credo Magazine, and the Banner of Truth, among others. Dr. Riccardi and his wife have four children. He and Phil Johnson co-pastor the Grace Life fellowship group at Grace Community Church.
Dr. Steve Swartz is the senior preaching pastor of Grace Bible Church in Bakersfield, California and the featured speaker on Steadfast in the Faith, a teaching ministry based in expository preaching and writing. Author of Shattered Shepherds, Preparing for Heaven, Strength in the River, and more, Steve's desire is to train men and build up churches to know and teach the Word of God and to equip the local community of believers with impact for the Gospel of Christ. He is a two-time graduate of The Master's Seminary and brings 25 years of seasoned pastoral and counseling experience to the pulpit. Steve lives in Bakersfield with his wife and family.
Grace Bible Church 2301 White Lane
Bakersfield, CA 93304
Phone: (661) 664-7223
www.gbcob.org
Venue Map
Laurelglen Bible Church 2801 Ashe Road
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Phone: (661) 833-2800
www.laurelglenbible.org
Travel Information
Coming from out of town? We can help!
If you are visiting Bakersfield from out of town and are unfamiliar with the area, we want to make sure you know of a few options to make your stay. The hotels below are close to the conference venue.
Best Western 700 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (661) 327-4064
Hampton Inn, Bakersfield 1017 Oak St, Bakersfield, CA 93304
Phone: (661) 633-0333
La Quinta Inn Bakersfield South 3232 Riverside Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Phone: (661) 327-4064
Details Coming Soon
Please check back for more information as it becomes available. Thank you.