Colonial Baptist Church was founded by the Rev. Stephen Davey and his wife, Marsha, in 1986. The Daveys held their first service at the East Cary Middle School with 28 people attending.

In its 20-year history, the church has become the largest Protestant congregation in the Triangle based on Sunday attendance. Despite including "Baptist" in its name, the church is not affiliated with any denominational organization.

The church employs 60 people, including 12 full-time pastors. It takes in an average of $88,000 in collections each week.

Recently, the church started Shepherds Theological Seminary on its Tryon Road campus. It offers a master's of divinity degree.

Davey preaches three Sunday services. He graduated from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, and holds degrees from Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary and Dallas Theological Seminary.