WHAT WE BELIEVE

ABOUT GOD:  There is one God who has eternally existed as Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.  They are co-equal and are the Creator and Ruler of all that exists in heaven and earth. (Gen. 1:1, 26, 3:22, Ps. 90:2, Matt. 28:19, 2 Cor. 13:14, 1 Peter 1:2)

ABOUT JESUS:  Jesus is the Son of God.  Jesus voluntarily added 100% humanity to his 100% divinity making him the God Man.  He became a man in order to live the perfect life that we could not live and die the death that we deserved.  His sinless body was nailed to a cross and died a horrible, bloody death in order to show how ugly and serious our sin was and how far God was willing to go to show his love for us.  But not even death could conquer Jesus.  He rose from the dead on the third day to demonstrate his power over sin & death and that he had effectively canceled all of the sins against us in our past, present, and the future. (Is. 9:6, Matt. 1:22-23, Jn. 1:1-5, 14:10-13, Acts 1:9-11, Rom. 1:3-4, 1 Cor. 15:3-4, 1 Tim. 6:14-15, Titus 2:13, Heb. 4:14-15) 

ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT:  God, the Holy Spirit is very active.  He shows people their need for Jesus and comes to personally live inside of every believer from the moment of their salvation.  He changes believers, gives us power to live the Christian life, gives us gifts to help the church fulfill it's mission, enables us to understand spiritual truth, etc.  As Christians we seek to live under His control rather than our own self-will. (John 14:16-17, 16:7-13, Acts 1:8, 1 Cor. 2:12, 3:16, 2 Cor. 3:17, Gal. 5:25, Eph. 1:13, 5:18)

ABOUT THE BIBLE:  The Bible is God's perfect road map for living.  The Bible is unique not just because it is without error and is full of wise advice.  The Bible stands alone because it isn't just print on paper, but it is alive.  It contains the very words of God speaking to us, contains power to change our lives and is the supreme authority to direct our thinking, decisions, and behavior.  No wonder it is the best selling book of all time!  (Ps. 119:105, Prov. 30:5, 2 Tim. 1:13, 2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21)

ABOUT THE CHURCH:  The Bible says the church is the Body of Christ on the earth and is composed of all those who have put their faith in Jesus.  There is only one church which meets in different places around the world.  Each local church carries on the mandate of Christ to love God through worship and to love our fellow man through works of service, proclaiming the good news that all people can be saved through faith in Jesus, teaching, and fellowship.  Scripture is clear that we are to be connected and actively helping our local church fulfill it's calling in the world.  To be unconnected is foolish, unBiblical, and deprives the Body of Christ of what God intended for you to contribute. (Matt. 16:18, 1 Cor. 12:12-14, Eph. 2:19-22, 5:23,25, 1 Tim. 3:15, Heb. 10:24-25)

ABOUT HUMANITY:  People were originally created in the spiritual image of God (Meaning we have a will, can reason, are creative, can love the one true God, etc).  We are the pinnacle of his creation and the supreme object of God's love.  In spite of all of the privilege and dignity given to mankind we chose to rebel rather than obey our Creator.  This rebellion is called sin.  We aren't sinners because we sin - we sin because at the core of our being we are sinners.  Our sin has separated us from God and left us spiritually dead and broken.  We don't need to try and clean up our act, try harder or even become more moral.  We need forgiveness and a new heart & life which can only come from Jesus . (Gen. 1:27, Ps. 8:3-6, Is. 53:6, 59:1-2, Rom. 3:23, Rev. 20:11-15)

ABOUT SALVATION:  The claims of Jesus are both exclusive & inclusive.  They are exclusive because Jesus made it clear that HE was the only way a person can be repaired, renewed, forgiven and made right with God and go to heaven.  Jesus shattered the myth of "there are many paths to God."  This means that a person must turn away from a self-directed life & sinful choices and by faith trust in the work that Jesus did on the cross for them.  We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works.  Our faith is entirely rooted in what Jesus has done for us by his grace.

The claims of Jesus are also inclusive in that anyone, regardless of gender, race, politics, economics, etc. can be made right with God, be given eternal life and have the hope of Heaven as they put their complete faith in Jesus.  When a person does that the result is a changed person who begins to have new desires for spiritual growth, is actively separating from sin, and wants others to know what Jesus has done in their life, etc.  You won't be instantly perfect but the new, eternal life of God within you will be obvious as you make progress toward becoming a little more like Jesus every day! (John 1:12, 14:6, Rom. 5:1, 6:23, Gal. 3:26, Eph. 2:8-9, Titus 3:5)

ABOUT ETERNITY:  People were created to exist forever.  Jesus redefined death as "sleep."  It is a temporary state where our physical body is resting and our soul departs to be with Lord if we have put our faith in Jesus or to be in a place of torment if we have rejected God's love and repeated attempts to save us.  When Jesus returns again from Heaven our "renewed" bodies will be reunited with our soul.  The saved will spend eternity in Heaven where God lives and where there is no more sin, tears, pain, death, etc.  Those who have actively or passively rejected Jesus will spend eternity separated from God in a place the Bible calls Hell. (John 3:16, 14:17, Rom. 6:23, 8:17-18, 1 Cor. 2:7-9, Rev. 20:15, 21:1-8) 

ABOUT MARRIAGE & GENDER: In Genesis 1, God created humans both male and female. This reality is unchanging and decided at conception. The Word is clear that there is no biblical basis for a gender identity that departs from biological sex. God created marriage between one man and one woman, and within that covenant is the only place where sex is permitted and encouraged. As with all things that God created as good and pure, these truths have been corrupted and deeply confused within our culture. Our heart is to lovingly walk alongside people in their struggles, while we uphold Biblical truth without compromise. (Gen 1:26-27, Matt 19:4-6, Gen 2:24, 1 Cor 7:1-5, Eph 5:31, Rom 1:24-27, Lev 18, 1 Thess 4:3-8)

ABOUT THE SANCTITY OF LIFE : God is the author of life, and therefore every human being has value and dignity - no matter their age, location, or sentience. The Bible is clear that we are all image bearers of God and that life begins at conception; therefore, we believe that abortion is never the answer. We are called to value the life of the mother and the child equally, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy. God’s heart and our heart toward those who’ve chosen abortion in the past is one of forgiveness, love, and redemption -  not one of shame. We are passionate supporters of ministries that empower women in crisis to choose life, and ministries that care for women as they grieve past abortions or miscarriages. (Gen 1:27, Psalm 139:13-16, Isaiah 49:1, Deut 5:17, Matt 5:21)

OUR VALUES

Jesus Is Our Message - (Jesus People) The Bible is central and the central message of the Bible is that Jesus is the hope of the world!  Our message is everything.  We are Jesus people, not religious people.  Methods will come and go but our commitment to Jesus and the gospel will remain the same.

Passion Is Our Pursuit - (On Fire) Passion defined Jesus.  He didn’t hold back but obediently gave everything he had for the sake of others.  Likewise, from our life to our worship and service, we want to do it with Holy Spirit energy & obedience.  Passion for Jesus.  Passion for people.  Passion for His church.

Outreach Is Our Priority  (Outwardly Focused) Jesus moved Heaven and earth to reach us with his love.  His last command becomes our first concern.  This means we will do whatever it takes to reach those far away from God.

Faith Is Our Identity (Faith Filled) Without faith it is impossible to please God.  We believe that God is honored with big thinking and bold moves that keep us dependent on Him.  We are grateful for what God has done in the past but will continue to trust Him for even greater things in the future.

Generosity Is Our Privilege (Irrationally Generous) The heart of God is generous.  Generosity is how we should respond to all God has given us.  Therefore, we will lead the way by giving more than is required because we are more blessed when we give than when we receive.  

The Next Generation Is Our Investment  (All In Next Gen) Jesus loves kids!  It is our privilege and mandate to empower the next generation for a win.  We are committed as a church to invest significant time, energy and resources to see the youngest and most vulnerable raised up to be champions for Jesus!

Growth Is Our Expectation (Intentionally Connected)Everyone has a next step with Jesus!  We are continually taking our next step toward spiritual growth and believe that we grow best with the help of others in small groups.  The more steps you take the more progress you will make!

Excellence Is Our Spirit (Making things better) God is excellent!  We will continually have a spirit of making things better and trying new things.  

From the parking lot to the platform every ministry is important and worthy of bringing our best.  

Servant Leadership Is Our Calling  (Contributors not consumers) Jesus is a servant leader.  Likewise, we are called to be more than volunteers.  Servant leaders don’t just put in their time and leave but are determined to raise the bar and inspire those who follow.  Volunteers do good things but Servant Leaders change the world!

Unity Is Our Responsibility  God loves unity.  Unity isn’t a given but a duty of every believer to promote & protect.  In public, we commit to be raving fans of our church and in private, we commit to work out our differences with only the people involved.  Even if we disagree, we agree to disagree agreeably because ultimately people and the reputation of Jesus are at stake.

FAQS ABOUT PASTOR DAN’S RETIREMENT

Why is Pastor Dan retiring now?

After praying and seeking counsel about the timing of retirement for almost 2 years, Melody and I feel that retiring when the church is stable and healthy ensures the strongest transition possible.  Rather than waiting for difficult circumstances or a decline in my health to begin a transition I want to actively help the church when things are good.

When is Pastor Dan and Melody’s last Sunday?

May 31st, 2026.

What will Pastor Dan be doing next?

That is a great question.  As of right now I honestly don't know.  I will still need to work, so we appreciate your prayers as I seek the Lord about what work I will do after FCC.  

Will the Atwood’s be moving out of the area?

Of course with grandbabies in GA, we know people are wondering.  We do not have immediate plans to move, but will make decisions as a family if and when that time comes.

Will Pastor Dan and Melody still be a part of FCC?

FCC has been our family for almost 27 years so our hearts ache at the thought of leaving, but it will be important that your new pastor is able to freely lead. Oftentimes having the former pastor still present makes that transition difficult.  We will have to wait and see what will ultimately be best for the church. 

What will be the process of finding a new pastor?

Our elders and staff will work together to discern the qualifications and qualities we will be looking for in a new pastor as well as coming up with a job description.  We will be working with our EFCA District leaders to find candidates as well as contacting a variety of seminaries.  Then we will form a search committee who will vet candidates and conduct interviews.  When they narrow down the search to one strong candidate, they will invite them to visit.  If that process is positive, and the congregation votes in the affirmative,  then the elders will extend a call to the future pastor to come and begin their ministry.

Who do I speak to if I still have questions?

Melody and/or I would be happy to talk through your questions or concerns.  Feel free to catch us at church or if you need more time let us know, and we'll set up a time to meet. If people are asking you questions, please direct them to this FAQ and encourage them to talk with us.  We are here to walk through this process with all of you. 

What should I be doing in this season?

First, pray.  Start praying now for the pastor and his family that God is preparing for FCC.  Pray for wisdom for our Elders and Staff as they help lead this transition.  Second, love one another.  Check on people you haven’t seen for a while.  Care for each other in life’s challenges.  Third, lean in.   Attend, serve, give.  Resist the temptation to coast or drift.  You are the body of Christ, and He calls you to love and serve His church.