Mission

We exist to live and share the love of Jesus Christ by strengthening our faith, practicing radical generosity, and fostering a vibrant community. We seek to create a welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can encounter God’s love, grow in their faith, and serve others. Together, we are committed to building disciples who are equipped to live out the gospel, serving as lights in our world and spreading the hope and joy of Christ until all are reached; until all are served.

Church History

Faith Temple Church of God in Christ has a legacy rooted in faith and resilience. Founded in 1944 by Elder Joe E. Nelson in a humble barber shop, our church has grown through the vision and dedication of our leaders and members. From the early efforts of Elder Horace Raymond, who helped secure our first church property, to the committed work of volunteers who built our initial church structure, Faith Temple has always embodied the spirit of community and selfless service.

Throughout our journey, the leadership of Elder Leon Whitaker helped revitalize our church, while Rev. Rayford Chimney’s vision solidified our spiritual foundation. Today, under the leadership of Pastor Ray Charles Lewis—fondly known as "the people's pastor"—Faith Temple has transformed into a pillar of support, outreach, and faithfulness in the community. Pastor Lewis has been a guiding force here for over 40 years, known for his steadfast commitment to building not only a church but a community center that serves all. Through his vision, the church has grown from modest beginnings to a thriving campus, including the 13,000 sq. ft. Nehemiah Family Life Center. This center, with a commercial kitchen, gymnasium, computer room, and more, offers programs and activities that uplift families, support youth, and strengthen the community.

Faith Temple also proudly supports Dr. Larry Brown’s Free Health Clinic, a vital initiative that provides much-needed healthcare services to underserved members of our community. Our church remains dedicated to outreach, sponsoring food programs for families in need, hosting events, and serving as a Red Cross shelter during times of crisis. Faith Temple’s story—from a barber shop to a beacon of hope—speaks to God’s grace and our collective commitment to serve until all are reached, until all are served.

“Lord, We’ve Come A Mighty Long Way.”

“Lord, We’ve Come A Mighty Long Way.”

We Believe:

  • There is one God, who eternally exists in three persons: The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal, co-eternal, and distinct from each other, yet one. The doctrine of God's Triune nature is called the Trinity. (I John 5:7; Genesis 1:26; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 3:7-11).

  • Jesus Christ is God the Son, the second person of the Trinity. On earth, Jesus was 100% God and 100% man. He is the only man ever to have lived a sinless life. He was born of a virgin, performed miracles, died on the cross for mankind and thus, atoned for our sins through the shedding of His blood. He rose from the dead three days after He was crucified according to the Scriptures, ascended to the right hand of the Father, and will return again in power and glory. (John 1:1,14, 20:28; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 2:5-6; I Timothy 2:5).

  • The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Holy Trinity who convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; and that He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption. According to the Scriptures, The Holy Spirit comforts us, teaches us, gives gifts to us, reminds us of everything Jesus has spoken, and leads us into all truth (John 14; 16:8–11; 2 Cor. 3:6; 1 Cor.12:12–14; Rom. 8:9; Eph. 5:18).

  • The Holy Bible is the authoritative Word of God. It alone is the final authority in determining all doctrinal truths. In its original writing, it is inspired, infallible and inerrant. (2 Timothy 3:16; II Peter 1:20-21; Proverbs 30:5; Romans 16:25-26).

  • God created Man in His own image and likeness as an upright moral and spiritual being. By voluntary transgression against God’s Word,  Man fell; his only hope of redemption is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Gen 1:26-31, 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-21).

  • The fall of man caused separation between God and all people, rendering man ultimately hopeless and in danger of eternal damnation. God in His love, not wanting anyone to perish, sent Christ into the world. The sacrificial death of Jesus, and His blood shed on the cross, provides the only way of salvation through the forgiveness of sin. Salvation occurs when people place their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as sufficient payment for their sin. Salvation is a gift from God, and it cannot be earned through any self-effort. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ; His death, burial, and resurrection. Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our good works or of any human efforts (Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 2:16, 3:8; Titus 3:5; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 16:31; Hebrews 9:22).

  • Water Baptism: Following faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the new convert is commanded by the Word of God to be baptized in water in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 10:47-48).

    The Lord's Supper: A unique time of communion in the presence of God when the elements of bread and grape juice (the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ) are taken in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross (Matthew 26:26-29; I Corinthians 10:16, 11:23-25).

  • The Church is the local and global community of believers who acknowledge Jesus as their Savior. The Church is not a location, religious institution, or weekly event. The Church is the body of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and made up of born-again believers who carry the divine mission of spreading the Gospel to the whole world.

    Locally, our church gathers every week corporately on Sundays and smaller gatherings during the week to worship, pray, grow through biblical instruction, and to strengthen and serve one another.  (Matthew 16:13-18; Acts 2:42-47; Ephesians 1:22, 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23; John 17:11, 20-23).

  • Jesus Christ will physically and visibly return to earth for the second time to establish His Kingdom. This will occur at a date undisclosed by the Scriptures. After living one life on earth, unbelievers will be judged by God and eternally separated from Him and tormented with the Devil and the Fallen Angels in the lake of fire. Believers will spend eternity with God in a conscious state of bliss thanking Him for all eternity for the victory of overcoming this life; they will enter into eternal blessing (Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:43-48; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 14:9-11, 20:12-15, 21:1-5; Matthew 24:30, 26:63-64; Acts 1:9-11; I Thessalonians 4:15-17; II Thessalonians 1:7-8; Revelation 1:7).

Join us.

Join us.

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