Friends in Christ Church will celebrate its official opening on Sunday, October 26, at its meeting place, the former Seasons restaurant on the east side of the Gallatin square.
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Friends in Christ is changing its location. They have been holding services for several years in the home of Shonna and Mark Morrison.
“We formed our own home church after realizing that a number of people in the community who once attended church regularly were not attending anymore,” Mrs. Morrison said.
About three years ago, the Morrisons started to invite people to their own home in Gallatin on Sunday morning to watch church services on television. They were watching video messages telecast by North Point Church in Georgia. The pastor of these sermons is Andy Stanley, an ordained minister. After watching the video, they follow up with a small group discussion.
Though their literature is inspired by North Point, Friends in Christ is non-denominational. To date, the church does not have a formal pastor. Shonna generally leads through the video and announcements.
“We pray for good leadership,” she said. “If God wants us to have a preacher, fine. In the meantime, this works well.”
Between 30-35 people make up the congregation, which includes a large youth group. Parishioners range in age from eight to 65 years old. The church moved from the Morrison home to the Seasons building to accommodate others who may feel as they do.
“We feel like this type of group has really brought about transformation in our lives,” Mrs. Morrison said. “What if other people could also benefit from ‘church for the unchurched?'”
Friends in Christ most appeals to those who are not comfortable in a traditional church setting.
“There are many great churches in Gallatin,” said Mrs. Morrison. “But there’s a population that doesn’t feel comfortable going into a traditional church.”
Friends in Christ differs from traditional church in its mission and vision. It lacks the standard bureaucracy. It utilizes the resources and methodology of small group encounters.
“Our focus is on helping with the life changes that take place when a person chooses to follow Jesus,” Mrs. Morrison said. “The small groups help us do that together.”
Friends in Christ speaks of itself as a comfortable and welcoming place and invites everyone interested to attend their open house on Sunday, October 26.
“There are no outsiders here,” said Mrs. Morrison. “No previous biblical knowledge is necessary. We all learn it together.”