Clay Church Firehouse Campus, 17646 Cleveland Rd, South Bend, IN 46635, US

About WELCOME TO FIRSTCHURCHTogether, we're striving to become the kind of church described in the Bible -- a church with relevant teaching, heart-felt worship, honest friendships, constant prayer, and compassionate care for those in need. In short, we'd like to have the kind of contagious Christianity that can influence and encourage the entire community, one life at a time.So whether you're a spiritual seeker who's just starting to ask questions about God, or a committed Christian who wants to sink the roots of your faith even deeper, you can find a home here at First Church.OUR STORYFirst Church has been a miracle in progress for the past 35 years. The church began in a person's house who wished to have an assembly in this area which was balanced in pursuit of Spirit and in Truth. It quickly advanced to meeting at a local community center and found its first building in central Pearland. Several years ago, First Church relocated to its present location. The senior pastoral roles have been shared by Elroy Johnson, Barclay Barnett and presently, Ken Gurley. Together, these three ministries have spanned the church's life in Pearland.The First Church is apostolic in its method, meaning that it seeks to build individuals who will in turn build churches in other areas. Numerous churches have emerged at home and overseas from First Church.OUR VISIONOur vision is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ by creating environments where people are encouraged and equipped to pursue intimacy with God, community with insiders, and influence with outsiders.First Church reaches young children, teenagers, and adults by the power of prayer and evangelism, reaching out to mend and to restore broken families. The church is always sensitive about the needs of those in our areas, and we believe that a vision of soul winning is the heartbeat of God and we must share that same heartbeat. We realize that once we reach someone with the saving power of Jesus Christ and their spiritual needs are met, they will no longer face a life of heartache and destruction, but they will look forward to a life of hope and opportunity. WHAT WE BELIEVEFirst Church is a Bible-based church. We're Bible-based in that we seek to base all of our beliefs and our lifestyle on explicit passages of the Bible or on biblical principles. Based on Scripture, we believe the following...ABOUT THE BIBLEThe Bible is the infallible Word of God and the authority for salvation and Christian living (2 Timothy 3: 15-17).ABOUT GODThere is one God, who has revealed Himself as our Father, in His Son Jesus Christ, and as the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is God manifested in flesh. He is both God and man (Deuteronomy 6: 4; Ephesians 4: 4-6; Colossians 2: 9; 1 Timothy 3: 16).ABOUT SIN AND SALVATIONEveryone has sinned and needs salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Romans 3: 23-25; 6: 23; Ephesians 2: 8-9).ABOUT THE GOSPELThe saving gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. We obey the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1: 8; 1 Peter 4: 17) by repentance (death to sin), water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (burial), and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (resurrection) (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4; Acts 2: 4, 37-39; Romans 6: 3-4).ABOUT CHRISTIAN LIVINGAs Christians, we are to love God and others. We should live a holy life inwardly and outwardly, and worship God joyfully. The supernatural gifts of the Spirit, including healing, are for the church today (Mark 12: 28-31; 2 Corinthians 7: 1; Hebrews 12: 14; 1 Corinthians 12: 8-10).ABOUT THE FUTUREJesus Christ is coming again to catch away His church. In the end will be the final resurrection and the final judgment. The righteous will inherit eternal life, and the unrighteous eternal death (1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17; Revelation 20: 11 15).