ABOUT US

WE ARE A GROUP OF DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS, PASSIONATE ABOUT SERVING THE LORD.

We believe the Holy Spirit draws men, women, and children to Christ and equips believers for personal growth and service to the church. The church’s role is to glorify God and serve those in need.

 

 

OUR AWESOME STAFF

GET TO KNOW OUR STAFF

Brian Layman

Senior Pastor

Joanne Turner

Church Administrator

Chris Fluitt

Worship Director

Katie Wallace

Family Ministry Director

 

Sarah Fluitt

Worship Assistant

Becca Garrett

Children's Ministry Assistant

 

Bailey Henderson

Nursery Attendant

Josh Paroski

Audio Video Coordinator

 

Kendall Henderson

Nursery Attendant

OUR BELIEFS

JESUS IS LORD

We confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world. In Christ’s name and by his grace we accept our mission of witness and service to all people. (John 3:16, Romans 10:9)

EQUALITY

We belive that all people are equal before God in their personhood, and there are no gender-based limitations of what functions or roles each can fulfill in the home, the church, and society. (Galatians 3:26-28)

THE BIBLE

We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God, and are authoritative for the faith and practice believers. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Hebrews 4:12)

CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

We believe in Christian fellowship, where we celebrate a shared life with Jesus, contribute to the needs of others in Christ, and unite in worship and commitment to the Lord.  Fellowship is essential for spiritual growth.  It fosters hope, trust, selflessness, faith, lifelong friendships, unconditional love and patience.  (Hebrews 10:24-25)

LEADERSHIP

We believe the church elders are called to provide spiritual oversight and direction for the church.  By seeking the mind of Christ, relying upon the Holy Spirit, and diligently reading Scripture, they help other people become followers of Jesus Christ. (1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9, Acts 6:1-6)

COMMUNION

We hold Communion to be central in our worship experience and invite all people to participate in the weekly celebration of the Lord's Supper. (1 Corinthians 11:23-29)

BAPTISM

We believe in Baptism and practice it by immersion, while recognizing the validity of other forms. (Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 6:3-7)

DIVERSITY OF CONVICTION

We believe in the Integrity of each individual before God and allow for diversity of conviction and opinion. (John1:12, 3:16, 14:6, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:8-10)

 

OUR HISTORY

1. In 1841 members of the McKinney family started "The Christian Church" on the landing at Red River.

2. The community relocated in 1846 and formally organized the Mantua Church.

3. Our first log church house was erected in 1850.

4. As the church grew, new sanctuaries had to be built in 1854 and 1871.

5. In 1891, when the railroad came to Van Alstyne, the Mantua community relocated and changed the name to First Christian Church of Van Alstyne.

6. In 1914 the congregation built their first brick church in downtown VA.

7. The church constructed the Motley Building in 2002, including a gymnasium, kitchen, and staff offices.

8. Brian Layman was called as Senior Pastor in 2022.