My family has been attending a newer church in Johnson City, TN. We also attend a closer one part of the time as well. A family member told us that
Grace Advance was going to be having a pastor come to Johnson City. This was interesting and exciting news! The closest churches with pastors trained at the Master's Seminary were much too far away to visit.
The name of the church is
Immanuel Bible Church, and it's meeting at a business / warehouse type of place. It's really growing already, and we really could use a larger room to meet in!
It is really neat to have a church where the Bible is not only taught well, but the Pastor is interested in following the Biblical standards for churches it seems. You might be surprised how rare that is in an area where so many people go to church. There are lots of churches here in the old South, that's for sure. There are Southern Baptists, Independent Baptists, Freewill Baptists, United Methodists, Church of God churches, Church of Christ churches, Lutherans, Seventh Day Adventists, etc.
People often use these churches as places to get their social life, because that's what's accepted here in Tenessee.
You will find people that are right on politics and social issues. Doctrine is a little less well taught, and people love to accept popular teachers that do not teach Biblically. Obviously this problem isn't just found here in Tennessee. There is plenty of that to be found in California as well. I'm not saying that there is no good teaching at all to be had. When you see all the compromise on the sidelines and up front at some of these places, it makes it very difficult to feel you belong. I do not advocate not going to church though! People need to be around other believers if at all possible. It's good to be a light and encourage people in positive ways if possible. It is hard to get involved when to do so seems to mean compromise. That doesn't mean that I shouldn't love brothers and sisters in Christ.
I'm pleased that we have a new church family to add as well, and I hope that I will get a chance to get to know some of them. The pastor's family are very nice, and if you are looking for a church with solid doctrine and a caring pastor anywhere near Johnson City, you might want to visit and see if this could be your new church home.
You can listen to some messages online already and find a bit more info. about the church at the following link:
http://ibcjohnsoncity.org/
You can also watch this video about Grace Advance:
.
