Pastor's Greeting

I take great pleasure in welcoming you and sharing with you my thoughts of what it takes to be a good church member. I thank God for you because I believe that everyone who commits him or herself to be a member of the church has something to offer. When I think about the good church member I think about the following:

• Supportive

• Willing to work

• Seeks direction concerning the vision

• Opens themselves up to the things already in place

• Volunteers

• Pulls their share of the load

• Believes in themselves and feels strongly they can make a difference in the kingdom of God

• Avoids disputes - peacemaker

• Communicates to the pastor or leader

• Shares so that others can be blessed

• Maintains a winner's attitude

These are just a few of the most important things to me as a pastor. I too work hard to be a good church member and to set an example. My desire is to see you grow in God. While praying for others, I want you never to forget that you too have a soul that needs to be saved.God bless you, and I look forward to your spiritual progress.

OUR PASTOR

John S. Cowart was born in Miami Beach Fl. He attended public schools in Dade County. In 1973 he pursued higher education at the University of Florida where he received his bachelors and masters degrees. In 1976 he gave his life to the Lord and became a member of the University of Florida Prayer Group. This same prayer group transitioned into what is now Abiding Faith Christian Church where he currently serves as Senior Pastor. Pastor Cowart is happily married to Jannette Cowart and They have 3 children, John Jr., Jalanna, and Jabrianna. He is now the former Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at Santa Fe College. He enjoys meeting people, preaching in the prisons, working in foreign missions, traveling, and cooking.

OUR LEADERSHIP

Click a picture to get to know them!

WHAT IS MINISTRY?

MINISTRY - The act of serving. To give help. The continued work of Jesus Christ through the effectual moving of the Holy Spirit.

HOW DOES MINISTRY WORK? Through REACHING, TEACHING, & WITNESSING.

We are not saved from our sin for our own benefits. Because God desires that every person hear the gospel and receive salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, we are to join Him in His work of reconciling the lost world to Himself

SOME WAYS THIS CAN BE DONE:

• Praying for others

• Communicating, discovering and meeting of needs (Homeless shelters, Feeding the hungry, visiting with others, sharing through words of encouragement, letters, cards)

• Fasting (go without a meal or a food item as a sacrifice to God) so that you or others will receive a healing or deliverance from a particular problem.

Our Commission:

• GO - Move out from where we are

• PROCLAIM - Share our testimonies with enthusiasm and excitement

• ASSIMILATE (incorporate what you've learned from church) - Be friendly, kind, pray with others, lend a helping hand

• DISCIPLE (A follower) - Someone else will want to have what you have

Every person's hurt becomes somebody's responsibility. No one is overlooked. We must go beyond our comfort zones to extend help to others. THAT IS MINISTRY.

It is a commission, not an option that we reach out to others. Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. ~ Mark 16:15

WHAT WE BELIEVE

We believe in one God who eternally exists in three persons: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

We believe that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary.

We believe that He was crucified, dead and buried.

We believe that Jesus Christ expiated (made atonement) for our sins by His dying and resurrection. All we have to do is confess Him as our Savior and repent of our sins.

We believe that it is by grace and faith, and not by our works, that we are saved.

We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells believers' hearts.

We believe that the Holy Spirit of God: continues the ministry of Jesus Christ, reveals truth and righteousness, unfolds the will of God, glorifies the Son of God, and manifests the gifts of the Spirit through those born of God.

We believe that all scripture is inspired by God and that it was written as Holy men of God were moved by the Spirit of God.

We believe in living Holy, for it is written, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1)

We believe that it is necessary to seek God's guidance daily for: the wisdom of God shows all earthly wisdom as foolishness; Godly wisdom is needed in earthly places, the knowledge of God renders all earthly knowledge as useless: All knowledge against God is vanity; and the understanding of God surpasses all earthly understanding. God reveals the true purpose of mankind to believers.

We believe that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

We believe that it is impossible for God to lie and that God does not change, therefore, the same mighty works that God performed through Moses can be done and are done today. Jesus Christ has also spoken saying, "Greater works than these shall ye do because I go unto the Father." (John 14:12)

We believe in the unity of the Body of Christ: We are all brothers and sisters through Him who loved us. We are now the Sons of God.

We believe that God hears and answers a sincere prayer.

We believe that there is no help other than God.

OUR MISSION

We are dedicated to preaching, teaching and living the principles of Jesus Christ, giving hope to those entangled by sin and hardship in our homes, community and foreign missions.

Our Vision

We will...

1)   Maintain intercessory prayer;

2)   Maintain a teaching ministry based on the Word of God;

3)   Work and pray to make this church useful in the world and call men and women to salvation;

4)   Help families to develop their God-given potential; and

5)   Encourage all groups in practical Christian living.

OUR AIMS

• By spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ with love, compassion, and sensitivity to the lost in our soul-winning efforts;

• By expressing the power of God through the ministry of love, faith, preaching, teaching and worship;

• By promoting salvation and unity in the body of Christ;

• By setting a standard of living using the Word of God as our foundation; and

• By training all people in practical Christian living, including fellowship and forgiveness.