H7 Story: A Simple Invitation
A simple invite. Sometimes, it’s all it takes to change the course of a life. Rance Tipton invited his friend Rio Little to FCC. Rio remembers it vividly: late spring of 2023. “At the time, I believed in the Lord,” Rio said, “but I really didn't know Jesus personally—until Rance invited me to FCC 180 Youth Ministry.”
When Rio outgrew the youth program, he transitioned into Pillar, where leaders like David Bowlin and the church community played a pivotal role in his spiritual growth. “Whether it was attending FCC Pillar, joining a small group, or receiving wise counsel… I have come to personally know the unconditional love of a living and active Savior, Jesus Christ.”
But the story doesn’t end there. Inspired by Rance, Rio extended the same invitation to another friend, Nehemiah Storey. Nehemiah, a sophomore at Tusculum, hadn’t been involved in a church since moving to campus. “Through their consistent encouragement, I eventually visited,” he shared. David Bowlin’s persistent outreach led to meaningful conversations about Next Steps and membership. “Because Rance and Rio kept inviting me to worship, I now have a church community that’s central to my life. From Pillar to Merge, and opportunities to serve, FCC has helped me grow in my faith more than I ever imagined this past year.”
So… what about you? When was the last time you extended a simple invite to someone—and left the rest in God’s hands?
When Rio outgrew the youth program, he transitioned into Pillar, where leaders like David Bowlin and the church community played a pivotal role in his spiritual growth. “Whether it was attending FCC Pillar, joining a small group, or receiving wise counsel… I have come to personally know the unconditional love of a living and active Savior, Jesus Christ.”
But the story doesn’t end there. Inspired by Rance, Rio extended the same invitation to another friend, Nehemiah Storey. Nehemiah, a sophomore at Tusculum, hadn’t been involved in a church since moving to campus. “Through their consistent encouragement, I eventually visited,” he shared. David Bowlin’s persistent outreach led to meaningful conversations about Next Steps and membership. “Because Rance and Rio kept inviting me to worship, I now have a church community that’s central to my life. From Pillar to Merge, and opportunities to serve, FCC has helped me grow in my faith more than I ever imagined this past year.”
So… what about you? When was the last time you extended a simple invite to someone—and left the rest in God’s hands?
