“You don’t stumble upon great Christian community; you create it.”

This is a common statement around First Christian Church because we truly believe that connecting with a small group is essential to building healthy, lasting relationships with other believers. These relationships help create the God-designed environment of connection and care that we all need.

Creating great Christian community requires the personal investment of consistent connection. That is how Life Groups become communities of care where people can grow in their faith and walk through life together.

Life Groups are sermon-based, campus-specific small groups of approximately 6–12 people. They meet weekly in participants’ homes to build relationships, study God’s Word, and pray for one another.

Mike and Debbie Mather have led a Life Group for the past eight years. Mike describes a Life Group as “Sunday school on steroids.”

“The Life Group structure creates a hard-to-find opportunity to develop deep and meaningful relationships and community,” Mike explained. “Like other godly pursuits, the more you put into your Life Group, the more you benefit. Our Life Group truly enriches our lives.”

Debbie agrees. “We’ve been blessed by the friendships we have developed over the years, and we have enjoyed sharing our Christian journey through life’s many praises and prayers. It is good to have brothers and sisters to walk through life with!”

Linda Crump is one of the group’s faithful members.
“Jimmy and I have been part of the Mathers’ Life Group for several years. We are so blessed to have these people in our lives and to be part of this group. Mike and Debbie are wonderful leaders who truly love the Lord and want all of us to remain focused on His Word and grow together in our faith. We can be open and honest about our struggles without feeling judged. Being part of this group has also helped us feel more connected to our church.”

Kristie Wilhoit also shared about their group, "Our life group is important to us to navigate daily Christian life with other believers in an otherwise dark world. We love the fellowship and the prayers and support we receive."

Are you ready to take your next step toward deeper connection at FCC? Let us know through the Connect Card you receive each Sunday or complete the card in the FCC app. Once we hear from you, Life Groups Director Chris Oaks or your campus pastor will contact you and help you find the right group.

If you are seriously dating or engaged, sign up for the next 8-week session of Merge, beginning Mon, Aug 31.

Merge is our pre-married ministry for engaged and seriously dating couples. The 8-week class is designed to give couples a unique opportunity to learn, seek wisdom, and receive Biblical counsel on marriage in a safe, fun, challenging, and authentic small-group environment. Merge is open to the community and is a requirement for any couple wishing to have a First Christian Church Pastor officiate their wedding.

Sign up today

Three campuses. One church family.
On July 18, families from all three FCC campuses gathered at Tusculum Park for a summer FXP filled with food, fun, and plenty of time together. Kids played, parents caught up, grandparents enjoyed time with their grandkids, new friendships were made, and old ones were rekindled.

But sometimes, it’s the simple moments that remind us what church family is really about.
For Nathan and Amelie, FXPs have become a familiar part of their family’s life. They have attended almost every FXP at FCC since their son, Curtis, was just a newborn. This time, something special happened: Curtis, now 19 months old, was running around and chasing a ball with his friend Michael, who is also almost 2.

These two little boys had been coming to FXPs since they were babies. Now, they were playing together as toddlers while their parents chatted with other parents nearby—a sweet picture of friendships that are growing right alongside their children.

For Lindsay Allen and her family, the day was also an opportunity to connect with friends from across FCC. Her daughters were running a lemonade stand to support the Isaiah House, and church friends from different campuses stopped by to support them.

“We loved getting to see our friends from other campuses and catch up. The girls were taking part in a lemonade stand for the Isaiah House that day, and so many church friends came over to support them as part of their time together—it meant so much to all of us to share that with them! It’s always a joy to catch up with our entire church family and even better on a sunny summer Saturday.”

For Bobby and Kymberly Jones, the Tusculum FXP was their first time attending one of these events. “The food was good, and we all met new FCC friends. We had a great time, “Kymberly explained. The Jones’ brought two grandsons and two of their friends—and apparently made enough memories that the kids are already looking forward to the next one.

That’s the beauty of FXP. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it looks like two toddlers chasing a ball. Sometimes it’s a lemonade stand supported by church friends. Sometimes it’s grandparents bringing their grandkids to an event for the first time.
It’s simply the FCC family coming together, sharing life, and making memories across generations and campuses.

And on a sunny Saturday at Tusculum Park, that was more than enough.

In early July, about 40 of our high-school students at First Christian Church loaded up and traveled all the way down to Panama City Beach, Florida, for Reformed Youth Ministries (RYM) summer camp. Centered around the theme "Further Along," the week paired plenty of sunny beach downtime with rich, biblically rooted teaching on sanctification—helping our students understand how God grows us day by day.

The teaching made a real impression. Our students engaged deeply with the sessions, walking away with a much clearer grasp of sanctification and expressing specific, personal ways they want to keep growing now that they’re back home. Our very own Travis Chapman taught one of the electives, which our students enjoyed greatly!

As the new Student Director, the trip was an incredible opportunity to connect with the students on a deeper level—spending quality time chatting with students, building relationships, and getting to know the unique heart of our youth group. I was so encouraged by the culture Travis has built for our youth group at FCC!

Thanks so much to all those who made it possible! Thank you for placing your trust in us to bring your kids all the way down to Florida. We don't take that trust for granted! We also could not do this without our wonderful volunteer team, who poured so much energy into making the week safe, smooth, and fun. And our students represented our church so well. Their engagement, heart, and energy truly outshined every other group there!

Also, a completely random, fun item to add to this story:

On the way home from Florida, the group drove through Dothan, Alabama, where Rick Mearns ’ 92-year-old father lives and was celebrating his birthday. His dad has been in poor health for several years. The entire group stopped by Rick’s parents’ home and sang for his dad through the window. As you can see from the pictures, he was very surprised that a bunch of students would take the time out to sing him Happy Birthday. Rick said, “It will also be one of my favorite memories of being a Small Group Leader with 180! My dad said that 5-minute stop was one of the best things that he saw all year!”

Here are just a few reflections from the trip from those who were in attendance:

“One big way I saw God working at RYM was bringing our group together as a whole. It was very encouraging to see fellow students growing and leading in vulnerability and to see a desire, as a group, to serve God.” – Student Kendall Baughman

“The in depth sessions like apologetics, grief and suffering were very helpful. I really liked how RYM did the separate classes because there are things that aren’t covered in most sermons that are important to a strong Christian life. This opportunity also allowed me to meet people outside of my group and hear other views and insight into the difficult topics.” – Student Gideon Hodge

"As a leader on the trip, one of the things that stood out the most to me was seeing the attention the students gave to the speakers of the breakout sessions. I was also impressed with the spiritual maturity level of the questions and answers they had during large group time.” – Leader Rick Mearns

We are bringing the whole Next Gen family together for one last splash of summer!

FCC Kids, Students, Young Adults, and their families are invited to join us at Wetlands Water Park in Jonesborough on Sunday, August 30, from 3:00–5:30 p.m. Come enjoy the water, connect with others from across Next Gen, and spend a fun afternoon together.
The cost is just $10 per family. Whether your family is involved in Kids Ministry, 180 Students, Pillar Young Adults—or several of them—we would love for you to join us!

When: Sunday, August 30. 3:00–5:30 p.m.
Where: Wetlands Water Park, Jonesborough
Cost: $10 per family
Register your family and make plans to join us! Just one registration per family.

When John and Sharon Harris walked into re|engage in January, they didn’t know if they needed or even wanted to enroll in a marriage class. After all, they’d been married for nearly 50 years! But they were open to whatever God wanted to show them, and by the end they clearly saw that, as always, He had good things planned for them.

“In our 50 years of marriage, we’d never done something like this before,” Sharon told me, and both agreed that it was a very beneficial experience. One of the blessings was being part of a small group with other couples who were on the same learning journey. Hearing others share honestly had a healing effect on them because it made them realize they weren’t alone in their struggles. And then listening to testimonies of how God worked to restore other marriages brought hope. John said they never wanted to miss a week because they couldn’t wait to see what God was going to show them!

Their small group leaders, Daniel and Meredith Shrader, attested to this. “John and Sharon were an encouragement and a reminder that no matter how long someone has been married, God continues to have work to do, to draw them closer to Him and to each other. John and Sharon’s vulnerability and commitment to grow together was encouraging. They faithfully engaged with the curriculum and the Word of God and persevered, even when things got hard, to continually move toward God and each other.”

So I was curious. Of all the lessons, which one made the biggest impact? Hands down, it was the lesson on communication, they both told me, because they learned a new roadmap for how to replace unhealthy communication patterns with healthy ones. John’s tendency is to withdraw and avoid whenever he and Sharon aren’t communicating well, but now he has begun to pause before reacting and to really listen to Sharon; to be more attentive so he can understand her. He said this has helped him not be so quick to anger but instead to be more gracious and understanding. Sharon said she tends to negatively interpret, but now she has begun to stop, listen, ask questions, and see things more accurately; to assume the best of John instead of looking for the worst. Additionally, rather than giving in to the temptation to shut down, they are both learning to share and understand what the other is feeling and thinking. A big change in perspective has also been realizing that they can’t change the other person. Only God can do that. So their focus now is on trusting God to work on their spouse while they, through the power of the Holy Spirit, treat the other as God, through His Word, asks of them. This trust and obedience, in turn, positively impacts their marriage.

At the end of re|engage, couples are always asked to commit to a next step in order to continue to press on toward growing in their love for God and each other. For John and Sharon, their next step is re:generation, FCC’s main discipleship ministry (fccgreene.org/regen). In their season of life, it’d be tempting to coast, but their commitment to grow in godliness reminds me of Philippians 3:14 (NLT), “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”  Thank you, John and Sharon, for your example of pressing on till the day you receive that prize!

Our students have had a great summer 2026! From Student Life and RYM Camps to the student-led summer Bible Studies, God doesn’t stop working in the lives of our students, even during the summer!

But on Wed, Aug 5, 6-8:30p, we kick off our 180 Student Ministry fall season with a “Back to School Bash.
All 6th-12th graders are invited to take part in this fun night. Meet at 6p at the Greeneville Campus front parking lot and come wearing clothes that can get messy and wet. It’s going to be a blast!  

As FCC prepares to launch another semester of re:gen, we also pause to celebrate those who have completed this 10-month journey of Bible-based, gospel-centered discipleship. This session that began last August saw around 40 participants "commence" from the program—a word we intentionally use instead of "graduate."

Why commencement? Because re:gen is not about completing the Christian life; it's about beginning a lifelong pursuit of walking in freedom through Christ. Participants leave equipped with biblical tools to continue addressing sin struggles, healing from past wounds, and growing in their identity in Christ through the transforming power of God's grace.

Re:Gen is a Christ-centered discipleship and recovery ministry built around twelve biblical steps that guide participants through recognizing their need for God's grace, receiving His forgiveness, responding in obedience, and continuing a life of spiritual growth. Through honest self-examination, confession, repentance, forgiveness, and authentic community, men and women discover that the gospel truly speaks to every area of life.

Although many assume re:gen is only for those battling addiction, it is designed for every adult who desires deeper freedom in Christ. Whether someone struggles with fear, anxiety, anger, shame, grief, pornography, codependency, depression, abuse, broken relationships, or simply longs to grow spiritually, re:gen provides a safe place to experience God's healing through biblical truth and authentic community.

One recent participant, Brayden Gebauer, shared how God used re:gen to transform his life:
"The top three things I took away from re:gen were studying Scripture and learning what God says about fighting sin, the vulnerability and freedom that came from sharing honestly in a small group of brothers in Christ, and the lifelong friendships that were formed. Those friendships continue to encourage me, build me up, and point me toward Christ."

Ashleigh Reaves also shared how God used re:gen to bring healing, freedom, and transformation in her life:
"Re:gen means never being the same. I am not who I was last August when I first started re:gen. It has meant allowing God to take the very hard things that I have carried and learning how to truly give them over to Him.

God has used re;:gen not only to help me identify my own struggles, but also to allow me to hear and understand the struggles of others. He has used it to help me become more vulnerable with my struggles, become a better listener, and remind me that I am not alone.
I have learned that healing is not linear. God is greater than any struggle I have ever had. I have a strong group of women in my life serving in roles such as mentors, coaches, leaders, and fellow small group members who want to walk alongside me. I am not alone.
Re:gen has taught me how to take an honest inventory of my life so that when sin is present, I can identify the root idol that is not Jesus, ask for forgiveness, and create a plan so that the next time I can recognize it and respond differently.
I am also excited to return this fall as an apprentice and continue walking alongside others as they experience the freedom found in Christ."

Stories like Brayden's and Ashleigh's are why First Christian Church is so passionate about re:gen. Over the years, participants have experienced freedom from destructive patterns, healing from past hurts, restored relationships, renewed spiritual disciplines, and a deeper understanding of God's grace. Just as importantly, re:gen has helped cultivate a church culture where vulnerability is welcomed, grace is extended, and people are encouraged to pursue Christ together.

Re:gen meets every Monday evening at our Greeneville campus. Each gathering includes worship, biblical teaching or testimony, and gender-specific small groups where participants can grow in honesty, accountability, and hope. Childcare is available, making it easier for families to participate.

If you've ever wondered whether re:gen is for you, the answer is simple: if you're human, it's worth exploring. None of us have arrived. We all have room to grow, and through the power of the gospel, God continues to change lives. Whether you're carrying a visible struggle or simply desire a deeper walk with Christ, re:gen offers a place to find hope, healing, and lasting freedom.

Update on La Barca Church – Bogotá, Colombia
La Barca is the church FCC helped plant two years ago. Since then, we have had the privilege of ordaining their pastor and providing ongoing financial support. The church also uses many of FCC’s ministry resources, including our FCC Kids Ministry curriculum, which Michael Schubert faithfully produces each week and is translated into Spanish for their congregation.

Their women's ministry continues to grow as more women find a place for fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth.

In March, La Barca launched its first discipleship class, with approximately 12 people participating. The class teaches foundational Bible doctrine and helps new believers understand how the church functions and how they can grow in their faith.

In May, the church was able to purchase a television for use during worship services and sermons, enhancing their ability to share teaching and worship with the congregation.
June marked another exciting milestone as La Barca hosted its very first Vacation Bible School. At the end of the week, parents were invited to attend a special program where the children shared what they had learned. The church is praying that the relationships built through VBS will encourage new families to attend worship services and ultimately respond to the Gospel.

Each month, La Barca publishes a newsletter featuring a section called "Intentional Care," highlighting ways the church is meeting practical needs in their community. In June, they shared the story of Dolanny, a single mother caring for her son, Defy, who was born with a clubfoot and requires ongoing medical treatment.

One of the family's greatest challenges is navigating Colombia's healthcare system. Medical procedures and approvals are often delayed, and Dolanny has repeatedly had to pursue legal action to ensure her son receives the care and specialized equipment he needs. Because she does not have a stable monthly income, providing for Defy's medical needs is especially difficult. In response, La Barca organized a special offering to help meet some of those expenses, demonstrating Christ's love through tangible acts of compassion.

La Barca also continues to partner with and support ministries throughout Colombia, including:

• La Guajira: Strengthening village churches and ministering to indigenous families.
• María Paz District (Bogotá): Partnering with a local church to conduct a "Love Brigade" in one of Bogotá's poorest and most dangerous communities. Volunteers provide food, clothing, showers, hygiene supplies, and, most importantly, share the hope of the Gospel.
• Panamá District (about two hours from Bogotá): Serving underprivileged families by distributing food, clothing, and medical supplies while also leading Bible studies.
• La Barca continues to faithfully serve its community while expanding the reach of the Gospel throughout Colombia. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with them and look forward to seeing how God continues to work through this growing ministry.
• For additional information, visit the ministry update here:

https://public.3.basecamp.com/p/3fXHJRWqexfV5KArshdm1Ymf/vault

FCC Kids Summer Camps: Growing Faith, Building Relationships, and Raising Up Disciples
This June, FCC Kids launched its very first Elementary Summer Camp, and it was a week filled with laughter, friendship, adventure, and life-changing conversations about Jesus. Held at Longview, the camp brought together elementary students and 180 Student Leaders (high school students) who played a vital role in making the week a success.

Our Student Leaders didn’t just help run activities—they invested in the lives of younger students. They planned games, led small groups, encouraged conversations, and demonstrated what it looks like to serve others with joy, intentionality, and love.

For the campers, the week was unforgettable. Ella Sutton shared, “I loved Longview. I had so much fun. I enjoyed swimming in the pond and learning about God. The food was really good. I can’t wait to go again next year.”
Finn McCoy agreed, saying, “Gaga Ball was my favorite activity. It was especially fun in the rain! Camp had great things to do.” His brother, Ellis, also loved the experience. “Mr. Michael made learning about God easy. He showed up each time to teach us the truth.”

David Bowlin, who will transition into leading the Youth Group in 2026-2027 as Travis Chapman moves into the role of West Greene Campus Pastor, reflected on the impact of seeing students serve younger children:

“While I wasn't intimately involved in the elementary camp, as an emerging Next Gen. Director, it was such a joy and encouragement to watch our student leadership team pour into our kids. They did so with intentionality, care, and love. They knew the mission mattered, and they gave 100% to investing in these kids. I praise God that our church is building up young disciple makers!”

Middle School Camp: Rooted in the Gospel
The same week, Middle School Summer Camp took place at Longview, bringing together both veteran middle school students and a number of rising sixth graders. It was a joy to watch these incoming students step into the group and connect so naturally with their new peers.

For David Bowlin, the week was especially meaningful as he built relationships with the incoming middle school students. Those relationships were centered around the Gospel as students studied the biblical story of creation, the fall, redemption, and final restoration. Through this framework, students were given opportunities to see the beauty of God’s plan and the incredible truth of what Jesus has done for us.

“The relational growth was built around the Gospel,” David shared. “The Longview interns led us through a study on the biblical progression from creation, the fall, redemption, and the final consummation. This framework gave us a great many opportunities to engage these students with the glorious truth of what Jesus has done for us!”

The students themselves had plenty to say about their week. Parker Sutton said, “I loved tubing, the lake, and Angle Ball. I enjoyed the way they told the Bible stories. They explained them so well. It was a fun week with friends learning about God.”

Liam McCoy also appreciated the friendships he formed. “I was able to make new friends at camp. Having Bible study with them helped us to be closer. I felt comfortable talking to everyone in my youth group.”

Liam’s twin sister, Lottie, had her own favorite moments. “Everyone was so nice to me at camp. My friends and I laughed the entire time we were together. I also really enjoyed serving with the student leadership girls one afternoon.”

From elementary students discovering the joy of camp for the first time to middle school students growing deeper in their faith and friendships, these weeks at Longview were a beautiful picture of the church family investing in one another. We are grateful for the leaders, volunteers, interns, and students who made these camps possible—and we are excited to see how God continues to grow the next generation of disciples!