How it all started...
Pastors Stewart and Sheila Farley founded Rhema Christian Center in 1984 as an interdenominational, multi-cultural church to bring maturity to the body of Christ.
The origin of our church name “Rhema” is found in Matthew 4:4. Jesus said “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word rhema that proceeds from the mouth of God.” It is also found in John 15:7. Jesus said “If you abide in Me, and My words rhema abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
Noted early 20th century church leader, Watchman Nee, brought insight that both logos and rhema are the Word of God, but the former is God's Word objectively recorded in the Bible, while the latter is the Word of God spoken to us at a specific occasion. The rhema of God is the written Word of God made alive and applicable to each of us for daily living. The rhema of God gives us enlightenment, nourishment, healing and empowerment as we digest the logos of God.
Pastor's Stewart and Sheila each have a dynamic ministry that exhorts the believer
to walk in obedience to the Word of God.
The origin of our church name “Rhema” is found in Matthew 4:4. Jesus said “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word rhema that proceeds from the mouth of God.” It is also found in John 15:7. Jesus said “If you abide in Me, and My words rhema abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
Noted early 20th century church leader, Watchman Nee, brought insight that both logos and rhema are the Word of God, but the former is God's Word objectively recorded in the Bible, while the latter is the Word of God spoken to us at a specific occasion. The rhema of God is the written Word of God made alive and applicable to each of us for daily living. The rhema of God gives us enlightenment, nourishment, healing and empowerment as we digest the logos of God.
Pastor's Stewart and Sheila each have a dynamic ministry that exhorts the believer
to walk in obedience to the Word of God.
Expanding the vision...
Understanding the importance of the maturing process of the believer and the social responsibilities of the teachings of Christ has led our church to become actively involved with other local organizations to meet increasing community needs. We regularly collaborate with local organizations such as The Shepherd Center, Habitat for Humanity, Family Resource Network, Lewisburg-Fairlea Food Locker, Greenbrier County Schools, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life Clubs, Red Cross and Mennonite Disaster Services
to meet community needs.
We also collaborate with Greenbrier County Homeland Security as an emergency evacuation center and were intensely involved in shelter and recovery efforts following the devastating floods in June of 2016.
Internationally we provide support to missionaries
in Haiti, India and South Asia.
We also operate a daycare, after school and summer programs for children. Our campus is regularly used by many local organizations and schools for educational and sports activities.
to meet community needs.
We also collaborate with Greenbrier County Homeland Security as an emergency evacuation center and were intensely involved in shelter and recovery efforts following the devastating floods in June of 2016.
Internationally we provide support to missionaries
in Haiti, India and South Asia.
We also operate a daycare, after school and summer programs for children. Our campus is regularly used by many local organizations and schools for educational and sports activities.
Where we are headed...
To fulfill our purpose we have re-imagined how we will influence the current and next generation. Although we have many ministry opportunities within our church and community, our efforts and resources are primarily directed toward Family Ministries and adult Growth Groups
Family Ministries (Preschool, Elementary, Middle and High School) partners with parents to help kids lay a foundation for their future. Every phase of a kid’s life – from birth through adolescence – really matters and because of this we provide a consistent environment and caring adults to influence their character and produce authentic faith.
Our adult Growth Groups are designed to develop community and mature the believer by providing the environment and resources to prepare us to do God’s work. When we share the word of God with one another in close-knit community, there is spiritual connection that can change us individually
and as a whole.
Family Ministries (Preschool, Elementary, Middle and High School) partners with parents to help kids lay a foundation for their future. Every phase of a kid’s life – from birth through adolescence – really matters and because of this we provide a consistent environment and caring adults to influence their character and produce authentic faith.
Our adult Growth Groups are designed to develop community and mature the believer by providing the environment and resources to prepare us to do God’s work. When we share the word of God with one another in close-knit community, there is spiritual connection that can change us individually
and as a whole.
