Who We Are | Encounter Church

As part of our mission, we strive for diversity in our church by "making disciples of all nations" (Matt 28:19). Our church is comprised of people from a variety of backgrounds, ethnic groups, and walks of life who are united by the cross and our overwhelming need for God's grace. We know that each person has their unique story to share and their own gift to bring.

Our purpose is to love one another deeply just as Jesus loved us (John 13:34-35). This is evidenced by the authentic relationships we have with one another--relationships that go beyond Sunday morning. We meet together often to enjoy fellowship, encourage one another, reach out to others, and share our lives through hospitality (Act 2:42-47).

Our hope is that in devoting our lives to serve God, love each other, and make disciples, we may be a light to this beautiful city and its people (Matt 5:14-16). We pray that God will bless our efforts by using our ministry to spread the gospel and draw people into a saving relationship with Him.

Our Ministry Team

Jacob and Jess Butler

Lead Pastor and Wife

Tracy Sutton

Worship Director

Stephanie Vinson

Children's Pastor

Zack Lawhorn

Youth Pastor

Executive Leadership Team

Our Executive Leadership Team is responsible for discerning the operation, mission, and vision of our congregation. This team consists of Jacob Butler, Larry Guthrie, Ronald Richardson, George Carnes, Tracy Sutton, Tim Davis, Zack Lawhorn, Brittany Holcomb, and Stephanie Vinson.

Our Beliefs

It was A.W. Tozer that said "what you believe about God is the most important thing about you." We are inclined to agree! Our doctrine affects how we relate to God, influences our passion for Jesus, and deepens our dedication to His teachings and His Gospel.

The Bible. The Bible is God's Word, true and trustworthy, and it's our final say on how we believe and live.

God. There is one God, who exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Jesus. Jesus is God's Son. He was born of a virgin, lived without sin, died for our sins, rose from the dead, and went back to heaven.

The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit saves us, changes us, and gives us power to live for God.

Family. Marriage is sacred, and strong, loving families matter.

Unity. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one, and we want our unity to show the world God's love.

Salvation. When we turn from sin and trust Jesus, God forgives us, accepts us, and gives us new life. That's what it means to be born again.

Growing in holiness. God sets us apart and helps us leave old habits behind. Over a lifetime, He makes us more like Jesus.

Water baptism. Being baptized by immersion doesn't wash away sin. It's how we publicly say we belong to Jesus, and it pictures His death, burial, and resurrection.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit. God wants to fill every believer with His Spirit, giving us power to live for Him and serve others. The Spirit still gives gifts today as He chooses, like tongues, prophecy, and healing, to build up the church. When we fully surrender to Him, it shows in how we live. The greatest evidence of His fullness is a changed life that bears His fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Signs and miracles. God still does miracles, and they still follow those who believe.

Healing. Jesus' death on the cross brings healing for both soul and body. We pray for the sick and trust God with the outcome.

Communion and foot washing. We take the Lord's Supper to remember Jesus. We wash one another's feet to follow His example of humble service.

Giving. We give a tenth of our income, plus offerings, to support God's work through the church, because it's more blessed to give than to receive.

Making things right. When we've wronged someone, we try to make it right wherever we can.

Jesus is coming back. Jesus will return for His people and then reign on earth for a thousand years.

Eternity. Everyone will be raised and stand before God. Those who belong to Jesus will have eternal life with Him. Those who reject Him face eternal separation from God.

Honoring God with our bodies. We avoid alcohol, tobacco, and addictive drugs, because our bodies belong to God. Beyond that, we don't judge each other over food or drink.

The Lord's Day. We worship on Sunday, the day Jesus rose. But every day belongs to God, and Jesus Himself is our rest.

Modesty. We aim for modesty and a humble heart, and we don't judge one another over appearance.

Openness and honesty. We don't join secret societies that ask for secret oaths. We let our yes mean yes, and we keep our words clean.

Marriage. God designed marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman. Divorce isn't God's plan, so reconciliation always comes first. We also recognize that some marriages end through adultery or abuse, sometimes against one spouse's will, and we care for those people with grace.

For more detail and Scripture on each of these, see What We Believe on COGOP.org.