Christian Fellowship Assembly of God can truly testify that “Our God Is Bigger Than...” As a body of believers Christian Fellowship has faced many obstacles. Thanks be to God who has caused us to triumph over them all. Christian Fellowship was birthed into the hearts of Pastors Samuel and Ada Thomas in 1985. The ministry began in the home of the Thomas’ and bible studies were held in the home of Sis. Betsy Knotts. As the ministry grew, services were moved to Powell Street Recreation Center and later to a building on Brown Road in Richwood, Louisiana. In 1990, Christian Fellowship Pentecostal Church joined the Assemblies of God. It was during this time that the church relocated to a rented building on Nutland Road and subsequently established a daycare.
Soon after moving, Pastor Samuel and Ada Thomas felt the leading of the Lord to return to California. In June 1992, Frank and Sandra Stewart were installed as the new pastors of Christian Fellowship.
In October of 1993, Christian Fellowship faced with an obstacle that threatened to hinder the growth of the ministry. The church on Nutland Road was sold to another congregation. Consequently, church services were moved to Day’s Inn Motel on Louisville Avenue, and bible studies were held in the home of the Stewart’s. The following year, the Louisiana District of the Assemblies of God donated funds that enabled Christian Fellowship to purchase land at the existing location. Our goal was to relocate a church building on the property. The plan however was not the will of God for Christian Fellowship. So, although the church owned the land, there was still not a permanent building for the members to hold worship services.
As a result, the church moved to a small building on the corner of South 6th and Peters Street. The congregation quickly outgrew that facility. Then the congregation renovated the old Town and Country night club into a church.
Years after moving into the building, the desire was placed in the heart of Pastor Stewart to build God a house on the land that had been purchased earlier. The members of Christian Fellowship began to cry unto the Lord for a permanent home and doors begin to open. In the year of 2000, contractor, Bro. John Ashbrook, drew up plans for a building. Additionally, Bro. Ashbrook contacted Mission America Placement Services (MAPS) to assist with construction. The MAPS project coordinator, Bro. Bobby Tidwell, found eager volunteers and soon the construction of Christian Fellowship was under way.
Christian Fellowship believes that church should minister to the entire family. We have Sunday school and bible classes designed for the whole family. Our youth actively participate in ministry by serving in the youth choir, praise and worship team, spiritual dance teams, along with skits and plays. We also teach our youth to give back to the community through activities such as helping with Habitat for Humanity, and working with the Convoy of Hope.
For one week during the summer, Christian Fellowship offers an amazing Vacation Bible School. VBS at Christian Fellowship is for ages 0 – 99. We regularly have over 100 kids in attendance each night. Our kids also get the chance to enjoy summer camp with fun activities and opportunities for worship and spiritual growth.
As Christian Fellowship continues to grow, we thank God for our past, we appreciate Him for our present, and we prayerfully awaits our future.
