| Written by Administrator, on 04-23-2009 00:00 |
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Pastor Mark & First Lady Nadra Williams
The way things are usually done is not the way of Faith Fellowship Bible Church in Corona. In fact, this ministry credits its non-traditional approach to the tremendous growth of it congregation, from 60 members in 2001 to currently more than 1200.
According to Pastor and Founder Mark Williams, Faith Fellowship aims to meet the needs of people in this present time. He said, "We serve a God of transition and we believe He is calling for a different type of ministry that brings the unchurched back into a relationship with God. We draw people, especially lots of men, who don't normally go to churches with traditional services. As a result, we are seeing our congregation continually increase."
Unlike many churches in the African American community, first Sunday at Faith Fellowship is 'Casual Sunday' with Pastor Williams ministering and preaching in jeans. Following the 9 a.m. Sunday worship, the church holds Marriage and Family classes in place of Sunday school.
"We want to be a resource for families, so we hold Bible-based classes for couples, singles and young people," said Pastor Williams. Faith Fellowship also has a Life Partner Marriage Ministry, which includes an annual retreat, and a Mentoring Program for young men and women.
"One of our goals is to help young people discover their destiny. We work with many at-risk children to teach biblical ethics as well as practical life skills such as the importance of hygiene, how to prepare for an interview, and how to make a budget," he said.
On June 7, Faith Fellowship will hold its "3rd Annual Family Day" which features a worship service in the park and dinner for the community, said Pastor Williams who added, "This event provides a stimulus for people who are being hit hard by foreclosures and lay-offs. It gives them hope and faith in God."
Pastor Williams, who has been in the ministry 28 years, is quick to stress he is not against traditionalism, it just not the ministry he is called to. "I started out preaching in the Baptist Church and served in Santa Ana for nine years. But my wife, Nadra, and I felt a calling towards Corona, so we started holding a Saturday Bible Class there which really grew and led us to plant a church in this community."
His wife has been a full partner in the ministry with him, and Pastor Williams she is anointed with the gift of worship.
"Together, we promote sound Bible teaching and the praising of God. Our guiding scripture is Ephesians 3:20. We try to encourage people and let them know that God is able to do what seems impossible to man."
Faith Fellowship Bible Church is located at 4225 Prado Road, Suite 105 in Corona. For information, call (951) 808-1803 or visit www.faithfellowshipbc.org.
Last update: 04-24-2009 17:28
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