One of FCC’s own recently received an incredible honor, and we wanted to take a moment to celebrate Nehemiah Storey from our Afton Campus.

On Thursday, April 23, Tusculum University held its annual Honors Convocation, recognizing students for academic achievement, civic engagement, leadership, and school spirit.

“The Honors Convocation is an excellent way to conclude the academic year because it causes us to reflect on what has taken place in the classroom and extracurricular activities,” said Tusculum President Dr. Scott Hummel. “When we stop for a moment and contemplate what our students, faculty and staff have achieved, we see excellence in so many facets. We are proud that the Tusculum family is making its mark on campus and in the community and are pleased to see everyone excelling in faith, knowledge and love.”

At the end of the evening, Dr. Hummel presented the President’s Award — an honor given to a graduating senior whose contributions stand out in academics, extracurricular activities, campus leadership, and attitude. Nehemiah was selected as this year’s recipient.

Some of his accomplishments include:

• Serving as a resident assistant
• Excelling in the classroom
• Earning recognition on the President’s List, Dean’s List, and Charles Oliver Gray List
• Being named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team
• Receiving honors on the SAC Commissioner’s Honor Roll
• Winning the National Football Foundation Outstanding Academic Award in 2023
• Being inducted into the NFF Hampshire Honor Society
• Serving on the Tusculum football team leadership council
• Working as a student coach during football practices
• Investing in the local community as a student teacher
• Serving as a volunteer assistant football coach at Chuckey-Doak Middle School
• Participating in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes
• Participating in Students Pray on Thursdays at Tusculum Baptist Church
• Organizing a campus prayer walk in 2025

“I was pleasantly surprised to win the award, and I’m incredibly grateful for the recognition and the impact I’ve had on Tusculum,” said Storey, who majored in sport science. “Knowing that the sport science program nominated me for the President’s Award means the world to me. It reinforces the fact that my time at Tusculum has been meaningful and productive. It fills me with joy to know that the faculty values my contributions.”

Storey also received the David Bow Award, named in honor of Dr. David Bow, who has served Tusculum University for 49 years as a faculty member, coach, and athletic director.

“Nehemiah Storey has been a valued part of the FCC family during his years as a student at Tusculum,” said Afton Campus Pastor Tommy Staggs. “Since getting connected through friends in our young adult community, he has consistently displayed humility, honesty, and a genuine passion for Jesus. Whether serving wherever needed or engaging deeply with God’s Word, Nehemiah has been an encouraging example of faithful Christian character and a steady light for the Lord.”

Congratulations, Nehemiah! Your FCC family is proud of you.

Photo credit: Tusculum University
Information adapted from an article by WGRV.

It is time for another Team Ball!
Team Code Maxim #7 – We multiply influence by reproducing leaders – Todd and Rhajon Smith

Todd Smith serves faithfully on the Guest Team as a Service Leader at the Greeneville Campus. His wife, Rhajon, serves as a Kids Min Coach, and together they also lead and host a Life Group. This year, they were honored with the final of our seven team balls — given to people in our church who faithfully and consistently commit themselves to serving at FCC.

Todd and Rhajon truly embody what it means to lead as a team. Todd leads with humility, vulnerability, and a genuine eagerness to make every guest feel warmly welcomed and valued. Rhajon serves in Kids Min with joy, grace, and a servant-hearted willingness to step in wherever there is a need. Together, they create spaces where people feel seen, encouraged, and invited to grow.

One nominee shared:
“When they lead, they are always careful to include others, help them know what needs to be done, are always flexible, never patronizing, and are the kind of leaders that are a joy to follow.”

Debbie Hayes, who serves alongside her on the Kid's Min Team shared this about Rhajon:
“You can tell Rhajon really cares for the kids' team volunteers as well as the kids we serve. She prays over us each Sunday, taking time to pray for needs and concerns. She also prays that the kids may learn about God and Jesus from those who are teaching them. She always serves with a smile and makes new visitors feel comfortable. She takes the time to talk to the kids as they arrive and notices little things about them to make them feel special. It is a joy to serve with Rhajon and see Christ shine through her.”

John Hamilton, Guest Team Coach at Greeneville, said this about Todd:
“Todd has served as a Service Leader on the Guest Team for several years. He is a caring and dependable leader who, with quiet effectiveness, creates an environment where other members feel at ease and enjoy serving alongside him. This helps set the tone for the team to create a warm, welcoming environment for our guests.”

Todd and Rhajon multiply their influence not by seeking recognition, but by faithfully investing in people, serving with consistency, and creating environments where others are empowered to lead. Their impact reaches far beyond the roles they fill — it is seen in the people they encourage, the teams they strengthen, and the culture of care they help build at FCC.

Starting on May 11, your family will have a chance to personally support the great work at the Hope Center as we partner with them in their "Change for Life" campaign. It’s easy to participate. Just pick up a bottle at the end of the service on Sun, May 12 (Mother's Day) and fill it with coins, cash, or a check over the coming weeks. Bring it back on Sun, Jun 15 (Father's Day) and know that your giving is making a difference, one life at a time! If it is easier for you to give online, click here.

Hope Center Ministries provides support to individuals faced with an unplanned pregnancy, as well as providing education and support to strengthen the family unit.  They provide a network of care that includes pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, maternity and baby supplies, post-abortion counseling, Bible Studies, parenting and individual mentors classes, and housing, all provided at no cost. As clients come into the Hope Center, they are not only provided with resources that help them choose life, but also presented with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This is a great way to get your kids involved in the fight for life by explaining to them what you are doing and why. Put your baby bottle in a visible place as you fill it, and let it be a reminder to pray for the Hope Center and its ministry.

Yes, we are spread across 3 campuses, but when we Pursue Generosity together and pool our resources, we can do a lot for the Kingdom of God.  Let’s see what God can do through us.

Carlene Stanton has served as a step group leader for re:gen for several years. Recently, she received a Team Code ball for “leading with vulnerability.”

Carlene reflected on that vulnerability by sharing a Bible verse that has deeply resonated with her. Psalm 86:15 says, “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

“If God’s attitude toward me is this way,” Carlene shared, “but my attitude toward myself is the opposite, something needed to change—and it wasn’t God.” She explained that this realization opened the door for her to begin seeing herself through His eyes, believing His truth, and placing her identity in Christ.

As Carlene began to heal, she said God started uncovering the deeper roots of her struggles and coping mechanisms. “He gently peeled back layer after layer of hurt, abuse, and lies I had believed. He is still at work, continuing to clean me from the inside out—but now there is light where there was once darkness. There is freedom in Christ.”

Fellow re:gen co-leader Crista Larsen shared, “She is kind and gentle and leads with vulnerability, authenticity, and humility. She makes those around her feel at ease and is extremely patient and encouraging—especially with her small groups. She keeps showing up and serving, even when she’s not feeling well.”

Pastor Tyson Hodge added, “Carlene has faithfully served in re:gen for years. She comes every Monday she is able and also helps lead worship. She has led several step groups all the way through and has a heart for people, making a lasting impact.”

Kendra Hinkle shared, “Carlene’s honest courage to share her struggles and live out her recovery as she leads is an encouragement to her group and the entire re:gen team. Her leadership clearly flows from a deep, personal dependence on Jesus.”

Carlene summed it up this way: “God has helped me become willing to let Him fill the emptiness inside me—the longing to be fully known, loved, and accepted. I didn’t trust Him with that at first, even though I knew my own ways weren’t working. Now, I can surrender that empty space and allow God to fill it, just as He intended from the beginning.”

Join us every Wednesday this summer for worship and student-led Bible study. We meet every week at different host homes. So come, bring a friend, and have a great time. And yes, incoming 6th graders are welcome to join us!

Below is the tentative schedule for each of those meetings. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair because we will often meet outside.

1130 Temple St. Greeneville, TN

Click title to jump to a section and ^ TOP ^ to return. Or just scroll like a normal person. And apologies for links that make getting back here annoying. We’re annoyed, too, but it’s an app limitation. And yes, Scott once had hair that could be combed.

Good Friday & Easter Follow-Up
Bigtime thanks to our Residents and many volunteers who pitched in extra to make a great weekend of corporate worship happen! Attendance at our Good Friday service at our Greeneville campus was around 275 and our Easter Sunday service at Tusculum University was around 750. This weekend is always one of our occasional all-hands-on-deck moments that requires some sacrifice worth publicly acknowledging—so thank you; it was great to be together as a church!

Men’s Retreat at Longview, Fri-Sat, May 29-30: “Be A Man Of The Word In Your Sphere Of Influence”
In a world of Biblical illiteracy, cultural confusion, and passive, disengaged manhood, we need to be a church that continues to build men of the Word. We are partnering with Longview Camps & Retreats again, integrating our own Pastors and Staff as teachers, in order to disciple and equip our men with practical, everyday handles for knowing, interpreting, and applying Scripture in their sphere of influence. Last year we had 55 FCC men, and we’d like to build on that every year, so please come join us for what will prove to be a great time gathered around some good guys, good food, and good teaching—not to mention cool outdoorsy things like horses, paintball, skeet shooting, things that go boom, etc. More info and link to registration are on the app or at fccgreene.org/mensretreat.

Interesting & Important Stuff You May Have Missed In Relatively Recent FCC News Items And Scott’s Thoughts
Since we are always adding new folks and I am under no illusion that our regular and veteran FCCers keep up with all the goings on, here are some recent items worthy of note:

•  Recent H7 Stories
  • “A Growing-By-Learning Mindset”
  • “Joy For The Lord”
  • “People Over Policy”
  • “A Simple Invitation”
  • “Faithful To The Word”
• Becoming Pillars Retreat
• Summer Camp 2026 (Links therein take you to details re each camp.)
• Additional Resources Re Recent Sermon On Hell
• Did You Know Our Tech Team Regularly Does A Ton Of School Outreach?
• Update Re Last Scott’s Thoughts: Recent (And Not So Recent) Theological And Sociocultural Thoughts You May Have Missed
• A Few Words Re Preaching Goals & Methods, Listening To Preaching, The Manuscript, The Study Guide, Etc.
• Upcoming Sermon Series
  

Btw, you can always keep up with all the stuff at fccgreene.org/news. It aggregates all the goings on including every published news item, H7 Story, Prayer List, Scott’s Thoughts post, etc. in order of publication.

In the last ST, I mentioned that I’d be posting my daily devo at fccgreene.org/ddd. This link goes to a “Substack,” a writing/publishing platform where you can subscribe to receive DDD via email (and soon, non-FCC-specific Scott’s Thoughts blurbs); or just click on “No thanks” to go to the DDDs/STs. I’m working on finishing the whole Bible, one day-and-chapter at a time. (Only 923 more to go, of 1,189 total.)

What was initially a sentence-or-two of Biblical encouragement and prayer to my family has morphed into a 500ish words mini-commentary that we include in our Study Guides. Here is the gist of the whys and hows of DDDs, condensed from a longer and more formal intro I’m working on:


One reason I mention all this is because I am developing a small booklet to help guide dads through writing their own DDD for their own family. In fact, version one will be one of our sessions at our upcoming Men’s Retreat. I want to teach and encourage others to use their own DDD to help reclaim their God-designed role of being a Man of the Word in one’s own home. So, men, join us at the Men’s Retreat and learn some basic handles for interpreting the Word. And while I’m thinking about it, single moms, grandparents, or other folks trying to raise their kids in the Lord without a godly Dad, feel free to literally copy-and-paste my DDD and send it to your kids. (Granted, it’s not exactly written at a super-kid-friendly level anymore, so condense and summarize it yourself, if you’d like.)

Anyhoo… Here’s today’s Luke 5 entry, for example:

Heterogenous Harangues

• When Being Wronged Becomes An Excuse For Trusting In Self – Many sanctify their selfish desires and behaviors because of the sin of others against them when the truth is they simply love control and trust only in themselves.
• The Value Of Studying History – Can’t remember where I first heard this, but it has long been well said in church history circles: be careful with new insights because they’re often just old heresies.
• Don’t Judge God By Your Circumstances—Judge Your Circumstances By God – I’ve said a version of this before, but was thinking about it again and figured I’d revisit and rejigger: Part of why the special revelation of God’s Word matters for us day to day is that we make a basic category mistake when we judge God’s eternal character from our limited circumstances, instead of interpreting our circumstances through the unchanging character of God revealed in Scripture.
• Why Everyone Needs A Pastor Who Isn’t Beholden To A Platform Or Product But To You And Your Health – Worldly defining externals like clicks, views, follows, brand growth, and monetized influence—many of which can be quite “spiritual” sounding—cannot be the thing that defines spiritual authority and care, which is why everyone needs an actual human shepherd with whom they can have actual relationship. An online “Pastor” or spiritual guru or source of content cannot know you, cannot shepherd you, or hold you accountable. So please—stop letting your screen guide your soul.
• Thanks and Thoughts Re My Slowly Evolving Role As Lead Pastor – Frankly, I think I feel the need to say something like this as we move to 4 campuses and my time with lay people decreases yet again. (Maybe I’m writing this for me as much as you?!) I genuinely love people work—it’s the most natural and enjoyable part of my calling, and that hasn’t changed. At the same time, as our church has grown into a multisite church, the complexity and scope of what we’re doing has required some shift in how I serve. Increasingly, that means giving more time to leading and developing our Staff, helping shape and steward the vision of the church, and creating teaching and discipleship resources that can serve more people (and outlast me.) Alongside that, I’ve become more aware that God has wired and positioned me to teach and write, and when I have the space to carefully study, exegete Scripture, and communicate its truth, I sense His pleasure in a distinct way that feels like worship. So, while I’m still shepherding, it’s increasingly through others, through leadership, and through resources, not just through as much direct, day-to-day interaction like I once did. All that is to say, for the few of you (throngs of dozens?) who made it this far—thanks for your patience, your trust, and your willingness to stick with us/me.
• Counting Down To Retirement… Learning Endurance… Hopefully Both? – On a recent day when I was at the end of my emotional rope—What day isn’t that?!—I began wondering how many years I’ve got until I reach my maximum social security payout benefit. (Wishful thinking, I know.) And then I wondered, at what age does daydreaming about years until retirement become sin? (Hopefully not at the age when I’ve got 6,213 days left to go!) Makes me think of Hebrews 10:36, one of our recent sermon Memory Verses: “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” Indeed, Lord, I have need of endurance.

Sometimes Being Unrecognized Means You’re Being Faithful (Or Vice Versa—Maybe It’s A Chicken-Or-Egg First Kinda Thing?)
I’m growing increasingly weary—and wary—of people trying to look exceptional. Like their whole persona is curated for applause. And while I realize the following question comes in part from me being an extraverted performance-based people-pleasing perfectionistic nutjob with 30 years of living in the fishbowl of church ministry, I can’t help but think: Out of the 8.2 billion people on the planet, if only a few dozen or hundred people really know us, for whom exactly are we trying to look exceptional?

My AI-assisted search tells me the average person can maintain about 150 stable relationships tops. (That’s called “Dunbar’s Number,” for those keeping score). And here’s the big payoff: this means most of us are known only to a tiny sliver of the world. That’s not a flaw—it’s a feature. That’s the human experience. And for the Christian, that small circle of being known is not a limitation but a God-designed context for faithfulness before Him rather than performance before the world.

Maybe that’s where faithfulness actually happens—quiet, hidden, unnoticed. In the long obedience of putting your kids to bed. In praying with your spouse when you’re tired. In encouraging a co-worker, teaching a class, folding laundry, or showing up for someone who’s grieving. Faithfulness doesn’t trend because the Christian life isn’t a platform—it’s a slow and steady path. (And in a momentary defense of our Team Code, it is often “boring” and unrecognized by others. This doesn’t mean God doesn’t use it and it isn’t a blessing for the obedient; it just means that, if you’re largely living on enthusiasm and plaudits, your obedience won’t endure.) And when fruit starts showing up on someone else’s tree because of seeds you planted quietly, without recognition, that’s grace. That’s glory. That’s the gospel working underground.

So: be faithful. Be ordinary. And leave the results to God. And if there’s fruit, praise Him for His grace, not your platform.

Why Vomiting On Social Media Is Mostly Useless And Proves That All Real Ministry Is Personal
Basically, I’m convinced that, unless you are famous because you’re a singularly elite talent worthy of worldwide recognition and you’ve built a legit online platform—and notice the “and”—then that social media post is basically statistically pointless. Sure, sometimes what we say or share online can gather positive communal momentum—though almost exclusively around things like warm family moments—but why do we say or share inflammatory things through a medium designed to deceive us into thinking ourselves important, with people over whom we have no influence, and that almost exclusively stir people up, instead of speaking into the actual face-to-face relationships where we do have influence? I don’t get it. Online “relationship” isn’t actual personal relationship, and it shouldn’t carry the same emotional or spiritual weight. Real ministry happens where people actually know you, trust you, and can look you in the eye. Everything else is mostly noise.

The Intellectual Anxieties That Can Lead To Settled Faith
As a pastor charged with handling weighty and eternal truths under stricter judgment (James 3:1), I am almost constantly wrestling with anxiety sparked by troubling cultural developments, a heavy conversation, hard questions from honest seekers, and especially by wrestling with God’s Word under the weight of the Sunday pulpit. It robs me of sleep, of joy in God’s blessings, of being fully present with my family, and of rest in the very gospel I preach to others. So, I commend this helpful 32-minute video from Gavin Ortlund called “How to Overcome Intellectual Anxiety”.

In it, Ortlund reviews the basics of Soren Kierkegaard’s The Concept of Anxiety, where he posits that, if viewed rightly, anxiety can be a catalyst for settled faith—“the labor pains of the formation of your soul” (11:27). For many, the struggle is the dizzying weight of standing before infinite possibility, where every path seems to echo into eternity and no human reasoning can bring rest. Of the one caught in this vortex, he writes: “Now the anxiety of possibility holds him as its prey until, saved, it must hand him over to faith. In no other place can he find rest, for every other place of rest is mere chatter, although in the eyes of men it is sagacity.... Whoever is educated [by possibility] remains with anxiety.”

A caveat: Kierkegaard isn’t a guide on every point—his category of “faith” needs to be tested against Scripture’s, where saving faith rests on the objective person and finished work of Christ, not on the existential resolution of the dread. But his diagnosis is sharp, and Ortlund handles him with care. Even if “intellectual anxiety” isn’t exactly your struggle, the principle holds: the very tensions that unsettle us are often the means by which the Spirit leads us to the only Rock where rest is found (Matthew 11:28-30)—it’s worth a watch!

Kaitlin Schubert faithfully serves on the Kids Team. Although she is based in Afton, she is often willing to step in and serve at other campuses whenever there is a need. She has also been involved in Monday Night Kids, consistently showing her commitment to the ministry.

One team ball nomination—from her sister-in-law and former Early Childhood Director, Samantha Schubert—shared this:“ She is a joy to serve with. She has served in Early Childhood for years and has continued faithfully through both ministry and life transitions. Even as circumstances have changed, her dedication and love for preschoolers—and her passion for teaching them the Bible—have remained constant. This is one of my all-time favorite serving stories: she literally served the night before giving birth to her first son! That’s some serious dedication."  By the time this is published, she will likely have given birth to her second child—and once again, she will have served in Kids Ministry on the Sunday before giving birth, while nine months pregnant. That’s incredible dedication.

At Afton, you can often find Kaitlin pushing a heavy case full of kids’ supplies, carrying a baby, and serving with the joy of the Lord—all at once.

Ashleigh Reeves, who serves alongside Kaitlin at Afton, shared, “She is so patient and gentle with the kids. She truly cares about teaching them and comes prepared every time.”

Anna Sutton echoed that sentiment: “Kaitlin is an amazing volunteer at Afton. She has such a calming presence with the preschoolers and helps them understand the gospel on their level. She always shows up with a smile—and baby Michael in tow—ready to serve. We are so thankful for her!”

Cara Trantham has personally experienced Kaitlin’s faithfulness as a parent of four children in Kids Ministry. “Kaitlin is always so attentive to my children—from the moment we drop them off to the moment we pick them up,” she shared. “She knows their personalities and preferences. When I come to pick them up, she always tells me what they enjoyed, how they participated, or where they put in extra effort on a craft.” Cara also shared about challenges with one of her children during potty training: “She has never seemed frustrated or put off when caring for her needs. We are so thankful for her dedication to helping us raise the next generation of the church.”

“Be A Man Of The Word In Your Sphere Of Influence”

Because God has united His people to Christ and given them His Spirit, men must learn to think, build, and serve in a way that reflects Christ’s wisdom rather than the world’s values.

Fri-Sat, May 29-30 – Join us for an unforgettable weekend designed to refresh, challenge, and equip men of all ages. The goal is simple: to grow as men who think, build, and serve with Christ’s wisdom—not the world’s.

Teaching Plans

• Fri Eve – “We Have The Mind Of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:6-16) – Scott Wakefield
• Sat Morn – “Let Each One Take Care How He Builds” (1 Corinthians 3:10-17) – Tyson Hodge
• Sat Afternoon – DIY Workshop Plan For Writing A Dad’s Daily Devo – Scott Wakefield
• Sat Evening – “I Have Made Myself A Servant To All” (1 Corinthians 9:1-27) – Travis Chapman

Retreat cost: $99

If you’ve got a son, this is a powerful chance to spend intentional time together and invest in what matters most. Dads and Granddads, if you're registered, you can bring along your 13-18 yr-old sons for just $25!

Activities
Led by Longview's skilled staff, they offer lots of cool activities: skeet shooting, horseback riding, paintball, canoeing, fishing, swimming, hiking, our famous fry bread, cornhole, and other great fun.

Team Maxim #4 is “We celebrate everyday, faithful, often unseen service.”
This award went to Tyler Brinegar – South Greene Campus

On any given Sunday at South Greene, Tyler Brinegar is already at work before most of the team arrives. He sets up classrooms, stays after services to clean and reset rooms, and does it all with consistent, Christ-like joy. As Kids Ministry Director Michael Schubert shared, “It is a big job, but every week he does it with Christ-like joy.”

In addition to this behind-the-scenes work, Tyler serves in the pre-K class every other week and regularly helps in a variety of other ways throughout the church. “He embodies everyday, faithful service,” Schubert said. “His consistency reflects Christlike sacrifice.”
Young Adults Director David Bowlin echoed this sentiment in his nomination: “He is persistent, faithful, humble, and always ready to say yes. He’s on mission, and it’s easy to see.”
Becky Sydnor, an Early Childhood teacher at South Greene, shared similar appreciation. “Tyler joined South Greene with great enthusiasm. He never complains about where he’s asked to serve,” she said. “He is always prepared, especially when working with the little ones.”
She also noted his consistent help with setup and teardown: “His joy for the Lord shows in everything he does, and the children adore him. He is a special gift to our team.”

If you’re a graduating high-schooler, college student, or young adult in your twenties, we invite you to our Fourth Annual Becoming Pillars Retreat! This is a weekend where we get away to grow in relationship with one another and learn what it looks like for us to truly BE the church.

We’ll have 3 group times of acoustic worship and lessons from 2 Timothy, followed by some time in Small Groups, 5 wonderful meals, all while staying at Longview! We’ll have plenty of downtime and hangout time, along with some scheduled group events!

We will meet at Longview at 2p on Friday, June 19th, (We will also likely carpool from FCC at 1p, for those who want to). We’ll be there until we leave on Sunday, June 21st, and head back to church that morning!

Cost: $125!
(If you can not afford this, please don't let money be the reason you do not attend! Talk to a leader. We want you to be able to come, and we will do everything we can to make it happen!) Sign up before March 31 to put your name in the drawing to pie group leaders (David… etc…), and to make sure you get a shirt.

Sign up now before it closes on Jun 7.

We hope you'll join us for our Becoming Pillars Retreat this year!

To know Tammy Bowlin is to experience warmth, joy, and genuine care.

Two years ago, Tammy lost her life partner, Chuck, while on vacation out of the country. Yet even through that deep loss, she has continued to show up—serving faithfully at FCC and pouring into others with unwavering love and trust in God.

When people talk about Tammy, one thing becomes clear: she lives out what it means to put people first.

Here are just a few reflections from those who know her best:
“She brings joy to any situation she enters. She is one of the most welcoming people we have at First Christian Church—always finding those who are new or those needing someone and making them feel loved, heard, and valued. She is a picture of perseverance… leading with vulnerability and always pointing to the One who sustains her.”

“She is clearly about people, loving them for who they are to God… For the sake of people, she lives out principles over preferences and growth over control.”

“Despite facing profound loss, Tammy has demonstrated incredible strength rooted in her trust in God… Her presence is a testament to the warmth, love, and care she has received through Christ and now extends to others.”

“Tammy has served faithfully for years in marriage ministry, 180 youth ministry, and on the guest team. On Sundays, she greets everyone with a smile and a hug that makes people feel instantly at home. She has also invested deeply in countless young women, mentoring and encouraging them in their walks with the Lord.” — Meredith Shrader

“Tammy Bowlin is one of the most selfless, giving people I have ever known… She invites others into true community in the Body of Christ.” — Crista DelSorbo

“Mom has amazed me… She sees people and cares for them in a deeper way than most. She holds to strong principles and is always seeking to grow.” — David Bowlin

Tammy doesn’t just believe in valuing people—she lives it, every day.

A simple invite. Sometimes, it’s all it takes to change the course of a life. Rance Tipton invited his friend Rio Little to FCC. Rio remembers it vividly: late spring of 2023. “At the time, I believed in the Lord,” Rio said, “but I really didn't know Jesus personally—until Rance invited me to FCC 180 Youth Ministry.”

When Rio outgrew the youth program, he transitioned into Pillar, where leaders like David Bowlin and the church community played a pivotal role in his spiritual growth. “Whether it was attending FCC Pillar, joining a small group, or receiving wise counsel… I have come to personally know the unconditional love of a living and active Savior, Jesus Christ.”

But the story doesn’t end there. Inspired by Rance, Rio extended the same invitation to another friend, Nehemiah Storey. Nehemiah, a sophomore at Tusculum, hadn’t been involved in a church since moving to campus. “Through their consistent encouragement, I eventually visited,” he shared. David Bowlin’s persistent outreach led to meaningful conversations about Next Steps and membership. “Because Rance and Rio kept inviting me to worship, I now have a church community that’s central to my life. From Pillar to Merge, and opportunities to serve, FCC has helped me grow in my faith more than I ever imagined this past year.”

So… what about you? When was the last time you extended a simple invite to someone—and left the rest in God’s hands?