OUR STORY
OUR STORY

We desire to see lives transformed by God, through the gospel, for His glory.

Freedom is a gospel-centered church. The gospel is the good news of Jesus’ victory over sin and death and it changes everything. In 2006, a group of like-minded believers launched Freedom Church with the conviction that this gospel be central, that leadership be biblical, that membership be meaningful, and that styles be flexible.

After meeting in the Lincoln Cultural Center for a few years, Freedom purchased the old Belk department store building on 125 E. Main St. in 2008. From this location we seek to love and serve our city with the gospel, and in particular, we labor toward the following aims, which we refer to as Freedom in 4D:

OUR APPROACH

Freedom in 4D

OUR APPROACH

Freedom in 4D

At Freedom Church we desire to find our greatest joy and pleasure in God.

To “know God” in the Scriptures means understanding and experiencing King Jesus as your ultimate joy, treasure, and delight (Ps. 16:11; Ps. 37:4; Mt. 13:44-45). We do not want a church of religious people but instead a church of those who find their pleasure in God Himself. This pursuit of more intimate knowledge of Christ never ends, since the riches of Christ are “unsearchable” (Eph. 3:8). We want unbelievers to come to know Christ as Lord and Savior and for the believer to press on to know Christ more (Phil. 3:10).

Every week we gather to delight in our Triune God corporately for worship through the study of the Scriptures, prayer, fellowship, taking the Lord’s Supper, and the giving of our offerings – all of it – that we may know and delight in Christ more and more. We also want to help people individually delight in Christ more and more through daily spiritual practices.

We long to see believers grow into the image of Christ. To accomplish this, we are committed to helping to form a healthy gospel-centered community through Discipleship Groups. These “D-Groups” are small groups that meet weekly in homes to live out the “one anothers” of Scripture. The groups practice the following:

  • Socializing and sharing
  • Study and sermon discussion
  • Prayer and worship
  • Local ministry projects

We see these D-Groups as necessities for healthy church members. Lack of participation makes it next to impossible for the Elders to exercise appropriate care for members. Therefore, in the membership covenant we ask that you commit to meeting together consistently in one of these small groups.

We believe that Jesus calls every believer to proclaim the good news to all people. Together, we are to “go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:18-20). Therefore, the first way that we engage our world is by declaring His gospel to every tribe, language, people, and nation in our backyard and abroad. We intend to do this through hospitality, personal evangelism, disciple making, church planting, and mission trips.

We believe that God has called Christians to display Christ-like mercy and justice in our community. Therefore, we are a church that is committed to aiding the poor, caring for the sick, standing up for the oppressed, and defending those who cannot defend themselves. (Ps. 10:17-18; Lk. 4:18; Ro. 12:15; James 1:27).

We intend to:

  • Serve the poor and the needy by providing for them physically and spiritually
  • Pray for and provide assistance for the sick
  • Fight for the rights of those who are oppressed by slavery or abuse
  • Care for the orphan, those who are racially discriminated against, the unborn, and all others who are without a voice to defend themselves
OUR BELIEFS
OUR BELIEFS

Freedom Church stands in the line of Historic Christianity. Covenant Members of Freedom Church must affirm and believe the following nine core, historic beliefs.

1. THERE IS ONE TRIUNE GOD:
There is only one true and living God who is the Creator of the universe. He exists eternally in three Persons – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2. THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD:
The Bible is God’s written revelation of Himself to mankind divinely given through human authors who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is entirely true, totally sufficient, and completely authoritative for matters of life and faith.
3. PEOPLE ARE CREATED IN GOD’S IMAGE:
Human Beings are created by God to bear His image. They are the crowning work of His creation worthy of love, dignity, and respect regardless of matters like age, race, gender, or class.
4. PEOPLE ARE IN NEED OF REDEMPTION:
Because of the Fall, the image of God in people is distorted but not lost. All people have disobeyed God willfully through sin; thus inheriting both physical and spiritual death and the need for redemption. All human beings are born with a sin nature and into an environment inclined toward sin. Only by the grace of God through Jesus Christ can they experience salvation.
5. JESUS IS BOTH LORD AND CHRIST:
Jesus is both fully God and fully human. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the Cross as a substitute for mankind, was raised from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will one day return.
6. JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY OF SALVATION:
Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ, the only mediator between God and man. No other religion, belief, or person can reconcile God and man. He alone can provide forgiveness and eternal salvation.
7. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE:
Salvation comes only through a faith relationship with Jesus Christ, the Savior, as a person repents of sin and receives Christ’s forgiveness and eternal life. Salvation is instantaneous and accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. This salvation is wholly of God by grace on the basis of Christ’s life, death and resurrection, not on the basis of human works. All the redeemed are secured in Christ forever.
8. THE CHURCH IS CHRIST’S BODY:
The Holy Spirit immediately places all people who put their faith in Jesus Christ into one united spiritual body, the Church, of which Christ is the head.
9. JESUS CHRIST WILL RETURN:
God will bring the world to its appropriate end in His own time and in His own way. At that time, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth. Christ will judge both the saved and unsaved. Those who have trusted Christ will receive a glorified body and dwell forever with the Lord. Those who have not trusted in Christ will spend eternity in hell, the place of everlasting punishment.

If you are interested in becoming a member of Freedom Church you will need to attend one of our membership classes.
For more information please contact Pastor Michael or Pastor Andrew.

OUR VALUES
OUR VALUES
We are driven by the following passions to achieve the following goals:
1. THE GOSPEL
Teaching that’s rooted in the Gospel of Jesus–the central message of God’s Word.

Goal: To keep the Gospel central in everything we think, say, and do. We intend to dwell on the Gospel deeply, to live on it desperately, to teach it faithfully, to sing about it passionately, to reflect on it in the Lord’s Supper monthly, and to live it out obediently.

2. DIVERSITY
That’s reflected in leadership, the congregation, and our love for the nations

Goal: To develop a multi-racial, multi-generational leadership and congregation.

3. MERCY MINISTRY
Ministries that meet the urgent physical & spiritual needs of our city and the world

Goal: To impact the world through ministries of word and deed. We do not exist to develop programs for people to attend in a building, but rather to equip people to serve others in the city and the nations.

4. MISSIONAL COMMUNITY
A church where meaningful relationships are formed.

Goal: For small groups to gather weekly in homes for sermon application, prayer, fellowship, and ministry in the city. Each small group will have a “shepherd” to the lead word and care ministry, and a “deacon” to lead the “deed ministry.” The goal will be to do at least a couple projects in the city every year, led by the deacon of each small group.

5. TRANSPARENCY
Expressed by honest questions and humble repentance, not pharisaical legalism.

Goal: To cultivate a church that is authentic, where seekers, doubters, and Christ followers are welcomed.

OUR TEAM

Lead Pastor/Elder

MICHAEL WHITE
mwhite@freedomchurchnc.com
ABOUT MICHAEL

Michael joined the staff at Freedom in early 2015 as the worship leader and associate pastor. He now does most of the preaching and teaching at Freedom and provides leadership and vision for the elder team and church. Michael grew up in Newton and Spartanburg, SC, but he’s also lived in Raleigh and the Chicago area. He has an M.Div. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Ph.D from Wheaton. He and his wife Jana have two children and enjoy hiking, traveling, and following University of South Carolina athletics.

RHEA
GROSECLOSE

Pastor/Elder

rgroseclose@freedomchurchnc.com

ABOUT RHEA

Rhea is a graduate of Ohio University and worked as a research chemist before retiring a few years ago. He has been married to Pam for fourty-five years and has two children: Kate, who is married to Ryan Lineberger, and Dan who lives near Cleveland Ohio. He has a grandson named Caleb. Rhea also loves baseball, cycling, landscaping, and eating authentic Italian cuisine.

ANDREW GOODSON

Pastor of Discipleship & Growth/Elder

agoodson@freedomchurchnc.com
ABOUT ANDREW

Andrew joined the staff at Freedom in 2018, though he’s been known to our church through softball and men’s retreats for a number of years prior. Andrew provides leadership for a number of ministry areas, including small groups, local missions, and our membership process, along with other pastoral responsibilities. He has an M.Div from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Andrew grew up in Maiden, and he and his wife Kayse have four children. They enjoy fishing, playing outside, going to parks, watching movies, and going out to eat.

RIC GOODHUE

Pastor/Elder

rgoodhue@freedomchurchnc.com

ABOUT RIC

AARON
SWAIN

Pastor of Students & Operations/Elder

aswain@freedomchurchnc.com

ABOUT AARON

Aaron joined the staff at Freedom in 2019 and gives oversight to student discipleship, interns, deacons, operations, and communications. A native of Burgaw, NC, Aaron has served churches in both North Carolina and Oklahoma. He received an M.Div from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Aaron and his wife Sarah have two daughters. An aspiring woodworker, Aaron loves cheering for the Tar Heels, playing board games, smoking barbecue, and drinking chocolate milk.

DAVE
HOFFMANN

Pastor/Elder

dhoffmann@freedomchurchnc.com

ABOUT DAVE

Dave is a native of Lincolnton and is a charter member of Freedom Church. He previously served Freedom as a deacon of ordinances. Dave works at Corning as a procurement manager. He’s married to Amanda and has two girls, Ruby and Caroline. Dave has been on a multiple mission trips, including Ukraine and the Republic of Georgia. You might find him playing golf or enjoying barbecue in his spare time.

REX
CHAPMAN

Deacon of Building & Grounds

Rex serves by making sure that our building is maintained and in working order.

CAMERON
BEDDINGFIELD

Deacon of Building & Grounds

Rex serves by making sure that our building is maintained and in working order.

CHRIS
GANTT

Deacon of Ordinances & Setup

Chris serves by setting up for events including baptism & the Lord’s Supper.

JERRY
TALBOT

Deacon of Video & Lighting

Jerry serves by recording worship services and special events.

JOHN
GILLELAND

Deacon of Teams

John serves by being a catalyst and resource for our ministry teams.

JANA
WHITE

Women’s Ministry Director

women@freedomchurchnc.com

ABOUT JANA
STEVE
BENSON
Affiliated Professional Counselor
sbenson317@gmail.com
ABOUT STEVE

Though Steve isn’t formally a part of the Freedom staff, he works hand in hand with our elders to help individuals grow in emotional and spiritual health. A Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor – Supervisor (LCMHC-S) and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), Steve founded Grace Roads Counseling Center in 2012 to journey with others on the road toward healing, hope, and grace. He maintains an office at Freedom, and he also sees clients in Denver and at his home in Charlotte. He and his wife Krista have two children. Steve is an avid Green Bay Packers fan and shareholder.

OUR TEAM
MICHAEL WHITE

Lead Pastor/Elder

mwhite@freedomchurchnc.com
ABOUT MICHAEL

Michael joined the staff at Freedom in early 2015 as the worship leader and associate pastor. He now does most of the preaching and teaching at Freedom and provides leadership and vision for the elder team and church. Michael grew up in Newton and Spartanburg, SC, but he’s also lived in Raleigh and the Chicago area. He has an M.Div. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Ph.D from Wheaton. He and his wife Jana have two children and enjoy hiking, traveling, and following University of South Carolina athletics.

AARON SWAIN

Pastor of Students & Operations/Elder

aswain@freedomchurchnc.com

ABOUT AARON

Aaron joined the staff at Freedom in 2019 and gives oversight to student discipleship, interns, deacons, and church operations and communications. A native of Burgaw, NC, Aaron has served churches in both North Carolina and Oklahoma. He received an M.Div from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Aaron and his wife Sarah have two daughters. Together they love cheering for the Tar Heels, playing board games, smoking barbecue, and singing in the car.

ANDREW GOODSON

Pastor of Discipleship & Growth/Elder

agoodson@freedomchurchnc.com
ABOUT ANDREW

Andrew joined the staff at Freedom in 2018, though he’s been known to our church through softball and men’s retreats for a number of years prior. Andrew provides leadership for a number of ministry areas, including small groups, local missions, and our membership process, along with other pastoral responsibilities. He has an M.Div from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Andrew grew up in Maiden, and he and his wife Kayse have three children. They enjoy fishing, playing outside, going to parks, watching movies, and going out to eat.

DAVE HOFFMANN

Pastor/Elder

dhoffmann@freedomchurchnc.com

ABOUT DAVE

Dave is a native of Lincolnton and is a charter member of Freedom Church. He previously served Freedom as a deacon of ordinances. Dave works at Corning as a procurement manager. He’s married to Amanda and has two girls, Ruby and Caroline. Dave has been on a multiple mission trips, including Ukraine and the Republic of Georgia. You might find him playing golf or enjoying barbecue in his spare time.

RHEA
GROSECLOSE

Pastor/Elder

rgroseclose@freedomchurchnc.com

ABOUT RHEA

Rhea is a graduate of Ohio University and worked as a research chemist before retiring a few years ago. He has been married to Pam for over fourty-five years and has two children: Kate, who is married to Ryan Lineberger, and Dan who lives near Cleveland Ohio. He has a grandson named Caleb. Rhea also loves baseball, cycling, landscaping, and eating authentic Italian cuisine.

RIC GOODHUE

Pastor/Elder

rgoodhue@freedomchurchnc.com

ABOUT RIC

CONTACT US