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:
Freedom in 4D
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
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:
2. THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD:
3. PEOPLE ARE CREATED IN GOD’S IMAGE:
4. PEOPLE ARE IN NEED OF REDEMPTION:
5. JESUS IS BOTH LORD AND CHRIST:
6. JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY OF SALVATION:
7. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE:
8. THE CHURCH IS CHRIST’S BODY:
9. JESUS CHRIST WILL RETURN:
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.
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
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.
Pastor of Discipleship & Growth/Elder
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
BENSON
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.
Lead Pastor/Elder
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.
Pastor of Discipleship & Growth/Elder
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