Monday, Sep. 15, 2008

BRAD MITCHELL | CAROLINA FOREST COMMUNITY CHURCH

Church: Carolina Forest Community Church

Moved to area: He's brand new, having held his first sermon here on Sunday. He's coming to Carolina Forest from Trinity Church in Lansing, Mich., where he has been the senior teaching pastor. Mitchell has pastored churches ranging in size from 35 to more than 3,500. He has taught many times at Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago (20,000) and is a frequent speaker for men's retreats and leadership gatherings across the country.

Family: Brad and his wife, Heidi, have been married for 25 years. They have two daughters, Tovey and Rachael, and an adult son, Robert.

Church description: Carolina Forest Community Church had its first official service at Carolina Forest Elementary school in September of 1997 as the first church in the Carolina Forest community. It is our desire to reach and grow people across the street and around the world in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. One of our largest ministries is the Carolina Forest Community Center, which provides youth sports and recreation for this community.

About the message: Carolina Forest Community Church has a strong track record for impacting peoples' lives with love, care and hope. Last Sunday, CFCC opened a new chapter with the installation of their new senior pastor, Brad Mitchell. He talked about the greater things that God still wants to accomplish in Myrtle Beach. Teaching from John 14 and Acts 17, Pastor Brad looked at the Biblical expectations that God has for bringing increasing life and hope into the city.

This Sunday he is starting a new series entitled "Centered." During this six week series he will be examining what the Bible says that we should be centering our lives around.

From the minister: I came to CFCC because I was captivated by their hearts to serve Jesus by serving the people of Carolina Forest. This staff and elders are sincere, godly, gifted men and women who exhibit unity of purpose and joy in community. I love that this church is a safe place for people who are investigating or re-investigating the claims of Christ.