Our Story...
In September 2019, a small group of believers met for the first time in one of our homes as a new church start. Our heart's desire was to build a gathering of believers who would make an effort to reach our community with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The home meetings continued for a month or so until we rented the local theater for Sunday morning services. There we remained for the next year until the current building at 340 N. Main Street became available. Early on, when talking about a name for our group, the verse from John 1:9 came up. Jesus is the TRUE LIGHT. We want to help meet the physical needs of people while always keeping in mind man's most pressing need, a right relationship with the God of the Bible through His son, Jesus Christ.
Our People
Bro. Earl Sweat - Founding Pastor
Bro Earl had a burden to share the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. He was called to the ministry in 1994 and preached until his home-going January 23, 2025.. During his ministry, he served as a Sunday School teacher, Youth Leader, Assistant Pastor, and Lead Pastor. Married to his wife Kristin for thirty years, they have nine children and two grandsons. Pastor Earl made an impact on his family, the churches where he ministered, and on this community. We are thankful for the legacy he leaves behind.
Miss. Phoebe Sweat- Worship Leader
Phoebe is the named worship leader at TLC. She is currently in college pursuing her music career. When she is back in town she always steps back into her role in the church. She is the daughter of Pastor Sweat and has been singing since learned to speak. Phoebe got saved when she was seven years old. Her spiritual life has not been easy but she remains faithful no matter what. Her main focus in life is to show the love of Christ wherever she goes.
What We Believe:
God
We believe in the one true, eternal, living, and holy God existing in three equally divine persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19, Luke 3:22
Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ, the eternal Son, became human. Born of a virgin, he received a human body and nature without ceasing to be God. He lived a perfect, sinless life and died on the cross in the place of sinful man. Three days later, he rose bodily from the dead. Jesus will personally return to earth in power and glory.
Genesis 1:26, Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:31, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 47
Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit, the third person of the triune Godhead, indwells every person immediately and permanently upon repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit teaches, guides, convicts, reproves, and comforts the believer.Romans 5:5, John 14:26
The Bible
We believe the Bible (consisting of 66 books from Genesis to Revelation) to be the supernaturally inspired, authoritative Word of God. Without error in the original manuscripts, the Bible is the complete and final revelation of God to man and provides instruction for faith and conduct.Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:21
Man
We believe man was created in God's image, male and female, in innocence, but through voluntary disobedience fell from this state so that now all mankind are sinners.Genesis 1:27, Romans 5:12
Salvation
We believe anyone who repents of their sin and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ can be saved. Redemption is accomplished by the grace of God through faith. It is a gift and not a result of human works or good deeds.Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:9
The Church
We believe the church is comprised of all those who have been born again through faith in Jesus Christ. Local churches meet together to worship God, receive instruction from the Bible, fellowship with other believers, and carry out God's mission to the world.Psalm 122:1, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:42, Hebrews 10:25
Ordinances
We believe the Bible teaches to observe two ordinances: baptism by immersion and communion.Matthew 26:26-28, Matthew 28:19
Satan
We believe Satan (the devil) is the prince and power of the air, the enemy of God and man, and the accuser of the believers. He will ultimately be defeated by Jesus Christ and be relegated to an eternal justice in hell, a place prepared for him and his demons.Ephesians 2:2, Revelation 12:10, Revelation 20:10