Our Story
In the Fall of 1964, God stirred up a young preacher to move his family to Stanly County, NC, and start a church that would preach Jesus Christ and be totally free of associational or denominational controls. Going door-to-door, Pastor T.R. Moore found people God had prepared, and, together, with prayer to God, a Bible, and love for one another, that small group joined together as a church in the living room of one of its charter members.
“Anyone can do a great work for God if no one cares who gets the glory for it,” said Pastor D.O. Lingafelt, who came to the church in 1970 along with his wife, Betty. His words were true! God did a mighty work at Friendship! Under his 34-year ministry, the church began a bus ministry, a radio broadcast, and enlarged its facilities. A Christian Daycare was established, and the foreign missionary emphasis was expanded. Many souls were won to Christ during those precious years!
In 2005, Pastor Jon Stephens came to the church with much excitement and enthusiasm. There was a renewed emphasis of the youth ministry, and a Spanish-speaking church began. People were loved, facilities were remodeled, and the church grew. In 2010, Clint Lewey was called to be the church’s pastor.
The adventure continues, and God is still at work! Friendship Baptist Church is here to preach Jesus Christ, call sinners to the Savior, make disciples, love its community, encourage families, and believe God will change lives!
