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At FCC Fayetteville, our mission is to be a church that serves, loves, learns, and mends.
We seek to discern God's call as we work together for wholeness, as Christ did, by serving our community and in relationship with one another.
SERVE. Jesus reminds us to serve others as if we were serving him. (Matthew 25:40)
LOVE. Our church is inclusive. All are created in the image of God. All are welcome here. (Galatians 3:28-29)
LEARN. We value diversity of thought and intellectual freedom. This is a safe place to ask questions. (Romans 12:2)
MEND. Events in life can cause division. Wholeness comes when we seek to reconcile with God and one another. (Mark 12:29-31, II Corinthians 5:18-20)
What is the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)?
We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord's Table as God has welcomed us.
-Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Identity Statement
Mission
To be and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, witnessing, loving and serving from our doorsteps “to the ends of the earth.”– Acts 1:8
Vision
To be a faithful, growing church, that demonstrates true community, deep Christian spirituality and a passion for justice.– Micah 6:8
Confession
As members of the Christian Church, we confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and proclaim him Lord and Savior of the world.
-from the Preamble to the Design of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
First Christian Church Fayetteville is part of the broader
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a protestant denomination founded
on American soil, with a heritage of compassion and concern for all people.
We Practice
An Open Table: The Lord's Supper, or Communion, is celebrated each week as the central act of worship. It is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Freedom of belief: Disciples are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We believe all people are created by God and therefore entitled to respect and freedom to think for themselves and to interpret the Bible in their own context.
Baptism by Immersion: In baptism, the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptismal traditions are honored.
The Ministry of All Believers: Both professional ministers and lay persons, women and men, young and old, lead worship, faith development, and mission and service opportunities.
The oneness of the church: All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.
FCC Fayetteville's History
First Christian Church Fayetteville was born in the winter of 1848 after a 12-day tent meeting held by two pastors, 25-year old Rev. Robert Graham and 60-year old Rev. John T. Johnson.
In 1852, Rev. Graham established Arkansas College, to educate men and women. The college, located on the grounds where our church now stands, is how College Ave. got its name. After helping to build the school, a church was also constructed in 1860, fronting Block and East Street near the Fayetteville Square. Unfortunately, just a few years later, both the college and the church were destroyed by fire in December 1862 following the Battle of Fayetteville and Battle of Prairie Grove. While the college was never rebuilt, it is speculated that Fayetteville was selected in 1872 as the location to establish The University of Arkansas, because of the original success of Arkansas College. A new church was completed in 1872 at the location where Arkansas College once stood. In December 1912, a fire destroyed that church, but by May 1914, a dedication service was celebrated by the whole community for the church we worship in today.
First Christian Church Fayetteville is grateful for its long history in this community and the fortitude of generations seeking to follow God’s vision and call. With this legacy, we continue to seek God's direction for ministry and mission in the world.
A complete history, “Fayetteville First Christian Church: Historical Notes from the First 160 Years,” is available at the Fayetteville Public Library and in the Mullin’s Library at the University of Arkansas.
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