About Our Church

Our Faith, Our Family

Rooted in Scripture. Built on community. Sent in love.

Church family

Established 1949 · Estill, South Carolina

75+ years of faith, family, and faithful service.

Our Mission

To worship and serve God.

We exist to glorify God, make disciples of Jesus Christ, and serve our neighbors with the love we have first received. Worship shapes us. Service sends us.

Our Vision

A church on its knees and on its feet.

An international, multi-generational family of believers gathering to worship God, grow in His Word, and serve humanity across Estill and to the ends of the earth.

Core Values

What we hold dear.

Scripture

God's Word as our foundation.

Community

Doing life together in love.

Compassion

Reaching the hurting with grace.

Mission

Going to the nations.

What We Believe

Our Core Beliefs

The Word of God

We hold the Bible as the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God.

Salvation by Grace

We believe salvation is the gift of God, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

The Trinity

One God, eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Church

The local church is the body of Christ, called to worship, disciple, and serve.

Baptism & Communion

Two ordinances given by Christ to be observed by His followers.

The Return of Christ

Jesus Christ will personally return in power and glory.

Pastor James W. Brown

Senior Pastor

Pastor James W. Brown

Pastor Brown has shepherded First Thankful Filly Branch with humility, depth, and joy for over two decades. A devoted student of the Word, a faithful husband and father, he is known for his steady wisdom and a deep love for the people he serves.

Leadership Team

Servants of the flock.

Pastor James W. Brown

Pastor James W. Brown

Senior Pastor

Faithfully shepherding this flock for over two decades.

Min. Patricia Greene

Min. Patricia Greene

Associate Minister

Leads women's ministry and discipleship.

Dea. Robert Hayes

Dea. Robert Hayes

Lead Deacon

Serves alongside the deacon board in pastoral care.

Sis. Angela Holmes

Sis. Angela Holmes

Worship Director

Leads the choir and worship arts.

Faith Journey

Our History

1949

Founded

A small gathering of faithful believers establishes the church in rural Estill.

1968

New Sanctuary

A growing congregation dedicates the present sanctuary.

1995

Outreach Expansion

Launch of community outreach and youth ministry programs.

2014

Mission Fields

International mission partnerships begin.

2024

75 Years of Faith

Celebrating three quarters of a century of God's faithfulness.