About Us

Potential is defined as having possibility, capability, or power. In 1886, eight people desired a closer relationship and life with Christ in the mountains of western North Carolina. None of those eight people realized the potential they had. They didn't know that one day, those meetings at the Barney Creek Meeting House would lead to a movement that would affect more than eight million, and counting, people in 192+ nations of the world. The old saying goes, "Little is much when God is in it."

This Revival came to LaFayette in 1913, when Evangelist J.W. Buckalew, burdened for the people of the North Georgia Mountains, came preaching the message of Christ in the power of Pentecost. Several people received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Reverend W.H. Swift began having meetings in different homes.

In 1913, the LaFayette Church of God was organized.

Humble beginnings in primitive conditions defined the infant stages of our church, with our first meetings held in a goat house. M.A. Looney was appointed as the church's first Pastor. Eventually, the church would relocate to a warehouse located on Chattanooga Street. Then, under the leadership of John Develin, a lot on Cove Road was purchased, and a 30 x 40 foot church was built. W.H. Swift returned to LaFayette to pastor and purchased a piece of property on Magnolia Street to construct a larger building in 1938 to accommodate the church's growth.

By 1960, the church had outgrown its location again and moved to downtown LaFayette, a historic building on the corner of Cherokee and Villanow streets. In 1985, Pastor J.W. Timms and the congregation purchased 10 acres on Highway 27 at the city's southern entrance to build a new house of worship. Shortly thereafter, the beautiful sanctuary we enjoy today was constructed under the oversight of Pastor Bill Cox. On August 28, 1988, a caravan of automobiles traveled from downtown to our current campus, boasting of God's continued faithfulness. In 1997, a Family Ministry Center was built under the leadership of Pastor Gary Bruce to enhance our discipleship and fellowship ministries.

Home is defined as many things. Home is where people are cared for, an environment offering affection and security. We are a church that believes in the power of Christ's love to save, heal, and deliver. By accepting this love and proclaiming His power, we are a church that exemplifies Christ's love by loving one another. Home is a place where something begins and flourishes, where a mission starts and ends. It is a place where one returns to find one's roots. No matter what stage you are in life, this is a church where your purpose can flourish, and you can find true roots in Christ. Home is family.

So, simply put, we hope to be your church home and spiritual family for many more years to come. We want to be a place where the Good News of Christ is proclaimed in the power of the Holy Spirit, where all people can Encounter God, be Equipped through His Word, and be challenged to Express His love to others, locally and globally. This is the place where love is.