I have been looking for a church home, how do I know if I belong at Faith Church?
Answer: If you enjoy – hearing the Bible explained verse-by-verse, interacting with friendly families, participating in an exciting worship service, and involving your precious little ones with a place that loves children – then you belong at Faith Church.


Is it easy to get involved with Faith Church?
Answer: Usually, at the end of each Bible message, I extend an open invitation to the congregation; allowing anyone who desires to become affiliated with Faith Church an opportunity to do so. You would be asked to merely raise your hand and meet with a counselor following the close of the service. It’s as simple as that!


What about my children? Is there a place for them?
Answer: Faith Church has ministries for children of all ages. For elementary and younger age children, we have an exciting Children’s Church accessible each Sunday morning and Tuesday night. In addition, we offer homework assistance, focus sessions and activity meetings for the middle and high school children. Through our enriching youth department, children can participate in the Youth 2nd Sunday worship service and drama performance. The youth and young adult choir, ushers’ ministry, and “Ambassadors for Christ” are eager to recruit young people willing to serve the Lord. Faith’s nurturing environment will surely enrich your child’s life.


As a Pastor of a growing Church, what do you feel people are looking for and finding at Faith Church?
Answer: Generally people tend to look for an environment which allows them to feel comfortable and secure. Faith Church promotes an environment of equality, honesty and genuine love. Individuals looking for growth and furtherance in the Lord will find that I am a bible teacher who strongly believes in challenging each person to learn “how to hear from God” and move in the direction where God has directed them. I have an aggressive approach to spiritual living that enables us to take a realistic look at our past misfortunes, recognize where we are today, apply what we have learned, and strive for a better tomorrow. As the Pastor, I believe that it is my responsibility to equip fellow believers with the tools and proper nourishment to grow and mature spiritually while fulfilling God’s desire for their lives on a daily basis.


How did the Church begin?
Answer: Faith Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1977 under the direction of Reverend Richard H. Harrison II. Reverend Harrison had a love for all people and a desire to reach and help the hurting. God has blessed our Church down through the years and we can only look forward to greater blessings in the future.

On October 27, 1998, under my direction, articles of incorporation were filed with the State of Florida. We then became officially known as the “Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Gainesville, Florida, Inc.”

God has truly been good to us and the Miracle continues!

What is Faith Church’s vision for the community?
Answer: We believe that our surrounding neighborhoods should reflect the spiritual and moral climate of that which we promote, encourage and serve on a daily basis. We are members of the A.C.T.I.O.N Network (Affiliated Congregation to Improve Our Neighborhoods), a local group consisting of more than 15 churches committed to empowering our communities to impact social change. In addition, Faith’s “Local Organizing Committee” commonly referred to as P.A.C.T. (People Actively Coming Together), regularly canvasses neighborhoods to build relationships and assist in problem solving within our neighboring community.


After 20 plus years of being a Christian and Pastor, what do you feel the most important part of being a successful Christian is?
Answer: After more than 20 years as a Christian, the single most important lesson I have learned is that I have the right and responsibility to take God at His Word. Because God said it, by faith, I believe it! Because I believe it, through action, I prove it to be true in my life.

Does the Church put a lot of financial pressure on the congregation during the services?
Answer: We have been blessed at Faith Church to operate very efficiently. As a direct result, we receive only one offering during the main service. Additionally, those who have joined the “Faith Family”, are asked to use the appropriate giving envelopes that are provided to them for effective record keeping.