ABOUT US
Our Story
Community of Faith's journey began in 1996 when two faithful followers were asked to consider planting a Brethren in Christ (BIC) Church in Roanoke. After much prayerful consideration, they agreed. Jim Hain, an ordained Methodist minister since 1972, would pastor the church and his wife Loine would co-pastor the administrative portion. Their daughter, Rebecca, would be the worship leader. With much help from the rest of their family and some faithful friends, the church was started. What began as their story has now evolved into our story. We thank them for being faithful.
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In the beginning, the service was held in temporary locations. In 2001, we purchased a former gymnastics facility and renovated the building into what is now our home on Fallowater Lane. Members of the church completed much of the renovation and we opened the doors in the Fall of 2002.
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In the Summer of 2003, Loine resigned from her administrative duties and Darren Potter, an ordained minister since 1997, was added to our staff as an associate pastor. His role evolved and Darren served two terms as Senior Pastor before resigning to pursue a full-time chaplaincy ministry to Roanoke area police officers and their families. With support from the BIC Bishop, Jim and Loine returned at that time to again provide pastoral care with Rebecca continuing to lead worship.
Rebecca resigned in the Fall of 2021. Pastor Jim and Loine retired in March of 2022 after long and much appreciated service to our Lord and church.
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Jen Hickey is the current Lead Pastor. She has answered the Lord's call to lead Community of Faith Church. Join us as we learn to worship and live life together.
our pastor:
Jennifer Hickey
Jen Hickey has been pastor at Community of Faith Church since 2021. Prior to pastoring, she volunteered in many areas of the life of the church including children’s, youth, and worship ministries. She earned her BA from Kutztown University in Speech Communication and her MA from Evangelical Seminary in Religion with a focus on Spiritual Formation.
Her original call was to secular work where she strived to create environments where people could thrive and find value in themselves and what they do. Now she serves as the pastor of this faith community.
Jen lives in Buchanan, Va., with her husband Dan and their three hound dogs.
What we Believe
Jesus Christ is the foundation of our values and beliefs.
As a diverse family, we believe it’s important to wrestle with the Bible together. Like all families, we interpret the world through a particular lens. For us, that lens is the person, teaching, and work of Jesus Christ.
Centered on Christ’s example and grounded in our history, our values and beliefs prompt us to extend the Kingdom of God in our communities and world.
OUR CORE VALUES
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Experiencing God's Love and Grace: We value the free gift of salvation in Christ Jesus and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
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Believing the Bible: We value the Bible as God's authoritative Word, study it together, and build our lives on its truth.
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Worshiping God: We value heart-felt worship that is God-honoring, Spirit-directed and life-changing.
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Following Jesus:We value whole-hearted obedience to Jesus through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
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Belonging to the Community of Faith: (...hey, there's a great name for a church!) We value integrity in relationships and mutual accountability in an atmosphere of grace, love and acceptance.
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Witnessing to the World: We value an active and loving witness for Jesus to all people.
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Serving Compassionately: We value serving others at their point of need, following the example of our Lord Jesus.
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Pursuing Peace: We value all human life and promote forgiveness, understanding, reconciliation and non-violent resolution of conflict.
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Living Simply: We value uncluttered lives, which free us to love boldly, give generously and serve joyfully.
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Relying on God: We confess our dependence on God for everything, and seek to deepen our intimacy with Him by living prayerfully.
Feel free to dig deeper into the history and beliefs of the Brethren In Christ denomination by clicking HERE.