About Us

our story...

 I knew where to get the best deal on fifteen large pizzas. Going to movies was cultural research.

After being a youth pastor for many years Karen, my wife and I became restless with God’s direction for our lives.  We really began to seek God and His next plan for our ministries and He responded.  We packed up our family and moved to Tulsa, OK to serve as the worship director for a mission organization.  My job was to train up worship leaders who would spend their summer’s overseas leading worship among the nations.

Following our time in Tulsa we moved to Nashville, TN and launched our own ministry.  During this ministry, I was a worship leader who traveled to lead worship for special events around the U.S.  I was also on staff at Long Hollow Baptist Church and lead worship for their student ministry when not on the road.

After many miles on the road, God begin to stir my heart about starting a new church in my home town (Gray).  As Karen and I begin to pray it was obvious that this was God’s direction for our family.

After arriving home (Gray) and getting settled, we begin to spread the news and soon started meeting with a core group in our living room.  Believers Church first service was January 2002 and it snowed!  Our first year gathering place was the Holiday Inn in Johnson City.  One year into our church we decided to rent a building behind the Pet Dairy building in Johnson City.  The last three years we have been meeting at Boones Creek Middle School.  We are currently searching for a building or land as God leads.  We know that church is not about a building, but people.

Let’s be upfront here-the Tri-Cities did not need another church exactly like all the rest in the area because they are serving their purpose.  We believed that the Tri-Cities needed a church that was a bit different than most.  A place to come as you are……be authentic……be real……find grace………find hope…….find a church family that will love you through the tough times as well as the good.  Also, NO BIG church ORGANS but great cutting edge music that is relevant and LOUD (we have earplugs available).  A place where children are loved and can have fun learning about God.  I have been a part of some churches that will not clap, laugh or even grunt!  I believe the Christian life should be FUN-yes, even at church.

Some values that I thought a church should have:  relevance, excellence, community, and authenticity.  I wrote down the phrase “a real church for real people.”  I wanted to get out of the church business and lay aside the politics of church.  I wanted to get in the life-change business.

I see a church committed to do whatever it takes to lead people in and around the Tri-Cities into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.  I see a church that values community, authenticity, relevance, excellence, truth, teamwork and love. I see a place where a person without a church background can come and feel comfortable and enjoy the service because of the friendly context.

The messages are always practical, biblical and relevant, and the music is always top quality. I see a church that is fun for the entire family, a church where children want to go and where teenagers are loved and accepted. I see a church where Christians can grow in their relationship with God and other people.  I see hundreds of small groups meeting in homes throughout the week. I see a church that helps every member discover and use their gifts and abilities to meet the needs of others.

Today, we stand in front of an open door. God has given us an incredible opportunity to impact the Kingdom and reach disconnected people here in the Tri-Cites.  Our staff team and our volunteers are committed to lead people, from all walks of life, into a growing relationship with Jesus.  We know it’s not about starting another religious institution, but offering grace and hope to people.

I believe God has a great plan for Believers Church.  I believe He is going to use us in an incredible way, and I’m proud to be along for the journey.

About Me and my family:
I met Karen, my wife, while in college at E.T.S.U. and fell in love.  She is incredible!  We have two great children, Megan & Caleb.  Megan is attending college at E.T.S.U, and Caleb is finishing up High School at Daniel Boone.

After my studies at E.T.S.U., I attended Liberty University for continued Biblical Studies and most recently Seminary at Trinity Theological Seminary.  A seasoned pastor once told me, “the two things that will influence your life the most will be the books you read and the people you meet” and this has come true over and over.  Never stop learning!  I’m a work in progress and so are you.

Lead Pastor,
Mike Friday