FAQs

How did Antioch get started?

Five families started Antioch in the spring of 1987. We started with all the determination in the world that this church would be the answer to the county’s problems! God was patient with us and let us fall and fail in many ways, but He has been faithful to give us many years of walking with Him as a fellowship of believers in love with Jesus Christ. We learned a long time ago that HE is the answer to the county’s (and the world’s) problems. To God be the glory.

What is different about Antioch?

God raises up different churches with different visions.

• One distinctive is that solid, expository, biblical preaching is wedded with exciting worship in spirit and truth. We blend the old with the new as we sing the great hymns of the faith and the new hymns being written today, as well as biblical choruses. The preaching is expository (verse by verse) and relevant, answering our deepest needs with the truth of God’s Word.
• A second distinctive about Antioch is our commitment to local and world missions. The church gives at least 25% of our income to missions. We support works in Mexico, Kenya, South Africa, Nepal, Moldova, Colombia, and more. We send at least one mission team out every year to do short-term mission work. We believe in the Great Commission and our responsibility to take the gospel to every creature. Read more about our missions
• A third distinctive of Antioch is that we worship together as families. Our vision is to be a place where families are built up and encouraged, and all of our members worship together. Instead of dividing the family at the front door and sending the children scurrying off in one direction, the teens in another, and the parents in a third, we want the body to worship the Lord with all ages together. Our 10am worship service is for the whole church. We offer a nursery during the sermon time for little ones 3 and under, but families are welcome to keep their children in the service.
• A fourth distinctive is that Antioch is committed to planting other churches, as the Lord allows. 
• A fifth distinctive is that Antioch is a loving fellowship of families and singles of different races and different socio-economic and spiritual backgrounds. The world talks a lot about ‘unity in diversity,’ but only in the church is it fully realized. God has made us one in His Spirit and through His Son!

How do I get plugged in?

• Come and worship with us on Sunday mornings at 10am at 1600 Power Line Road, in Elon, NC [click here for directions]. On the second Sunday of each month, we host a church-wide covered dish lunch.
• Attend a home group. There are several of them meeting in different homes on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. There you will meet families and singles who have a common goal: to get to know one another better, to develop caring relationships where hurts can be shared (and triumphs as well!), to pray for one another, and to study the Word together.
• Attend the New Members’ Class, offered by the pastor 3 or 4 times a year. The class meets for two weeks on Sundays, just after the service. The first week covers how we started as a church and our doctrinal beliefs. The second week you learn how we are governed, as well as ways in which you can serve the church should you decide to join. After attending the class, if you believe God has called you to be a part of Antioch Community Church, you will be encouraged to make a commitment by joining the church as soon as you are ready.

What do you have for children and youth?

We believe what Puritan pastor Richard Baxter said is true: “You are not likely to see general reformation until you secure family reformation.” Our desire is to build spiritually healthy families led by spiritually healthy men, and in doing so, to provide a rich environment where children and students can be taught, find fellowship, and grow in their own individual gifts and ministries.

Antioch is filled with children and young people who love the Lord and love being together. You will almost always find a football game going on in the grass after church, while the younger children are swarming the playground. We also have a monthly gathering for high school and college-aged young adults, wherein there is fun, food, and fellowship, as well as time in the Word and in prayer. These gatherings are led by two couples who are Antioch members and have a heart for this age group. There are other opportunities, some programmed and others organic, for our children and youth to spend time together and to grow in the Lord. 

Do you have programs at Antioch?

Yes we do, but not like you may be used to. We are not a “program-driven” church. We believe God has called us to keep programs to a minimum in order to allow the families to have time together to be a family. We offer several programs that last just for a set season. For example, for approximately 12 weeks in the spring–and again in the fall–we offer classes on Sunday mornings before the worship service, for adults and children ages 12 and up (though occasionally a family has a child younger than 12 who is able to participate in the class.) Topics of study have included areas such as doctrine, apologetics, or prayer, etc. During those classes, we also offer a catechism class for the younger children, ages 5-11.

What are some activities at Antioch, besides Sunday worship and mid-week home groups?

The church loves to get together for times of fun and fellowship, and the primary way we do this is through our Fellowship Meals. Each 2nd Sunday of the month, we come prepared with a meal to share at a covered dish lunch in the fellowship hall after the service. We also offer Wednesday night meals once a month from April through September. We hold a fellowship at a park 1 or 2 times a year, as well as occasional fellowship meals in people’s homes. The women and men (ages 12 and up) meet monthly: the women in their monthly Women’s Fellowships, and the men with their monthly Men’s Breakfast, which is held the 3rd Sunday of each month at 8:00 before the church service. The men have a retreat (usually to the beach) in the fall, and the women have their beach retreat in the spring. In each case, young people, ages 12 and up, are invited to attend the retreat with their parent. Learn more ways to get involved.

Do you only have homeschool families?

No! While it is true that a large percentage of our members choose to homeschool their children, we do have several families whose children are in public and private schools. We believe that God will lead each family in the schooling decision that is best for them.

Do I have to wear a dress/suit and tie to church?

Only if you want to! On any given Sunday, you will find our members in everything from jeans to a suit and tie, and high-heeled shoes to flip flops. It is not as important to us what you wear, but that you’re there.

What if I have a spiritual need now?

We would love to talk with you. Come to church this Sunday and worship with us. The Lord “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

What if I have other questions about the church?

Let us know. Call the church office at (336) 586-0997, or come see us this Sunday. We look forward to meeting you!