LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – Pastors Stewart and Sheila Farley founded Rhema Christian Center in 1984 as an interdenominational, multicultural church to bring maturity to the body of Christ. Today marks the 40th anniversary of Rhema Christian Center and 40 years of dedication to their church families and community that stretches from home to Haiti. Pastor Stewart Farley and his wife, Sheila, were overwhelmed with the outpouring of love, gratitude, servitude and accolades of appreciation. Many fellow pastors and their families, Mayor Beverly White, and Farley’s extended family spoke on behalf of the journey this church has lived.
When walking in the doors, the congregation was alive with music and near every chair filled. The feeling of joy could not be mistaken. Songs of worship welcomed every guest and church member. There was truly a sense of family.
Beginning their church service started many, many years when the Farley’s were just in college. Hearing his calling during this time, Farley answered it by saddling up with his mentors, pastoring at several places and in the footsteps of his father, before he was presented with the takeover of the church on Davis Stuart Road in Fairlea, West Virginia. With his wife and their 2-year-old son, the work began. The contracting, the building, the ministry’s reach, the staff and more has blossomed into a place of worship that encompasses the very meaning of fellowship. The reach of his ministry has spanned a continent, building churches and schools in Haiti following their devastation.
Vision. Vision has been the ‘Logos’ or words of God for Rhema Christian Center since the very beginning. “A common vision we all decided upon has grown into this incredible church family. Understanding the importance of the maturing process of the believer and the social responsibilities of the teachings of Christ have led our church to become actively involved with other local organizations to meet increasing community needs. We regularly collaborate with local organizations such as The Shepherd Center, Habitat for Humanity, Family Resource Network, Lewisburg-Fairlea Food Locker, Greenbrier County Schools, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life Clubs, Red Cross and Mennonite Disaster Services to meet community needs. We also collaborate with Greenbrier County Homeland Security as an emergency evacuation center and were intensely involved in shelter and recovery efforts following the devastating floods in June of 2016. Internationally we provide support to missionaries in Haiti, India and South Asia.”
The Farley’s have just welcomed a new granddaughter as of Saturday, and the entire family, sans mom and baby, stood in reverence as did the congregation when the pastor and his wife took the stage. A standing ovation was just more proof that this family has affected thousands and many more will come. A focus on children on Rhema is paramount. Their children’s ministry called “Rock Kids” is tailored to the spiritual wellness of many neighborhood children, toddlers to graduates. Youth Pastor Sam McClung spoke of being a child in the arms of Farley when the church first began and as a seasoned young man, children remain a priority in the church. They are more than the future, “They are our today.” The church has an incredible Early Childhood Development Center called “Kingdom Kids” which is a weekday community childcare program. Children ages 6 weeks through pre-K are in the daycare program and grades K-5 in their after school and summer programs. They also offer free breakfast and lunch for all community children through age 18 during their summer program. All these accomplishments are the “Vision” that was the guiding light as the first thoughts of the ministry were born.
A catered lunch was held in the Life Center which doubles as an event space and gymnasium for the center. Church members presented some delicious foods and worked hard to set beautiful tables, complete with service during the meal. Several tables of delectable desserts delighted children and adults alike. Rhema Christian Center is a rock in the community that people have grown to love and depend on. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you will be loved and forgiven when you attend. Period.
Weekly worship is held on Sundays at 10 a.m. and weekly classes on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. The childcare program is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information or to schedule a preadmission visit with Director, Terri Bucklen call the Center office Monday-Friday at 304-793-2327. To learn more about the church center, visit their website at therhemalife.com.
