Hello! 

I am glad that you have chosen to visit our web page.  We are now joined 

by the latest technology with people all around the world.  It is a powerful and effective way to share ministry ideas and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I feel privileged to be the Pastor of the First Church of God in Columbia, South Carolina.  God has used this church in the past and we can clearly 

see that He wants to use us in the future.  Our church is one in which we honestly strive to do the will of Christ.  Our leaders are dedicated, our commitment strong, and our desire to serve and glorify the Lord intact.

The Lord has laid it upon my heart to reach those whom society and some 

in the "church" tend to shy away from and sometimes avoid.  We found 

and believe that what makes a person a Christian is not perfection, 

but forgiveness.  

I have shared this vision with our local congregation.  It is something that we all are beginning to realize and incorporate into our outlook.  I shudder to think where I would have been had it not been for the mercy, grace and forgiveness of my Lord, Jesus Christ.

Our statement of ministry at First Church is six-dimensional and well rounded.  It states that we are "bringing hope to people through... 

friendship, prayer, service, teaching and outreach while honoring God through worship."

I personally believe and teach that the Bible is God's Holy Word.  It is to 

be studied and accepted in its entirety.  We cannot pick and choose that which we want to believe in and discard the rest!  We show how the Scriptures are relevant to everyday life, to our personal needs, and how 

God can bring us hope and victory through His promises.  

I know for a fact that Jesus Christ can change anyone's life into something beautiful if we would just allow Him to do so.

If you have not accepted Him as your personal Savior or do not have an intimate, day-to-day relationship with Him, I wish you would allow us to 

pray for you.  

We are just ordinary people like yourself, but we believe in and practice the power of prayer.  Christ does make a difference.

May God bless you richly as you reach for Him and His will in your life!

Richard J. Rusnak -  Pastor