About FBC
Fellowship
Baptist Church was started in 2001 by a group of believers who
were hungry to learn more about the Bible so they could deepen
their relationship with God. They wanted to break free from the
typical pattern of shallow messages, dictatorial leadership, and
oppressive legalism. After many months of searching, they called
Mike Mehling to be their pastor in 2002.
Mike’s
open honest leadership, in-depth Bible study, exegetical preaching,
and rejection of typical legalistic platforms perfectly matched
the vision for this new church. Here is a truly unique offering
in the Shenandoah Valley – a Spirit filled, Bible-driven
church that inspires people to pursue internal growth rather than
change external standards; a church that cares more about a person’s
heart than their Bible version; a church that teaches the whole
counsel of God, not certain hobby-horse issues. Come worship with
us for a few weeks and experience the difference.
Fellowship
Baptist Church exists to “prepare God's people for works
of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we
all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of
God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness
of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and
forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of
teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful
scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all
things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From
him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting
ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does
its work.” (Ephesians 4:12-16)
A
Message From Pastor Mike
Thank you for visiting our web site. I sincerely hope that
your web site visit might lead to a personal visit to our church.
I understand that checking out a new church can be a very intimidating
experience, especially if you don't know anyone there. So let
me introduce myself so you will at least know me!
I
grew up in Louisiana as a Roman Catholic. For my family and me,
our faith was an empty ritual, not a way of life. Therefore, by
the time I reached college, I had grown so disillusioned that
I abandoned all organized religion. So many life decisions were
made at this age and I made them all without God.
In
college, I studied Radio/TV/Film Production. By the time I graduated,
I had a great job in radio as a successful afternoon drive disc
jockey spinning all the latest hits. I met my wife, Toni, while
in college and married her during this time. I was determined
to climb the ladder of success, make lots of money and be really
happy.
My
radio career took me to State College, Pennsylvania (home of Penn
State University). Toni and I moved there in 1990 and I enjoyed
tremendous success in radio. Our lives were empty, though. We
had done so much to prepare for a good career but nothing to prepare
for a good life.
We
had very few friends in State College, so my wife thought it might
be a good idea to try a local church and make friends there. My
wife grew up in a Christian home, but her childhood was turbulent
and she too grew disillusioned with church before coming to college.
Now, as an adult, she missed that time with God and fellowship
with Christian friends.
Well,
we found friends, and much more, at a small Baptist church in
the area. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior
and Toni rededicated her life to the Lord. As I grew in the faith,
I realized that my profession and my beliefs were contradicting
each other quite often so I made the difficult decision to quit
radio. After dabbling in television production for a year, God
burdened my heart to invest in a profession with eternal rewards
- full-time ministry.
I
graduated from Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary, near Philadelphia,
with a Masters of Divinity. Even though it was difficult, I praise
God for my seminary training. Knowing the Greek and Hebrew allows
me the opportunity to study God's Word in depth then teach it
to others. God has used His Word to alter the course of my life
and I cannot thank Him enough. My desire is to teach others what
I've learned so that they can benefit from God's wisdom, too.
Please
come join us this Sunday for worship. Whether you are looking
to get right with God or looking to deepen your relationship to
Him, Fellowship Baptist Church can help. I personally promise
challenging and encouraging services that accurately communicate
God's message from the Bible to you in terms that you will understand.
I also promise a friendly, warm reception from a congregation
that lives out the faith everyday. Come visit our family and experience
the difference at Fellowship Baptist Church.
If
you would like to know more about our ministry, please e-mail
me.
Financial
Policy
There is no cost for any material from Fellowship Baptist Church.
Anyone can download recordings, notes, and publications from this
site without obligation. No money is requested. When gratitude
for the Word of God motivates a believer to give, he has the privilege
of contributing to the dissemination of the Bible. God
provides His Word free of charge. We wish to reflect His grace.
Fellowship
Baptist Church
P.O. Box 211
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
(540)442-9400
