About First Century Church
A Spirit-led, full Gospel church restoring the simplicity, power, and authenticity of the first-century church, in the 21st Century.
Who We Are
First Century Church exists to recreate the Biblical model of the early church in a today's society—not through human structure, but through the active leading of the Holy Spirit.
At our core, this church was not designed around programs, personalities, or rigid schedules. It was built on one conviction:
“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.
We believe church is not something you attend and remain passive—it is something you become by participation. A living, Spirit-filled body where every person is called, equipped, and empowered.
Our Mission
To create a place where:
- The Gospel is preached boldly and without compromise
- The five-fold ministry (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) equips believers for works of service.
- People experience real transformation, not surface-level religion
- Unconditional love is the defining characteristic of the community
John 13:34-35
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
1 Corinthians 13:1-2
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
Our Foundation
First Century Church is a Spirit-led, full Gospel Pentecostal church that holds to the authority of Scripture and the active work of the Holy Spirit today.
We believe in:
- Salvation through Jesus Christ alone
- The literal truth of the Bible
- The baptism in the Holy Spirit
- Spiritual gifts actively operating today (prophecy, tongues, interpretation, healing etc.)
- Water baptism by immersion
- Open communion for all who have surrendered to Christ
- Divine healing alongside medical care
Our services are not scripted—we intentionally create space for God to move, speak, and minister.
Our Vision
To raise mature disciples of Jesus Christ through teaching, transformation, and Spirit-led growth.
“Go and make disciples… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
This means:
- Moving people from faith in Christ to discipleship.
- From attendance → active participation
- From knowledge → spiritual maturity
What Makes This Church Different
1. Spirit-Led, Not Program-Led
We do not force a rigid structure onto services. We allow time and space for:
- Prayer
- Worship
- Prophecy
- Healing
- Personal ministry
God directs the flow—not a schedule.
2. Active Spiritual Gifts
You may experience prophecy spoken during service, speaking in tongues and interpretation, or spontaneous prayer and ministry. Each believer is given a measure of spiritual gifts according to the will of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul devotes the whole 14th chapter of 1 Corinthians in regards to the proper and orderly way in which prophecy and tongues are to be practiced in the church.
These are practiced Biblically and in order for:
- Strengthening
- Encouragement
- Comfort
3. Radical Inclusivity (Without Compromise)
Everyone is welcome:
- All are welcome. Whether atheist, agnostic, or God fearing, Church going, or non church going.
- Educated or street-wise.
- Having a home or homeless.
- Dealing with an addiction or denying that you have one.
- Be part of a revival, learn and grow with us.
- Invite your friends.
- The motorcycle community is welcome.
- Come as you are, casual to formal wear.
4. Discipleship Over Attendance
The goal is not to fill seats. The goal is to build people through:
- A real relationship with God
- Personal transformation
- Deep spiritual growth
5. Healing-Centered Community
A major focus is restoration of the whole person:
- Emotional healing
- Spiritual renewal
- Counseling support
This church offers a free Biblical Counseling* to the entire community with a vision of developing a wide outreach to the greater community, accepting donations only. No one will be turned away.
*If the person's counseling needs go beyond the scope of the church's expertise, they will be directed to treatment centers in the community who can best meet their needs.
The Heart Behind the Church (Origin Story)
First Century Church did not begin as a strategic plan—it began as a calling.
Founder Dave Pappas has spent decades studying Scripture, teaching and discipling others and serving in ministry and counseling roles.
Prophetic words shared directly into his life emphasized:
- A deep desire to serve God
- A calling to reach the lost and comfort the hurting
- Restoration from past discouragement
- A future of guiding and healing
- God’s plan defines direction
At the center of those words was this message
That God's word emphasizes:
- You don’t need to be perfect to serve God
- You need a heart fully surrendered to Him
- What God has spoken will be fulfilled
What You Can Expect
- Worship that ranges from reflective to expressive
- Freedom to express yourself as the spirit needs (standing, kneeling, praying, etc.)
- Clapping and raising of hands etc.
- A welcoming, non-judgmental environment
- Opportunities for prayer and personal ministry
- A service that may look different each time as God directs
- We will never shut off the lights and close the doors on anyone seeking God or seeking prayer.
Who This Church Is For
- Authentic Christianity, not performance
- Spiritual depth, not surface-level teaching
- Freedom for God to move, not controlled structure
- A place to grow, heal, and be used by God
Final Thought
First Century Church is not trying to reinvent Christianity. It is returning to what Christ taught his disciples.
- Spirit-led gatherings
- Activated believers
- Deep discipleship
- Radical love
- Those looking to relive the model of the first century church, free of modern influences and institutionalization of Christianity
The early church changed the world. First Century Church is looking to fulfill the Great Commission, and do the same today.