The Rock Solid Church has seen much growth over the past six years and has finally moved its membership into a new facility at 550 Eighth Avenue.
Pastor Mike McNeely said the 70-year-old church, which formerly bore the name First Assembly of God, outgrew its home at 1832 Robinson Avenue. In the past six years, the seats in the sanctuary have filled up rapidly, he said. When McNeely first became pastor, about 70 people regularly attended. Now church membership is 235, although more people attend the services, he said.
"We've grown. We're blessed," McNeely said. "We just got to where we outgrew our (Robinson Avenue) facility. That's why we wanted to relocate and build bigger. It was a chance for us to upgrade."
The majority of the congregation is young married couples, although more seniors have been attending lately, McNeely said.
"That's exciting," he added.
The church has a children's ministry, Kids at the Rock, headed up by Ben and Tamara Watson, as well as a ministry for teens led by Brian Ramey, he said.
"We believe we have pretty progressive praise and worship," he added.
He said the church is seriously considering taking its worship service on the air.
The new facility has a sanctuary that seats 357, state-of-the-art sound and acoustics, a nursery with pager system and a state-of-the-art kitchen, the pastor said. Also, still being completed in the building are classrooms, youth hall and office space. The building will be dedicated on Feb. 17.
The church has 4 1/2 acres at the site. McNeely said what is nearly complete now is the first phase. The next phase will include a sanctuary and youth facility, and the current sanctuary will become a multipurpose hall, he said.
"If our children's church keeps growing, they may have to have this," he added.
If growth continues at its current pace, McNeely expects the church to begin having two Sunday morning worship services soon.
"It's exciting to see what God's doing. A lot of churches in Conway are growing," he said. "That says a lot for the city of Conway. Conway is, I think, a very strong religious community. We're just thrilled to be a part of it."
A scripture reference carved in a large rock in front of the church alludes to the church's new name: "And I say that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church."
McNeely said, "We believe we're building lives on the solid rock. We teach and preach sound doctrine that you can put your family on there and be sure it will take you through the storm. We're going to be here."
Church meeting times are: Sunday, 9:30 a.m., Christian education, 10:30 a.m., worship and 6 p.m., evening service; and Wednesday, 7 p.m.
(Staff writer Rachel Parker Dickerson can be reached by e-mail at rachel.dickerson@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1277. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)
