Here you will find “everything” you need to discover about the First Independent Methodist Church of Columbus, Mississippi. Whether you are planning on an in-person visit while traveling through the area, checking us out as a congregation in which you might like to become an ongoing participant or reading up on us for some other reason; if you realize you need to know anything else about us, simply go to the Contact page and let us know what is needed. While our site grows and develops more information will be added to this category. For now, here is what you will find:
An Invitation from Our Pastor When We Meet and How to Find Us What We Believe How We Do Things
Our Invitation to You:
Wherever you are, whatever you may currently think about the Bible and Jesus Christ, no matter what your background or personal history may be; please consider this very serious invitation to join us either in-person or online for worship and studies this coming Lord’s Day (that’s Sunday) or some time in the very near future.
As you read the history and recent story of FIMC, please know that even though we have had a rough patch dealing with both Covid and the destruction caused by an arsonist, we are not discouraged nor disheartened. Having suffered earthly disappointments we have, also, enjoyed the mercies and grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We are not ashamed of His Gospel or serving Him even in times that are growing in hostility against His kingdom.
We believe in God’s Holy Word, the Gospel message and Jesus Christ. That is what we teach and preach without hesitancy or apology. While you may have questions about what we mean by “independent methodist” please know that it is not about denomination but commitment and faithfulness to the Lord. In our section on What We Believe you will see that we confirm the Bible as our only source for faith and practice and life.
The arms of our Heavenly Father are outstretched to invite the lost and dying of the world to come to Him through His Son Jesus Christ. Christ stretched out His beaten and nail-scarred arms on Calvary’s Cross to demonstrate His great love for each of us. We open our hearts and arms to you and your family and all you know to consider the saving power of Jesus that cleanses us from sin, gives us power to live for Him and prepares us to share eternity with Him.
Our desire is not to build a multi-million dollar powerhouse megachurch. Far from it. We prefer to humble serve Him and to do so by serving others. This is not about growing a politically influential congregation, but about bring people to Christ for a new heart and life and growing in His grace and knowledge.
Please use this site to check us out, feel free to ask questions and consider joining us in-person or online this week. Thanks for visiting. God bless.
Gary Shelton, Pastor of FIMC
The Recent Story of FIMC
With over a half century of ministry at the same location, 417 North Lehmberg Road on the East side of Columbus, Mississippi; our small congregation has gone through many things over the decades. The most challenging of which was the demolition of our buildings due to an arsonist’s fires in October 2020.
Disappointed but not forsaken we kept on going. Then Covid-19 hit. Months of online The group had gone through many years of slow decline as different storms rocked us about. But we kept on going. Then Covid-19 hit. Months of online services began that test and then followed distanced seating in the Fellowship Hall. Finally on the first Sunday of October we held a simple service in the Sanctuary in a beginning of return to normalcy. The next morning it was all in ashes. .
It could have been the proverbial last straw that would have closed the ministry down. Instead, it brought a new, richer, deeper fellowship to our families. Even though fewer than ever before in number; in spirit we began to grow in immeasurable ways. Neighboring Churches lifted us up in prayer. Many Christian friends offer assistance and helped the fund raising process with many donations.
The next Sunday we met in the parking lot in front of the ashes and fallen bricks of the destroyed buildings. We had prayer and talked of what the Lord might do in the near future. Then we got in our cars and went up the street where we began to enjoy the gracious and loving hospitality of the congregation of Canaan Baptist Church.
A few months later, we accepted the invitation of the downtown First Baptist Church to use their beautiful Chapel. We continue to meet there at the time of this writing.
Also, at the time of this writing, the blueprints are being drawn up and plans are moving forward to replace the lost facility with a single new modern building. Pray for us as we work toward the goal of rebuilding for the Lord what the Devil thought he would steal.
Please feel free to explore this website, check out the social media links and, if possible, consider visiting with us or even joining us sometime very soon. Thank you for this visit. It is our prayer that the Lord would bless you and your family graciously.
