Faith Chapel Christian Center in Wylam is busting outside the box of the typical church. They are fast becoming the spot to catch some of Gospel music’s biggest names, creating trends in church announcements, and hosting programming that gets national attention.
Within the past year, they have provided a stage for award-winning singers like Byron Cage, Deitrick and Damita Haddon, Ruben Studdard, and the Rance Allen Group. They were the site of a town hall meeting with legendary political activist Winnie Mandela and in the fall will host a music and business conference with Tyscot Records.
The church, whose pastors are Michael D. and Kennetha Moore, wants to be a source of evangelism and also provide area Christians with exciting programming, says Malena Cunningham, Executive Director of Communications for the 7,000-member church.
“The response has been overwhelming,” she says of turnout to the recent events. On Easter Sunday they had to turn away thousands of people because they could not accommodate the tremendous number of folks who wanted to hear R&B singer turned Christian artist Shirley Murdock perform several inspirational songs. Lady Tremaine Hawkins is scheduled to perform at the church on Father's Day where a large crowd is expected.
Cunningham says it has become a sense of pride for the FCCC members and adds that now several gospel artists are seeking out the church asking if they can come perform.
One of the main reasons for their success is the addition of Dr. Henry Panion, III, as the Senior Director of the Fine Arts ministry. Dr. Panion brings with him access to some of the most famous music artists alive, having worked with Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Kurt Carr, Jonathan Butler, and conducted orchestras across the world. In addition, Cunningham who was added to the staff last fall, is a former award-winning television journalist who has a wealth of knowledge and is well-respected in the community.
While in her position, Cunningham created the Faith Chapel News (FCN), a weekly newscast that features reporters from the congregation. During Sunday service, parishioners see a professionally produced video that features heartwarming stories of ministry, spotlights of church members, and important announcements. More than 120 people showed up to audition for the chance to be on the news team. The reporters range in age from 10 to 70. You can check out their newscasts at www.faithchapel.net/fcn.
Faith Chapel is also planning to launch a new web site soon. It will include the ability to stream their service live on the Internet. And, within a couple of months, they will be opening a 120,000 sq. ft. family activity center called The Bridge which includes an adult dinner theater that will seat 500-600 people.
Faith Chapel Christian Center is located at 100 Lexington Street. For more information about what's happening at their ministry, go to www.faithchapel.net.
[Photos: Pastor Michael Moore (above) and Ruben Studdard (bottom left)]