…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 4:15-16
On September 21, 2025, this congregation celebrated 25 years together—years during which God has richly blessed us. Here is our story.
On September 24, 2000, a small group of Christians met together to worship in spirit and in truth. The name chosen for this new congregation was Raleigh Church of Christ.
For the first two years we met in an office building owned by one of our members. With God’s help and the hard work of many, we were able to purchase the property at 911 Barringer Dr.; remodel the existing classroom building, including finishing the second floor; and add the Exit Tower, Auditorium, and Fellowship Hall to the existing structure. We met in our present facility for the first time on September 29, 2002.
Over the years our physical footprint has grown as additional properties adjacent to the building have been purchased. Plans are now being made to enlarge our facility to accommodate our growing family.
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care…
1 Peter 5:2a
RCC has been blessed with godly shepherds who have been true servant-leaders. We installed our first elders on February 16, 2001. Those selected were Ray Brock, Glenn Holland, Ron Janes, Bob Lowry, and Ed Warner. The love and leadership of these men laid a strong, positive foundation for this congregation.
Preach the Word…
2 Timothy 4:2a
The Raleigh Church of Christ has also been blessed with many men capable of publicly communicating God’s Word. Thus, for the first seven years, a rotation of men shared the preaching responsibilities.
We hired our first full-time minister when Gary Selby and his wife, Mary, joined us in our work on July 22, 2007. For the next eight years, the Selbys were involved in teaching and Bible Studies and were excellent examples of Christian hospitality.
Our current minister, Elisha Freeman, his wife Anne Marie, and children Gage and Grace became part of our family on September 4, 2016. In addition to preaching, teaching, and many other congregational activities, Elisha serves as a deacon heading up local evangelism. Anne Marie teaches classes for our children and is involved in many of our church outreach programs. With this family working alongside us, God continues to bless RCC with spiritual and numerical growth.
Adam Gifford, our first full-time youth minister, began working with the congregation in 2020 to help build up our youth program. After he and his wife Deidra welcomed their first child, Rosie, while living in Raleigh, they decided to return to Ohio in 2021 to be near family.
Charlie Vasquez, his wife Raianne and daughter Addalee came to RCC April 18, 2022. While Charlie serves primarily as our youth minister, he frequently preaches, works with our Vacation Bible School, and organizes numerous activities with our youth. Raianne actively supports the youth group and teaches classes for the girls.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Matthew 28:19-20
Spreading the gospel in other countries as well as locally has always been a priority. From the beginning our congregation took on the responsibility of an established outreach in Honduras, Project Amacuapa, an outreach that is ongoing. In addition to Honduras, we have helped to support mission work in Thailand, China, Indonesia, India, Brazil, and rural areas of North Carolina. This congregation has also supported five men who attended schools of preaching to become full-time ministers.
Locally, the congregation has always provided Bible classes for all ages on Sunday morning and Wednesday night. Also from the beginning, our members have conducted one-on-one and group Bible studies for those seeking a better, deeper understanding of God’s Word.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works…
Ephesians 2:10a
From the start, this congregation has been committed to doing good works. For instance, our Food Pantry ministry—which began March 24, 2001—is open monthly to the public. We have also worked for years with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC by sorting and packing food.
Several of our women are involved in our “Bear Ministry,” a labor of love begun by the late Sally Turner. Sally, a wonderful example of a Christian in action, served as a volunteer church secretary for many years and taught countless women’s Bible classes, including “Woman Aware,” a course she wrote and published. Through the years literally thousands of little handmade teddy bears have been distributed to children not only in hospitals but also in other difficult life situations. Occasionally, we receive notes from parents and caregivers thanking us for the comfort these little bears brought their child.
Another ongoing community outreach has been our involvement with the public schools. For years our members have served as tutors, proctors, and classroom helpers. We have donated school supplies, fed football teams before games, provided clothing and food for students as well as being supportive of teachers.
…so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:5
The Raleigh Church of Christ is very diverse with members from many states and approximately 13 countries.
By 2004 we had several Spanish-speaking members and began holding Bible classes and worship services in both Spanish and English. Although our Hispanic brothers and sisters meet separately in our fellowship hall, we enjoy getting together occasionally for a combined bilingual service. And, of course, we work side by side across our numerous ministries.
Not only are we an ethnically-diverse congregation, but also generationally-diverse with every age group represented from birth to 90 plus.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42
Fellowship has always played a big role in the life of the Raleigh Church of Christ. From its earliest days, our dear sister, the late Rosalee Janes, made sure that we had opportunities to get to know each other as a family. Because of her efforts to organize social events, we continue to gather for potlucks, picnics, ice cream socials, chili cook-offs, and progressive dinners—fun social activities that have been staples in our body life. As a family we also participate in talent shows, retreats, Ladies Days, Girls’ Night Out dinners, fishing trips, rafting trips, Fall Festivals, bridal and baby showers, youth Bible camps, and more.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together…but let us encourage one another…
Hebrews 10:23-25
Christian fellowship and God’s faithfulness continue to nurture the Raleigh Church of Christ as a loving family that supports each other in hard times, rejoices with each other in good times, and encourages each other all the time. Our constant prayer is that others will see Christ’s love reflected in us and be drawn to Him.