The Encounter Community


Encounter is a multi-generational community of ordinary people following an extraordinary God. Our hearts and doors are wide open to people of all backgrounds, regardless of where you might be on your spiritual journey. Your personal history, the color of your skin or even the clothes you wear are all irrelevant to our invitation to you. Here at Encounter we believe God has mandated us to do three things...

Encounter God. It is our deepest desire to whole-heartedly worship God and respond to the great love He pours out on us. It is through a genuine encounter with God that real transformation takes place in our lives and those around us. We also believe that is is the greatest honor and privilege to truly know this great God.

Equip and encourage one another. God has called us to make disciples, not just church-goers. We believe that we need each other in this journey called life to share experiences, pass along wisdom and encourage each other to grow in Christ. To us it's more about building up people into what God has called them to BE instead just what they've been called to DO.

Engage the culture around us. Not everyone will preach from a pulpit but we are all ministers to the world around us. We believe God has called us as a community to be a voice of spiritual awakening to those all around us. Jesus taught us the value of transforming cities and regions, one life at a time. By pointing past ourselves and directing those around us to set their eyes on God, people will encounter the "real thing" and the very culture of families, communities, cities and nations will be changed by this great God.

Thank you so much for visiting and feel free to take a look around. Let us know if you have any questions or comments via our contact form at the bottom of the site. May you know how great the Father's love is for you.

  • The Lord is truly present in every service. You come to service expecting to receive and you do.

    Janice Patterson
    Janice Patterson

  • The presence of God is so tangible in this place and they truly allow God to have His way!

    Rebecca McKenzie
    Rebecca McKenzie

the encounter team

We are here to love and serve our community

Michael &

Gale Beth Rice

Lead Pastors

We met and were married 32 years ago and have been blessed with two incredible children, Gabriel (and his wife Alisha) and Josiah (J.J.). We both came to know Jesus through radical encounters and we have been loving and serving Him as a family ever since. As a family, it's our vision to see the Bride of Christ awaken and demonstrate the kingdom principals that unleash God's glory to passionately evangelize the world. We want to see the church take God out-of-the-box and invade a lost and broken world, releasing the love of the Father... thus fulfilling Malachi 4:6. Michael enjoys the outdoors and Gale Beth loves singing. We both love to travel and enjoying time with family.

 

John &

Pam McClung

Senior Ministry Pastors

Hi. We're John & Pam McClung and we serve as ministers to the seniors here at Encounter. We both came to know Christ on the same night in 1985 and by 1986 we were serving as ministers in the Church of God. We have been married for 38 wonderful years and are blessed with two beautiful daughters, four incredible granddaughters and four spoiled cats. We both share a deep love for seniors. It's our desire that they would know Christ and know that God has a purpose for everyone at any age. John loves woodworking and football and Pam enjoys crafts and bird watching. We both love fishing, going to the beach and spending quality time with our family.

 

 

Ira &

Mindy Clark

Children's Pastors

We have been married for 17 years and are blessed to have 3 wonderful daughters. Together, we have served in full time ministry with children for 5 years through Encounter. Our belief is that children are an integral part of the body of Christ and that we are entrusted to teach them about God and His son Jesus Christ. We are given the calling to raise up the next generation to love God, know Him and walk in relationship with Him. Most importantly, we are to teach children that God loves them and that He has a purpose for each of them. Proverbs‬ ‭22:6‬

 

Get Connected

Here are some ways to get connected at Encounter

  • Impact Kids Ministry

    Impact Kids is all about showing kids the love of the Father. In a society where there has been a breakdown of the family unit, now more than ever we need to show kids that they're loved and cared for. We meet every Wednesday night at 7pm in the gymnasium to hang out, have fun, learn about God and show love to one another.

    I love coming to Impact Kids on Wednesdays to learn about God's love for me.

    Kristen Clark

    We would love for to join us this Wednesday night at 7pm. Come on out and you won't be disappointed!

  • Wrecked Youth

    Wrecked is a place where teens in middle school and high school can come together to encounter God, encourage one another and learn how to impact our culture at school, home and everywhere else. We meet every Wednesday night at 7pm in the Upper Room above the gymnasium for a time of worship, prayer, the word and hanging out. We also go to other events like youth rallies, summer youth camp and other fun events.

    It's great to have a place where other teens just like me can hang out to hear about God.

    Erin Clark

    We would love for you to come out this Wednesday night at 7pm. We hope to see you there!

  • Encounter Worship

    Worship is the very reason for our existence. We were all made to encounter our creator in the intimacy of worship. Here at Encounter we desire to commune with God in a corporate gathering together, worshiping God together in one voice. We believe that worship is not limited to music, songs or a half-hour block during a Sunday morning church service. Worship is creative, artistic and can be expressed in many forms of art, dance, spoken word and music.

  • Young At Heart

    Young At Heart is our seniors ministry here at Encounter. We believe that God still has a fresh vision and fresh revelation for even the most seasoned saint. We have a once a month gathering on Tuesdays where we share in food, fellowship, worship and get to hear testimonies of God's grace in each others lives. Come and hear what God still has in store for you!

  • Create Ministry

    Create! is a fun night for all women, ages 16 & up, where we allow time for creating papercraft and also friendship. The sole purpose is to edify the Lord by making Him first, then edify each other by lifting each other as needs are made known. The end result being: That Jesus Christ be lifted-up & each other be edified and in the process, we create an atmosphere for God to move, enabling Him to make His presence know. It will result in the most ultimate create experience... for signs, miracles & wonders to happen in our midst.

    I have enjoyed being able to spend time with other women in relationship while blessing God and honors through creativity.

    Mindy Clark

    This is a ministry that is double-sided in nature, meaning; we minister, to each other, the night of CREATE! then again, we minister to others, as we prayerfully send out the creations we've made. It's also evangelistic in nature; that's why it's in a home & not a church building.

  • Alpha Group

    Alpha Group is a small group for men that are looking to rediscover the lost art of manhood. This midweek gathering is off campus and welcomes men of all generations. It is our endeavor to hear from God about what a real husband, father, son, friend and man is supposed to be.

    It's everyday guys being honest and open to what God wants from them.

    Ira Clark

  • Kids Encounter Preschool and Daycare

    At Kids Encounter, we know children learn best by investigating, exploring and playing not by being crammed up in a small room all day. That’s why our center has one of the largest amounts of space dedicated to providing all the room your little one needs, including a full size gymnasium.

    Being a non-profit daycare our bottom line is not financial. Our bottom line is providing incredible child care at an affordable price.

    A big thank you to your entire crew!!! It is an awesome feeling to leave my kids in your care and have 100% faith that they are safe and being cared for as if they were your own family!!!! Thank you for all you do!

    Jamie T.

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Here are some resources