How it all started...
Our story begins in December 1981, in the dead of winter, in a one car garage with no heat. Zechariah 4: 10 (NLT) states, "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..." Bishop Crooms, at the young age of 20, was called to start Faith Tabernacle of Praise, known as FTOP, in a small community called North River. Bishop Crooms built the church upon Faith in God, which is it's namesake. Persevering through unusual circumstances and opposition FTOP continues to be a house of Faith and pillar in the community. FTOP members are known for their genuine love for God and God's people.
Expanding the vision...
For the past several years FTOP has increased its focus on missions. As part of our vision, we believe serving others beyond our four walls is part of our duty as Christians. We have adopted the ministry of Operation Christmas Child which sends the love of Jesus Christ to hard to reach countries through a small shoebox. As we continue to allow the Lord to lead us in our missions efforts we expect to extend our hand to other countries with the hope of meeting community needs and continuing to spread the Good News through preachings and teachings.
Where we are headed...
FTOP is currently in an active building project in which we are focused on renovating and building. The first phase of our building project was to pay off our existing mortgages, in which we accomplished our goal! The next phase of our building project includes renovation of our current sanctuary to include television monitors, new church chairs and new carpet. The third phase of our building project includes demolition of our old fellowship hall, known as the "white building" and resurrecting a brand new facility to include a new sanctuary, welcome center, and classrooms for study groups and a space for our youth. The final phase of our building project includes a state of the art educational facility to include a christian school and a brick and mortar facility to house our theological seminary satellite campus, North Carolina Theological Seminary (NCTS).
