Church History
Faith Community Church originated from discussions had at a Bible study that was being held from house to house in the 1960’s. The founding pastor, Melvin Massey, was encouraged to found the church by the urging of two like minded Christian brothers, Albert Bommer and James Marshall. Pastor Massey wanted to start a church where the clear and simple Gospel message would be preached and where Christians would be taught and encouraged to love each other.
Pastor Massey received his Biblical training from B. M. Nottage, an African American Evangelist who was involved with the Plymouth Brethren movement. Brother Nottage was instrumental in founding strong Bible churches in the Detroit African American community since the 1930’s. Faith Community Church was one of the churches that benefited from the teachings of B.M. Nottage.
Faith Community Church was officially formed and incorporated on February 21st, 1966 in the city of Highland Park, Michigan. Faith Community Church first met at 350 Moss in the city of Highland Park, but eventually the congregation moved to the YMCA in Highland Park to hold it’s services. There the church grew and drew many strong brothers to assist with it’s growth and development such as Brother Meadows and Brother Phillips.
Faith Community Church then made it’s last move to the present address of 16630 Joy Road, on the West side of Detroit, Michigan. During this time Pastor Massey, along with other men in the congregation, refurbished the property utilizing their own hard work, skill and ingenuity. Many of the present fixtures in the building were done by Pastor Massey himself.
Through hard times, church struggles, personal illness, and the problems of every day life, Pastor Massey continued his focus on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and on the love each Christian should have for one another. After a long bout of sickness, Pastor Massey went on to his reward in Heaven with his beloved Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
In the year 2000, then assistant pastor, John Smith, became the Pastor of Faith Community Church. Pastor Smith originally visited Faith Community Church when it was still located at the 350 Moss address, but didn’t actually join until around 1970 when the church met at the Highland Park YMCA.
It was at Faith Community Church where Pastor Smith had the Holy Scriptures of God opened and explained to him. Later, Pastor Smith trusted and put his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to save him from his sin and ensure him a place in Heaven’s glory.
Under the preaching and teaching ministry of Pastor Massey and his son, Craig Massey, Pastor Smith received his Biblical training in the scriptures. During the course of time, Pastor Smith went from a church member to become an assistant Pastor, and now Pastor of Faith Community Church.
Pastor Smith teaches that everyone needs to know that they can’t save themselves, and that Jesus Christ died to pay all sins – past, present and future. He teaches that the Gospel message is the death, burial and resurrection of God’s beloved son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pastor Smith focuses on opening the scriptures so that everyone can know how they can be saved from sin, death and Hell. The Doctrines of the Christian Faith that Pastor Smith focuses upon are: The Doctrine of Salvation, The Doctrine of the Holy Scriptures and The Doctrine of Grace.
A few scriptures he suggests to understand the Doctrine of Salvation is the following: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; John 3:15-21, 36; Romans 10:8-21; and especially Acts 4:12.
Now having served as Pastor for the last eight years, Pastor John Smith still loyally leads and serves the congregation of Faith Community Church.