A Community of Believers on mission together bringing the city of Hickory, NC and surrounding areas an encounter with the living God!
ENCOUNTER CHURCH
ENCOUNTER EQUIP ENGAGE
JOIN US
SUNDAY
11A.M.
609 21ST ST SE
HICKORY, NC 28602
In 2023 Encounter Church is Launching as a Spirit Filled Church on Mission to bring the City of Hickory an Encounter with God. We want People to Encounter God. We want to Equip the Church. We want to Engage the world around us with the Gospel of Jesus in Words, Works, and Wonders! Come Join this future Movement!
JOIN US FOR OUR NEW SERMON SERIES:
LAST DAYS SURVIVAL GUIDE
TOOLS EVERY SURVIVALIST NEEDS TO FLOURISH
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ABOUT ENCOUNTER CHURCH
Our Story
In 2023 Encounter Church is being launched in what was formally known as Sweetwater Baptist Church! Sweetwater has existed in the city of Hickory since 1954. A small, but loving and dedicated congregation of believers decided in the fall of 2022 to embrace the vision of Encounter Church and now we are working hard together to bring the vision of God to pass over Hickory. We invite you to join the humble begins of what we expect to be a move of God! We are currently working on growing our core team over the coming months with the goal of a full Launch in August 2023. We are praying that God will send us people who are in love with Jesus, and who can catch the Vision of Encounter Church. We are praying for God to add gifted leaders to our Worship Team, Sound Team, Kids ministry Teams, and Hospitality Team. Encounter Church is a Community of Believers on mission together bringing the city of Hickory, NC and surrounding areas an encounter with the living God! It's going to take a family on mission for Jesus to see His work come to pass. Please contact us with any questions and we would love to have you consider coming and joining the movement!
"Seek First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness"
Jesus
LEAD PASTOR
Elijah London
Pastor Elijah has passionately served Jesus in ministry for 12 years. He is in love with the woman of his dreams, who he has been married to for nearly 10 years. Elijah and Kristen have 4 amazing children that they love spending time with! Pastor Elijah is a gifted leader and communicator who is committed to helping people know and encounter the God of the Bible! He looks forward to meeting you and getting to know you and your family!
WORSHIP PASTOR
Norm Liljestrand
Norm is a Spirit filled worship pastor who is passionate about leading people into the presence of God. Norm has been married to his wife Anna for 21 years. Together they have 5 amazing children. Norm and Anna play a crucial role in the spiritual life at Encounter Church.
CHILDREN’S DIRECTOR
Tasha Viel
Natasha (Tasha) Viel has been serving children through the entirety of her adult life. Her and her husband Travis have spent countless hours serving Jesus and advancing the cause of Christ and the local church. Tosha has a servants heart and is excited to be leading the way in serving your family and children! Tosha can’t wait to meet your family and help your children have an encounter with God as they grow in their relationships with Jesus!
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
Join Our Community
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP AT 11A.M
Wednesdays Starting at 7 pm
Bring a heart of expectation as we join together to bring God glory and Encounter His goodness! Children will join us during worship and be dismissed to check in before preaching. This will give them an opportunity to see their families worship God together! We are all about family at Encounter Church! Plan to come as you are, and to leave closer to God and better Equipped to share your faith and serve others!
ENCOUNTER KIDS MINISTRY
Sundays Starting at 11 am
Encounter kids meet Sunday mornings at 11am and Wednesday Nights at 6pm. The only exception is our 1st Wednesday of the Month downtown Hickory prayer night, we’re families meet under the sails to pray for our City! Encounter kids exist to help your children Encounter God and be Equipped to know Him and His word! We have a secure electronic check in system to help assist your family, and well vetted volunteers to serve you and your children.
WEEKLY WEDNESDAY NIGHT PRAYER MEETING
Sundays Starting at 10 am
Every Wednesday night we meet from 5-6pm in the Sanctuary for an intentional and focused time of Prayer.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SMALL GROUP 6-7PM
Sundays Starting at 11 am
Our current small group meets in the Sanctuary to study Gods word from 6-7pm on Wednesday Nights. Encounter kids meets during this time to bless our families and pour life into our kids!
1ST WEDNESDAY NIGHT FAMILY WORSHIP
1st Wednesdays Nights of the month from 6-7pm
This is a safe and kid friendly space for families to worship together! Worship music will be kid friendly and kids are encouraged to help in the leading of worship. Our Sermon time will be engaging for kids of all ages. This time will provide a patient and loving atmosphere for children to get a taste of what it looks like to do church together with their family! Children's ministry will be provided for our kids every other Wednesday while we host our small group from 6-7! All are invited and feel free to email us with any questions!