Our Future

Q: What does starting a Local Church look like?

Take a look at our “ Why Local? ” document.

Together, we can impact generations of people, helping them to fully follow Jesus.

Our Vision

In 2023, we began the journey of creating 20 churches in 10 years

We now have four unique local churches in Forsyth, Dawson, Milton, and Canton. They are doing local ministry with local pastors, and we are experiencing Jesus change lives in these communities!

Each of these churches will lead people to fully follow Jesus through Biblical teaching, genuine worship, unique next steps, and engagement in their local community.

We are multiple churches under one umbrella, Local Church. Our goal is to build local churches with local pastors in local communities. We will plant churches, merge with churches, adopt churches, and work with pastors, leaders, and communities to put a Local Church where one is needed.

Review Our Mission, Vision and values

LOOKING AHEAD

Transforming Lives through the Local Church

Local Church is on a decade-long journey, “20 in 10” as we commit to transforming 20 local communities. Our mission is simple: create lasting positive change, nurture faith, and strengthen community connections.

By 2033, we aim to expand to 23 local churches, each integral to shaping its community’s spiritual landscape.

Be a part of our future – explore how you can contribute by reviewing our FAQ section. Your involvement is key to realizing Local Church’s “20 in 10 Vision.”

Review our Frequently Asked Questions

OUR FUTURE

20 Churches in 10 Years

Empowering Local Pastors to Support Communities through Local Congregations

We started with three churches. By 2033, our goal is to have 23 local churches with local pastors in local communities.

Each church will lead people to fully follow Jesus through biblical teaching, genuine worship, unique next steps, and engagement in their local community. We will plant churches, merge with churches, adopt churches, and work with pastors, leaders, and communities to put a Local Church where one is needed.

20 in 10 is more than just starting new churches. It is helping women, men, kids, students, grandparents, etc., fully follow Jesus in their words and actions daily. When individuals do this and find community within their church, families, schools, communities, and cities are changed forever.”

20 in 10 FAQs

What is a Local Church like?

Each Local Church is unique and shaped by the specific characteristics of its community. While the core principles and values remain consistent, the local church adapts its programs, outreach, and initiatives to best serve the needs of its particular area.

Review Our Mission, Vision, and Values

Where can the churches be located?

Our mission is to foster local growth in any community so our churches can be found anywhere. We are dedicated to spreading our vision of community-focused churches across various urban and rural regions.

Why 20 in 10?

“20 in 10” is our ambitious goal to establish 20 thriving local churches within the next decade. By 2033, 20 additional Local Churches will lead people to fully follow Jesus and influence their local communities. We will plant churches, merge with churches, welcome churches into the family, and work with pastors, leaders, and communities to put a Local Church where needed.

How can I help?

You can contribute in various ways. First and foremost, we encourage you to attend and engage with your Local Church. Your presence and involvement are vital. If you’re interested in providing financial support or volunteering your time, explore our Invest page for specific opportunities to contribute to the growth of your community.

Who is a good fit to be a Local Church Pastor?

Take a look at our Lead Pastor Profile document.

What Church is a good fit to become a Local Church?

Take a look at our Church Profile document.

What does starting a Local Church look like?

Take a look at our “Why Local?” document.

What makes Local Church unique?

How we think about people, local communities, faith, church, etc., makes us unique. Take a look at our “Philosophies” document to learn more.

What to do if I am interested in leading a Local Church?

Fill out our Get to Know You form.

What do we do if our church is interested in becoming a Local Church?

Fill out our Get to Know Our Church form.

What do I do if I have some questions?

Email Casey at cross@mylocalchurch.com with your questions. He will reply within 48 hours.

2000 – Mountain Lake Church started
2014 – Mountain Lake Church Dawson started
2015 – Chris Emmitt hired to be the Senior Pastor
2020 – church name changed to Local Church to emphasize the focus on the local community
2021 – Local Church Canton started
2022 – “20 in 10” initiative conceptualized with a vision to create 20 churches in 10 years
2023 – “20 in 10” initiative launched
2023 – Local Church Milton started as the first of 20 churches
2023 – Local Church Dawson completed $2 million capital campaign and moved into new space

Our Senior Pastor

Chris Emmitt

Chris is the senior pastor of Local Church and is passionate about creating local churches with local pastors in local communities. While he leads our church in Forsyth County, he also guides and supports our Canton, Milton and Dawson pastors. Chris’ heart is that each person in these communities takes a step towards fully following Jesus.

In 2005, Chris married the prettiest girl he had ever seen. Together he and Breanna have four wonderful yet crazy kids. When he isn’t being an Uber driver for his kids to all their events, Chris loves to golf, fish, and BBQ on his Big Green Egg.

Chris has a unique way of combining real-life stories and biblical principles that connect with audiences of all sizes. He holds a degree in marketing from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree from Rockbridge Seminary.

Founding Principles

We are multiple churches under one umbrella, which helps us collectively work towards our common goal of building local churches with local pastors in local communities.

Biblical Teaching: We believe preaching should be biblical, engaging, and helpful.
Genuine Worship: Quality, understated, distraction-free environments for individuals to engage in faith through genuine worship.
Unique Next Steps: Guiding individuals on personalized paths of spiritual growth.
Community Engagement: We build relationships with our local community by being available and helpful.

Church Planting: Establishing new churches where needed.
Church Adoption: Supporting and revitalizing struggling churches.
Pastoral Collaboration: Working closely with pastors, leaders, and communities.