Our Story
What it means to be Firmly Rooted in Christ
What does it mean to be Firmly Rooted in Christ? Our name reflects the call to establish deep, unwavering foundations in God’s truth. Just as a tree draws strength and sustenance from its roots, we are nourished by an intimate relationship with Jesus, empowered to stand firm in faith and love. By being rooted in Him, we grow into His likeness, love others authentically, and actively engage in His mission, flourishing in the life He offers and bearing fruit for His Kingdom.
Our Mission
To firmly root God’s people in His eternal truth.
- Matthew 6:33 — Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then all these things shall be added unto you.
- The Greatest Commandment — Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.
- The Great Commission — Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching…
- “Homothumadon” – One Mind — In the first five chapters of Acts the disciples were of “one mind,” and amazing things happened.
Our Purpose
Psalm 1:3 — He is like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, and its leaves do not wither.
Colossians 2:6 — Just as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted…
Who of us wouldn’t want our lives to feel FIRMLY ROOTED — connected to a stream that lets us produce leaves and fruit at all times? It is our prayer that by engaging together around God’s Word we experience:
- A life that is never on shaky ground (uncertainty), but standing on solid ground (certainty).
- A life that is never dry, but continually refreshed by a life-giving source.
- A life that is never fruitless, but always producing fruit and positively affecting the world around us.
May God richly bless us as we grow our roots together!
Grow · Give · Go
Our philosophy is pretty simple and can be explained by g3.
Grow
Faith is not something you attain and keep; it is something you must continue to cultivate. Our goal is to help people grow in their faith and be a positive influence on others who may just be finding theirs.
Give
Giving is a gift that we are able to do while glorifying God… nothing is truly ours anyway. Whatever we give — time, talents or money — is done to glorify God.
Go
What good is our intent if we never do anything with it? We are called to be active in our church body, our communities, and with anyone in need — so we “go” and share the love of Jesus in all we do.
Two campuses, one family
Pastor Tom Donnelly began in a small Lutheran church in Greendale, Indiana, then planted a new church in Michigan — in a chiropractor’s office — which grew into Firmly Rooted Oxford. Years later the Greendale congregation called Pastor Tom back, and that partnership became Firmly Rooted Greendale, our second campus.