Radiant Church History Slideshow

Watch a slideshow of Radiant Church's history including the name changes and location changes throughout its stories history.

Pastor Timothy Makes
Big Announcement

Guest Pastor Jimmy Dykes
Message on Name Change

In case you missed the big news, Pastor Timothy shares about the church name change to Radiant Church.
Pastor Dykes of Brookstone Church shares a message of encouragement in response to the name change announcement.

Watch our name change
q&a video

Pastor Timothy and Kim discuss frequent questions relating to the changing of the church's name to Radiant Church.

Why Change Your Name?

The church has moved forward with changing our church name from
Arden First Baptist to Radiant Church.

Why are we doing this?

#1. We sense the call of God to make this move. Our church leadership and membership have shown both excitement and unity in making this decision. So the first reason is out of obedience to what we sense God is calling us to do.
#2. We sense a call to reach people far from God. Changing our name is going to open up new opportunities to reach those who don’t yet know the saving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

WHERE DID WE GET THE NAME FOR RADIANT CHURCH?

Psalm 34:5 (NIV); Those who look to him are radiant;
    their faces are never covered with shame.

Ephesians 5:27 (NIV); to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

WHAT DOES “RADIANT” MEAN?

Radiant: Producing light or heat. To show great joy and health. To send out light. Beaming brightly.

As Christians we do not possess inherent light, but reflective light. We reflect the light of Christ who shines through us (Matthew 5:14-16).

4 BENEFITS OF OUR NEW NAME:

Our new name explains our mission.
Our new name accelerates our vision.
Our new name opens the door for more ministry opportunities.
Our new name paints a positive picture for our community.

Name Change Timeline

We plan on rolling out a soft launch approach which means that we will give ourselves a few weeks to change our name leading up to a grand opening celebration when we have a new sign and everything in place. We hope to have some banners up after Mother’s Day that will begin the soft launch. We will go by “Arden First” until the temporary signs go up and then we can start calling ourselves “Radiant Church.” Our goal is to have everything in place by early Fall in time for the official Grand Opening of Radiant Church.
Our Vision: Our dream is to help churches in other communities who need revitalization. Every true church is like a candle in its community. We don’t want any candle to go out. Our heart’s desire is to help other churches reach their full redemptive potential within their community. Several years back, Arden First Baptist was a church that was about to shut down with just a hand full of faithful people who stayed here to keep this candle burning. And Guess what? God is gracious and loving. Not only is this candle burning brightly again…but this candle is transforming into a radiant light…a light that will help light up other churches in our area who need a comeback…who’s ready to go light up our community and beyond with the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Vision Fund: We are seeking to raise at least $30,000 to help with the expenses of the name change/rebrand and new signage needed. You can give to this fund by designating your gift “Radiant Fund” on your gift. We ask that your gift is above and beyond your normal budget offerings. Thanks!