Our History
In 1994 the first Bible study of Lanier Hills Church began on a Wednesday night in a home in Gainesville, GA. Forty friends decided they wanted to start a church that was passionate about reaching people from all walks of life. The church quickly moved to a house, to renting space in the Blue Ridge Shopping Center, and later occupied the Theatre next door.
The church called Ron Barker as their Pastor. Lanier Hills Church was incorporated on April 13, 1994. After explosive growth, the church secured its present 40 acre property on November 16th, 1995. In 1999 the Worship Center was completed and the Family Center was finished the following year.
In 2005 Randall Popham became the Lead Pastor and in October of 2009 the church launched a second Campus in the North Hall County community. In January of 2015 the second campus was launched as a church plant which is now called Journey Church.
Our Values
We believe in being real, relevant, and relational.
WORSHIP + TEACHING
In our messages, methods and music we aim to bridge the gap between the non-changing Biblical truths and our current culture. We worship with a full band in a contemporary style and teach Biblically sound and applicable lessons.
NEXT GENERATION
We believe in the next generation - so we invest a lot of time and resources creating exciting environments where kids and teens can grow in their faith, belong in a community, and serve.
COMMUNITY
We believe that people are more important than programs and agendas. It is our desire that every person who attends Lanier Hills Church feels welcome and connected.
AUTHENTICITY
We don’t believe in wearing religious masks. We strive to be authentic in everything we do. We don’t believe you have to dress a certain way to attend church. We know Jesus doesn’t care about what’s on the outside - He just longs for us to know Him.
Our Beliefs
At Lanier Hills we understand there are many followers of Christ with varying beliefs about various Christian doctrines. We believe there are some major truths that are foundational to Christianity. These Biblical truths are also foundational to our church.
God
God is the creator and ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and one God.
Check out this blog to learn more about what we believe about God and The Trinity - The Trinity
Check out this blog to learn more about what we believe about God and Creation - What’s so important about creation?
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make mankind aware of our need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with the power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.
Check out this blog to learn more about what we believe about The Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit: More Than a Ghost Story
Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God to mankind. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can we be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by faith.
Eternity
We all were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. The place of eternal separation from God is called Hell. Heaven is the place of eternal union and eternal life with God.
Mankind
We are all made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. We are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although mankind has tremendous potential for good, we are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates us from God.
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after 3 days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Eternal Security
Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer is secure in the salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of god that gives this security.
Marriage
Marriage. We believe that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female, and that these two distinct, complementary genders together reflect the image and nature of God. We believe that God created marriage to be exclusively the union of one man and one woman.
The Bible
The Bible is God’s word to all mankind. Human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit wrote it. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without any mixture of error.