About Us
Who We Are
Oak Community Church has been serving the greater Garner area since March 2022. Originally one of many campuses of Point Church, Oak Community Church was planted in January 2024. We would not be here today without the commitment and sacrifice of Point Church. We are forever grateful for their desire to reach people near and far with the gospel of Jesus Christ!
At Oak Community Church, we believe that the church of Jesus is not made up of “professional” Christians but ordinary people who have chosen to follow Christ – as students, nurses, plumbers, landscapers, accountants, missionaries, stay-at-home parents, grandparents, and more.
Our mission and vision reflect that conviction. It’s our desire to see people live as fully devoted followers of Jesus, not just on Sundays but every day of the week. We encourage you to Try 5 Sundays with us and if you decide this is not the church for you, we will help you find one that is!
Our Mission
To help ordinary people become fully devoted followers of Jesus
Our Vision
To connect people with God and others in genuine community, to cultivate spiritual maturity in everyone at every stage of life, and to help people contribute to God’s kingdom.
Our Values
Gospel-centered
The gospel shapes every aspect of our mission and alone provides the basis for our unity. It is the power and guide for all that we do (Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 15:3-6; Phil. 2:1-4). It is our compass that directs us through the complexities of life, including crisis, social upheaval, and personal turmoil. At Oak Community Church, we are committed to pursuing the gospel of Jesus Christ above all else.
Develop People
Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19-20). Discipleship is a life-long journey that shapes each of us into the character and conduct of Christ himself. At Oak Community Church, we are committed to using our ministries to develop people into disciples of Jesus – growing in them the fruit of the Spirit, honing their skills, and enabling them to disciple others.
Mission-oriented
Community Focused
Holy Spirit Reliant
Without the guiding work of the Holy Spirit, our efforts produce, at best, weak, temporary results. At Oak Community Church, we strive to walk in step with the Spirit (Gal. 5:25), following where He leads and ministering through His power. While we acknowledge the existence of different interpretations, we commit ourselves to relying on His influence and guidance in all things.
Our Leadership
GRAYSON FURLOUGH
Lead Pastor
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Grayson was born and raised in Garner, North Carolina. He graduated from NC State University and later received his Masters of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. After getting married and living in Durham for 3 years, Grayson and his family moved back to Garner and eventually joined Point Church as an assistant pastor in 2018 and campus pastor in 2022. Eventually, with the help of Point Church, Grayson and his wife, Rachel, answered the call to plant Oak Community Church in 2024. Grayson and Rachel have two young girls, Graylynn and Raegan. Grayson enjoys exploring new places, listening to audio books, fitness, and board games.
Fun Fact: Grayson used to ride horses competitively
KOFI BOATENG
Worship Director
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Kofi was born and raised in Ghana, Africa. He moved to the United States to attend graduate school at NC State University. Kofi’s journey to leading worship came when he had a personal encounter with God at his lowest point. In his own words, “God showed me how He first loved me, so now I am free to love Him and serve His people.” Kofi enjoys working and fellowshipping with people from different cultures and places.
Fund Fact: Kofi loves to play soccer, travel, and experience new places with family and friends.
MARY KAY RUSH
Family Ministry Director
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Mary Kay was born and raised in Malone, New York near the Canadian border. She moved to North Carolina in 2005 where she later married her husband, Woody. Together they have 5 children and live in Garner. Mary Kay is a preschool teacher in addition to serving as Family Ministry Director. She is passionate about investing in children and seeing them grow in their walk with Jesus.
Fun Fact: Mary Kay grew up as a competitive figure skater.
COLIN WELLS
Tech Director
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Colin was born in Plano, Texas, and moved to Roxboro, North Carolina, where he grew up. He graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2017 and immediately began working for Campus Christian Fellowship (CCF) where Colin’s faith grew. He has served in various ministry positions over the years including as Creative Director and Support Guide. Colin and his wife, McKenzie, live in Garner, NC, and are always down to watch sports (Go Heels & Go Saints!) or have a good game night!
Fun Fact: Colin was the Drum Major of the UNC-Chapel Hill Marching Band and traveled the country with the UNC Football & Basketball Teams.
SANDI COOLEY
Administrative Assistant
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Sandi was born and raised in Southwest Louisiana and loves Cajun food. She moved to Garner, North Carolina in 2010 to help raise her bonus son. Sandi works as a school psychologist in Harnett County and loves caring for and serving people. Sandi joined the launch team to plant Oak Community Church and now serves as a volunteer administrative assistant.
Fun Fact: Sandi comes from a large family that includes two parents, four siblings, nine nieces and nephews, and four great-nieces and nephews with more on the way.
McKenzie Wells
Assistant Worship Director
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McKenzie was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. She graduated from Appalachian State University in 2019 with a degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management. For several years she served with Cru both as a student and later on staff. McKenzie has a heart for discipleship and loves to serve, especially with worship. She and her husband Colin live in Garner, NC and love to go on adventures, watch sports, and play games with friends!
Fun Fact: McKenzie’s love language is coffee
ELISABETA SKINNER
Family Ministry Intern
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Elisabeta was born in Burcharest, Romania and adopted by two loving parents in Wayne, New Jersey. She moved to North Carolina at the age of 9 where she later met her husband, Noah. The two of them now call Clayton home. Elisabeta serves as an intern at Oak Community Church where she assists with administration and family ministry.
Fun Fact: Elisabeta was a competitive swimmer.
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Our Beliefs
The Bible: God wrote a book
The Bible is God’s Word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it was inspired by God, the Bible is truth without any mixture of error and is completely relevant to our daily lives.
(Deuteronomy 4:1-2; Psalms 119:11, 89, 105; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 22:29; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 3:16)
Trinity - God: Three in One
God has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. He exists as one substance in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Although each member of the Trinity serves different functions, they each possess equal power and authority.
(Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 1:35; John 5:21-23; 14:10, 16; Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 1:8-10; James 2:19)
The Father: God is great, God is good
God is great: He is all powerful, all knowing, ever present, unchanging, completely worthy of our trust, and above all, holy. It is in Him that we live, move and exist. God is good: He is our Father. He is loving, compassionate, and faithful to His people and His promises.
(Exodus 3:14; Numbers 23:19; Leviticus 11:44-45; 19:2; Psalm 11:4-6; Malachi 3:6 John 3:16; 4:24; 5:26; 14:1; Acts 17:28; Romans 3:3-4)
The Son: God became man
Jesus Christ is completely human, but at the same time completely God. He is the only plan for bringing people who are enemies of God back into a right relationship with God. He was born of a virgin and lived a perfect life, so that He could be a substitution for us in satisfying God’s demands for perfection. He defeated death in His resurrection so that we could have life. He will one day return to earth to set all things right.
(Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 14:33; 16:16; 28:5-6; Luke 22:70; 24:46-47; John 1:1, 14; 10:30; 11:25-27; 17:1-5; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 8:1-3; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; Gal 4:4-5; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15; 2:9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16)
The Holy Spirit: God is always present
His presence assures us of our relationship with Christ. He guides believers into all truth, and exalts Christ. He convicts people of their sin, God’s righteousness, and the coming judgment. He comforts us, gives us spiritual gifts, and makes us more like Christ.
(Genesis 1:2; Psalms 51:11; 139:7 ff.; Isaiah 61:1-3; Joel 2:28-32; Mark 1:10; Luke 1:35; 4:1; 11:13; 12:12; John 15:26; 16:7-14; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4; 13:2; Romans 8:9-11, 14-16, 26-27; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Peter 1:21; Revelation 22:17)
Eternity: Somewhere forever
Man was created to exist forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.
(John 3:16, 36; Romans 6:23; 1 John 2:25; 5:11-13; Revelation 20:15)
Man: God's image bearers
Man is made in the image of God and is the supreme object of His creation. Man was created to have fellowship with God, but became separated in that relationship through sinful disobedience. As a result, man cannot attain a right relationship with God through his own effort. Every human personality is uniquely created, possesses dignity, and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
(Genesis 1:26-30; 2:7, 18-22; 3; Psalms 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 17:5; Acts 17:26-31; Romans 1:19-32; 3:10-18, 23; 5:6; 6:6; 7:14-25; 1 Corinthians 1:21-31; 15:19, 21-22; Ephesians 2; Colossians 1:21-22; 3:9-11)
Salvation: God's only way
The blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the only way of salvation through the forgiveness of sin. Salvation occurs when people place their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as sufficient payment for their sin. Salvation is a gift from God and it cannot be earned through our own efforts.
(Isaiah 1:18; 53:5-6; 55:7; Matthew 1:21; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:12; 3:16, 36; 5:24;Acts 2:21; 4:12; 16:30-31; Romans 1:16-18;3:23-25; 5:8-10; 6; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; Ephesians 2:8-10;Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 9:24-28; Revelation 3:20)
The Church: God's design for community
The church is a local community of baptized believers unified through faith in Christ. It is committed to the teachings of Christ, to obeying all of His commands, and it seeks to bring the gospel to the world. The Church works together in love and unity, intent on the ultimate purpose of glorifying Christ.
(Matthew 16:18-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-47; 5:11-14; 13:1-3; 14:23; 16:5; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:10-12; 5:22-32; Colossians 1:18; 3:15; 1 Timothy 4:14; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 21:2-3)
Baptism
Want to follow Jesus? Baptism is the physical act of expressing your faith in Jesus Christ. It represents turning from your old ways to follow the way of Jesus!
Click the Connect Button below and let us know you want to be baptized or ask any questions you might have about our baptism!
Got Questions?
Click the Connect Button below and ask any questions you might have about our beliefs!