SCCC's Beliefs, Mission, and Pastor

---

God - We believe in one true and living God, who is eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, perfectly holy, and just. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things and is perfect in all His ways.

The Trinity - We believe in one God eternally existing in three distinct Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each Person is fully God, equal in divine nature, power, and glory.

Jesus Christ - We believe Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose bodily from the dead. He ascended into heaven and will return as promised. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provided the only way for humanity to be reconciled to God.

The Holy Spirit - We believe the Holy Spirit is fully God and works to convict people of sin, lead them to faith in Jesus Christ, indwell believers, and empower them to live lives that honor God.

The Bible - We believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God in its original manuscript. It is our final authority for faith, doctrine, and Christian living.

Humanity and Sin - We believe humanity was created perfect and with free will by God but is broken by our sin. All people have sinned and fallen short of God's perfect standard. Because God is holy and just, sin separates us from Him and brings the penalty of death and eternal separation from His presence.

Salvation - We believe that God, in His love and mercy, provided the way for humanity to be saved from the penalty of sin through Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose bodily from the dead, conquering death and making forgiveness and reconciliation with God possible. Salvation is a gift of God's grace and cannot be earned through good works. It is received through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as Lord and God and trusting in His finished work on the cross and resurrection. Jesus Christ alone is the way to salvation, and all who believe in Him receive forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.

The Return of Christ and Eternal Life - We believe Jesus Christ will return personally and bodily. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, eternal life with God for those who belong to Christ, and eternal separation from God for those who reject Him.

(If you would like to know more about our beliefs on other subjects such marriage, baptism, free will, literal 6-day creation, worldwide flood, etc., contact us or meet with our pastor and we would be happy to talk!) 

Our desire is to glorify God, proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, faithfully teach His Word, and make disciples who live out their faith in love and obedience to God. We seek to strengthen the family as God designed it, recognizing the importance of the nuclear family in raising children in the knowledge of the Lord, nurturing faith, and passing biblical truth from one generation to the next. 

Reverend Timothy C. Smitley Sr.

Reverend Timothy C. Smitley Sr. was born on August 6, 1966, in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, where he also attended high school, graduating in 1984. Before entering full-time ministry, he was a member of the United Steelworkers Union and worked as a certified welder. Although he pursued a career in the workforce, Reverend Smitley had felt God's call to full-time ministry since childhood. In August 1992, he made the decision to leave his job in response to that calling and pursue the preparation necessary for a life of ministry.

From 1992 to 1996, Reverend Smitley attended Circleville Bible College, now known as Ohio Christian University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministries and Counseling, graduating with honors in 1996. During his time at the university, he was selected for America's Who's Who in Colleges and Universities for academic achievement, was inducted into the Alpha Chi Honor Society, and received the Student Service Award upon graduation.

Following graduation, Reverend Smitley served as a pulpit supply minister for local area churches and worked as a youth counselor from 1996 to 1999. On September 11, 1999, he married Jonie Nelson Smitley and entered full-time ministry. From 1999 to 2006, he served as Associate Pastor and Youth Pastor at Pleasantville Community Church, while also serving as Youth Pastor at Spring Creek Community Church. In 2005, he was ordained as a minister through the Association of Evangelical Churches.

In 2006, Reverend Smitley accepted the position of Senior Pastor at Spring Creek Community Church, where he continues to serve today. He has also continued serving as Youth Pastor, maintaining his commitment to ministering to young people and helping them grow in their faith.

Throughout his ministry, Reverend Smitley's desire has been to remain faithful to the calling God placed on his life from an early age. He is committed to teaching the inerrant Word of God, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, and encouraging believers to grow in their relationship with the Lord. His heart for ministry includes strengthening Christ-centered families, discipling the next generation, and helping the church remain firmly grounded in biblical truth.