THE WAY CHURCH - ATHENS, AL

ABOUT US

We are an elder-led, non-denominational family that seeks to glorify God through knowing Jesus Christ, treasuring Him, becoming more like Him, and loving others with His love.

 

We aim to live out this purpose intentionally by gathering for worship, teaching, small groups, caring for one another, serving our community, and going to the lost. Living our life in Christ as a family of believers is more complex than categories can show, but we summarize how we look at our life together with the expression: Gather. Grow. Go.

 

Sunday mornings here are casual and family-friendly. We believe in Southern hospitality—so expect lots of love along with coffee and breakfast snacks. We have congregational singing with a mix of contemporary Christian music and well-known hymns. We take communion weekly. Preaching is expository and Christ-centered. Finally, we offer a unique worship-learning experience for the kids during Children's Church.

GATHER. GROW. GO.

GATHER

When Jesus Christ instituted the church, His disciples began gathering to live in community with one another as the family of God and body of Christ. For this reason, we believe that gathering is essential to growing closer to God and each other. When we gather, we seek to worship God, care for one another, and serve our community for the glory of God.

GROW

Becoming a Christian is not merely a “destination” point for this life; instead, becoming a Christian is the launch pad into living according to God’s glorious design for His people and His kingdom. Part of God’s design includes transformation by the Holy Spirit and growth into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ. We seek to grow both as individuals and the body of Christ as we humbly surrender to Him and obey His Word for the glory of God.

GO

Jesus’ final word to His disciples is known as the Great Commission. Jesus, having all authority in heaven and on earth, commissions his disciples to go to people of every nation and make more disciples. Jesus then promises that he will be with them always, even to the end of the age—a command and promise that still stands. We seek to participate in this glorious endeavor
of reaching the lost locally and globally through the way we pray, give, teach, and go, all for the glory of God.

OUR HISTORY

MUSTARD-SEED BEGINNINGS

  1. The Way Church was founded in 2014 by Pastors Jeremiah McElyea and Jonathan Johnson, with a small group of family and friends
  2. We began gathering in homes of family and friends to worship, pray, and study together.
  3. In 2015 North Alabama Real Estate Solutions gifted their office in the heart of our city as a gathering space for the church.
  4. In 2017 we moved into our current location. Even though the decor has changed, we've remained committed to the vision of helping people love Jesus by gathering consistently, growing in Christ, and going to the lost.

OUR STAFF

Jeremiah McElyea

Preaching Pastor

Jeremiah has been the pastor of the Way since it was planted in 2014. Before the plant, he preached at different churches in Limestone County for seven years.

 

He graduated from Athens State University with his BA in religious studies and received his Advanced MDiv from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Bible Exposition from Liberty University.


Jeremiah married his wife, Beth, in 2004. Together, they have three small children and live in Madison, Alabama. Jeremiah enjoys coaching little league baseball, golf, and all things Lord of the Rings.

Hollie Hubbard

Family Discipleship Coordinator

Hollie is our Family Discipleship Coordinator and is passionate about making God known in various capacities. She served as a missionary to Indonesia and has a heart for sharing Christ locally and globally.


Hollie received her B.A. in Biblical Studies from Louisiana College and her M.A. in Biblical Studies from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

 

Her hobbies include playing and writing music, hiking, biking, and not sleeping.

HELPING PEOPLE LOVE JESUS

ELDERS & DEACONS

Eddie Hubbard

Eddie serves as an elder at The Way Church and has been married to his wife Teresa for 18 years. They have 4 beautiful daughters and 2 incredible grandsons. He retired from the Air Force after 20 years of service and has 36 years of experience in social work. He enjoys outdoor activities and searching for Bigfoot. 

Jonathan Johnson

Jonathan is one of the founders of The Way Church and serves as an elder. He has been married to his wife Alexa for 9 years. They have 3 children. Jonathan enjoys metal detecting, coaching baseball, and collecting sports cards. 

Adam Tuten

Adam serves as the Deacon of Audio Visual Production. Adam has been married to his wife Rachel for 6 years. They are actively pursuing adoption. Adam proudly holds a Platinum trophy for Elder Ring.  

Matthew Herrell

Matt serves as the Deacon of Benevolence. He has been married to his wife Sarah for 3 years. Matt and Sarah have 1 daughter and actively display the Gospel through fostering children. 

Tim Hill

Tim serves as the Deacon of Building Maintenance and has been married to his wife Terra for 16 years. They have 3 children and many animals. In his spare time, Tim enjoys attending his son's travel soccer games and cheering on Nashville SC and Liverpool. 

Eric Bates

Eric serves as the Deacon of Finance. He has been married to his wife Amber for 3 years. They have 1 child and another on the way. Eric enjoys attending and leading workouts with F3 and one word text message responses.

Brad Thompson

Brad serves as the Deacon of Technology. Brad has been married to his wife Lerrin for 10 years and they have 2 children. Brad loves all things cinematology and his favorite movie is Jurasic Park.