Know Him Deeply
Sunday Worship + MidweeksWe create spaces where people can encounter the presence of God, grow in His Word, and develop spiritual foundations that sustain their walk with Christ.
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About The Groves
We're a church where people can encounter Jesus, find community, and grow in their faith. Learn more about who we are, what we believe, and the heart behind The Groves.
Our Mission
See Lives Transformed, Families Restored, and a Community Awakened to Walk Boldly in God's Calling.
Why we exist
That's why The Church at The Groves exists. We want to be a church where people encounter Jesus, families are strengthened, disciples are formed, and people are equipped to live out what God has called them to do in our church, our community, and beyond.
Our Vision
Helping People Take Their Next Step
We exist to lead people into a growing relationship with God, to know Him deeply, experience His freedom, discover their divine purpose, and live it out with impact.
That vision shapes how we help people move from simply attending church toward growing as disciples of Jesus.
Experience His Freedom
Small GroupsWe believe freedom happens in community. Small Groups create opportunities to build authentic relationships, find healing, and walk in biblical freedom through discipleship and accountability.
Find a GroupDiscover Divine Purpose
Growth TrackGrowth Track helps you understand how God uniquely designed you through your gifts, calling, and personality, and equips you to step confidently into His purpose for your life.
Explore Growth TrackLive It Out With Impact
Serving OpportunitiesPurpose becomes action when we use what God has given us to serve others. There are opportunities throughout The Groves to use your gifts and make a difference in our church, community, and world.
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Our Story
Rooted in Restoration
A New Season
In 2015, our church sensed that God was leading us into a new season. In September of that year, we stepped out in faith and relaunched as The Church at The Groves.
Why "The Groves"?
Our name comes from Abram's story in Genesis 13 and the oak groves where he settled. For us, it reflects a heart for restoration and fresh starts.
We've seen marriages restored and lives changed through Jesus. Our prayer is that you find that same hope, community, and room to grow here.
What We Believe
Rooted in Scripture
What we believe shapes who we are, how we live, and how we follow Jesus. The Bible is our final authority for doctrine and faith. Below you'll find the foundational beliefs that guide The Church at The Groves.
There's more to explore. Select a belief to read more.
The Bible
The Holy Bible, and only the Bible, is the authoritative Word of God. It alone is the final authority in determining all doctrinal truths. In its original writing, it is inspired, infallible, and inerrant.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Proverbs 30:5; Romans 16:25-26
The Trinity
There is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are coequal and co-eternal.
Scripture: 1 John 5:7; Genesis 1:26; Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 28:19; Luke 1:35; Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 3:7-11
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is God the Son, the second person of the Trinity. On earth, Jesus was fully God and fully man. He lived a sinless life, was born of a virgin, performed miracles, died on the cross for mankind, rose from the dead on the third day, ascended to the right hand of the Father, and will return again in power and glory.
Scripture: John 1:1,14; John 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 2:5-6; 1 Timothy 2:5
Salvation
Humanity's only hope of redemption is found in Jesus Christ. We are saved by grace through faith in His death, burial, and resurrection. Salvation is a gift from God and not the result of our good works or human effort.
Following Christ includes repentance, turning from sin to follow Jesus, and an ongoing life of sanctification as we yield to God's Word and the Holy Spirit.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 16:31; Titus 3:5; Acts 3:19; 1 John 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:3
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the present work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The baptism in the Holy Spirit, given at Pentecost and promised by the Father, empowers the Church to proclaim the Gospel throughout the earth.
Scripture: Joel 2:28-29; Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:5; Acts 2:1-4; Acts 2:38-39; Acts 10:44-47; Acts 19:6
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit works through a variety of spiritual gifts to build and sanctify the Church and demonstrate the power of the Gospel. These gifts operate in harmony with Scripture and should never be exercised contrary to biblical parameters.
Scripture: Hebrews 2:4; Romans 12:4-8; Ephesians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; 1 Corinthians 14:1-40; 1 Peter 4:10
The Church
The Church is the Body of Christ and the habitation of God through the Spirit. Every person who is born of the Spirit is an integral part of the Church and shares in the spiritual unity of believers in Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Ephesians 1:22; Ephesians 2:19-22; Hebrews 12:23; John 17:11,20-23
Baptism & Communion
Following faith in Jesus Christ, believers are commanded by Scripture to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Lord's Supper is a time of communion in the presence of God when bread and grape juice are received in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
Scripture: Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:36-38; Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
Marriage
We believe marriage is defined in the Bible as a covenant and sacred bond between one man and one woman, instituted by God and publicly entered into before God.
Scripture: Matthew 19:4-6
Healing
Healing of the sick is demonstrated throughout the life and ministry of Jesus and included in His commission to His disciples. We believe healing remains part of the work of Christ and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture: Psalm 103:2-3; Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16; 1 Corinthians 12:9,28
God's Provision
We believe it is the Father's will for believers to pursue wholeness in every area of life so that we may faithfully serve God and others. Because we live in a fallen world, we may not experience the fullness of these benefits in this life, but we continue to trust and seek Christ in every area.
Scripture references include: John 3:3-11; Philippians 4:7-8; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:17; Philippians 4:19
Resurrection & Eternity
Jesus Christ physically rose from the dead in a glorified body three days after His death on the cross.
Scripture teaches the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, eternal life with God for those who are saved through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and eternal judgment for those who are lost.
Scripture: Luke 24:36,39; John 20:26-28; Acts 24:15; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44; Matthew 25:41; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:12-15
The Second Coming
Jesus Christ will physically and visibly return to earth to establish His Kingdom. Scripture does not disclose the date of His return.
Scripture: Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; Revelation 1:7
Our Team
Meet the People Who Serve The Groves
Our staff works together to serve the people of The Groves, equip our ministries, and help carry out the mission and vision of the church.
Pastor Simon Franklin
Lead PastorPastor Simon Franklin is a third-generation pastor who has devoted more than 21 years to faithfully serving in the local church. He carries a deep passion for seeing lives transformed by the Gospel and for building a church where God's presence is at the center.
Simon's wife, Jelline, serves alongside him and uses her gifts in graphic design to help communicate the message of Christ in creative and meaningful ways. Together, they are blessed with four children, Julianna, Jeremiah, Asher, and Judah, who bring joy and energy to their family and ministry.
The Franklins have a heart not only for the church but also for the community. Their desire is to love and serve the people of Leesburg and the Albany area with the hope and truth of Jesus Christ.
Liz Adams Care & Admin Pastor
Bri Murray Next Gen Pastor
Jared & Madilyn Thompson Worship Directors
William Murray Creative & Media Director
Corey Purvis Early Childhood Director
Mel Steedley Facilities Coordinator
Your Next Step
There's a Place for You at The Groves.
Church is more than somewhere to attend. It's a community where you can know God, build meaningful relationships, discover how He's uniquely gifted you, and use those gifts to serve others. Whether you're considering your first Sunday or you're ready to take another step, we'd love to help you find your place at The Groves.