BELIEFS & HISTORY
We believe in a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, as a foundation for living.
We emphasize putting beliefs into action, thus demonstrating loving concern for others. “Jesus said, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'” (Matthew 5:44). This is our example today in a society steeped in hate, revenge, and violence.
We offer a rich fellowship for you and your family, including many outlets for fruitful Christian obedience.
Our Beliefs
- The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Strengthener, and Guide.
- The Bible is the written Word of God, inspired by Him.
- A person receives forgiveness through repentance for sins and belief in Jesus Christ as Savior.
- The mission of the Church is to communicate the Good News of Salvation to people everywhere
Our History
From a nucleus of 11 members of nearby West Park Friends Church, North Olmsted Evangelical Friends Church (NOEFC) was born. A group hoping to form a church in Cleveland’s western suburbs began meeting on October 6, 1968, at Butternut Elementary School in North Olmsted.
Great Northern Boulevard was only a dotted line on a map indicating a future road when two women from the church approached Irving James as he worked in his nursery. He agreed to sell over seven acres of property to the church.
Early prayer meetings were held in individual homes, and visiting pastors came from other churches to lead the worship services. The church grew to an average attendance of 46. As the church celebrated its 10th anniversary, groundbreaking for a new church building was held.
Pastor Geoff Schultz and his wife, Mary, joined NOEFC in 1995. Under his leadership, the church began to grow. The building has been expanded twice—in 2000 and again in 2019.
Affiliation
NOEFC is part of the Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region. For more about EFC-ER and our denominational beliefs, visit efcer.org.