Whistleville Christian Church on Patrick Mill Road SW in Winder is an independent, non-denominational church known for restoring New Testament teaching, personal transformation, and disciple-making. Its ministry combines worship and Bible study with a K5-8 Christian academy, programs for children and youth, transportation for churchgoers, and community meals.
New Testament Christianity in Winder
Whistleville is independent and non-denominational. It uses the name Christian only and is not multi-denominational. The church seeks to follow the patterns of the early church in God's plan for salvation, its leadership structure, and its priorities for believers, while challenging seekers to turn from sin and turn to God. Its aim is to restore believers to New Testament Christianity by avoiding opinions, creeds, and changing social trends.
Its teaching centers on one God revealed as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is affirmed as God's Son and Savior, whose sacrifice provides forgiveness, who experienced a bodily resurrection, and who ascended to heaven and is returning for his church. The Holy Spirit is the promised counselor, comforter, and helper, convicting of sin, dwelling within believers, interceding in prayer, and producing Godly character. The Bible is God's Word and has absolute authority over life. The church also teaches the sanctity of life, marriage between a man and woman, and male and female as God-given genders.
Salvation is taught as grace received through belief in Christ, repentance, confession of the Lord, and baptism, with immersion named in the biblical account. Heaven is tied to remaining faithful to Christ. The congregation does not teach once saved always saved, the sinner's prayer, speaking in tongues, Calvinism, Catholicism, or traditions of men.
Personal Transformation and Discipleship
The mission statement is Striving in Personal Transformation & Disciple-making. It begins with the image of coming up from the baptismal pool as a new creation in Christ, beginning a life shaped by God's will rather than former ways. The mission emphasizes sound teaching with faith and love, unity within one body, Spirit-led transformation, worship shaped by God's will, and making disciples of all nations.
Worship is joined to fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. Members are encouraged not to give up meeting together, but to spur one another toward love and good deeds, use their gifts in service, and do the good works God prepares in advance. The teaching also calls older and younger believers toward biblical character, harmony within the church, and peace with everyone whenever possible.
Sunday Worship and Class Time
Sunday begins with morning worship at 9:30 a.m., continues with Sunday school at 10:30 a.m., and concludes with evening worship at 6 p.m. Guests meet a warm and friendly atmosphere. The worship blends mostly traditional hymns with classic and modern songs and inspiring videos. Communion is part of every Sunday gathering, a freewill offering is received, a message is proclaimed, and the congregation is called to repentance and faithfulness.
Three adult classes meet at 10:30: The Gospel of Luke, Introduction to the Bible and How to Study It, and Christian Living Electives covering family, finances, and evangelism. These small groups create a relaxed setting for learning, questions, and discussion. Coffee and treats are offered while the classes meet.
Children and Youth Have a Place in the Gathering
The nursery welcomes infants and children ages one and two. It is spacious, close to the auditorium, and cared for by volunteers at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Children ages three to five have an indoor playroom with lessons, snacks, and crafts at 9:30 and 10:30. At 9:30, children in grades one through five may attend Junior Church for age-appropriate songs and lessons or remain with their parents. They also have Sunday school classes at 10:30.
Middle school and high school students worship with adults at 9:30 and meet for a Sunday school class at 10:30. Their lessons are designed to be engaging, and the youth ministry plans occasional outings. On Wednesday evenings, children from elementary through high school generally stay with their parents during the lesson gathering, while a class is offered for toddlers through kindergarten.
A Christian Academy for K5-8 Students
Barrow County Christian Academy has offered Christian education for over 45 years. The tuition-based academy serves K5 through eighth-grade students and teaches math, science, history, and other academic subjects from a biblical worldview. Classes meet Monday through Thursday, and students have a Bible class each day. The aim is to help young people develop character and friendships as they grow in God's word.
Learning and Service Between Sundays
A sizable group of women gathers occasionally for Bible study, community projects, and visits to shut-ins. Seniors enjoy outings roughly once a quarter, including meals out, day trips, and service projects. The men share time together over cooking, with annual gatherings featuring fried catfish, jambalaya, and crawfish boil. These activities give adults and children ways to grow spiritually beyond the worship hour.
The church provides vans to pick up children and adults for worship and Sunday school. The rides are coordinated through the church office at 770-867-5746.
Suppers, Fishing, and a Community Table
Eighteen acres beyond the main location host suppers, fishing, concerts, and other special events. The church also joins with Lilburn Christian Church for Christmas concerts, with the service under the direction of Dwyane Wylds, music minister at Lilburn Christian Church.
Each year, the meal on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving serves people in the community, and the church usually prepares 700 to 800 plates. The meals are packaged for pickup or delivery.
Elders and Deacons
Whistleville's leadership team consists of Cecil Highfield and Tom Emerson as elders, with John Landers, Nate Frazier, and Cory Landers serving as deacons.
Finding the Church on Patrick Mill Road
The church is at 83 Patrick Mill Road SW in Winder, Georgia 30680. From Winder on Highway 8 toward Auburn, the turn is left onto Patrick Mill Road SW. From Auburn on Highway 8 toward Winder, drivers turn right onto Matthew School Road, cross the bypass, and turn right onto Patrick Mill. The church and academy share the phone number 770-867-5746 and the email address wcc.bcca1@gmail.com.
Whistleville Christian Church gathers for Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Sunday school at 10:30 a.m., and Wednesday worship at 6:30 p.m.