RIO GRANDE — One local church is trying to reach community members in a unique way by combining modern technology with classic stories and ideas at the new Fellowship of Faith facility, located on Ohio 554 near Rio Grande.

“We tell the old old story in a new new way,” said founding and lead pastor Greg Scott.

The church was conceived by eight families that met regularly for Bible study. The group decided to organize its own congregation, and began meeting at Spring Valley Cinema in Gallipolis under Scott’s leadership in 2003.

Scott is a native of Newark, Ohio, and graduated with a bachelor of arts in psychology from Case Western Reserve University in 1987, and obtained his master of divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1994.

Scott is known for his sense of humor, singing voice, dramatic flair and inspirational preaching. Gifted in evangelism, teaching, administration and leadership, Greg brings a wealth of church planting experience with him as the founding and lead pastor of Fellowship of Faith.

“We try to help people who have never heard the word of the Gospel understand it in contemporary ways,” Scott said. “We wanted to create an environment that is comfortable and inviting to people who have no church background. We want them to feel at home.”

“Our goal here is to make connections with people who aren’t connected anywhere else,” said Life Skills Pastor Jaime Sisson. “That’s where our heart is.”

What started out as a few families has evolved into a congregation of well over 200 regular attendees, with up to 500 people showing up for services at different times.

The recently completed 7,800 square foot facility includes a bookstore, coffee bar, wireless Internet access and a state of the art adult worship center as well as special rooms for youth groups and children. In addition to integrating projection screens and contemporary music into the services, the church also works with many community outreach projects on local, state and national levels.

“We believe that a life following Christ is the best kind of life there is,” Scott said. “We want to share our beliefs with people using real life, relevant messages in a comfortable and inviting environment. We want to create a safe place for people to ask dangerous questions.”

The rapidly growing group will celebrate the grand opening of its new location with special sermons at 9 and 10:30 a.m. this Sunday, followed by a potluck lunch.