Belong.
We are united by the God-shaped hole in every one of our hearts and by the love that Jesus showed for us when He gave his life for each one of us. You belong to Him. You will find belonging here at First Apostolic Church.
Believe.
The foundation of Christianity is our belief in God’s love for us. We believe that we are sinners who can only live an overcoming life through the saving power of God’s Spirit which He has freely given each of one of us.
Become...
Jesus died to save us because of His love for us, and we believe in this saving Grace. Our belief leads us to action. His Spirit changes and as we grow in relationship with Him, we become who He wants us to be.
Who We Are
We are a community of believers growing in God through fellowship with each other and fellowship with God’s Spirit. First Apostolic Church has been a fixture in the Nashville community since moving to its current location in 1969. Our church had its beginning in 1940. Our early founders were DJ Gulley, George Boaz, Thomas Robertson and their families. These men met with Bro Baggett and asked him if he would consider becoming their pastor. He agreed and they quickly began a building program. They purchased a lot on the corner of Third Ave South and Cameron Street in the South Nashville area. They had church in a tent until a building was erected. When the building was completed, they officially became known as “Jesus Only Tabernacle.” In that building, the Lord moved marvelously and many souls were saved. We worshipped at that site until 1961. During that time we had several pastors: Pastor James H. Thornton, Pastor Warren Larry, Pastor Tommy Cypert. In 1958, Brother Billy D. Shoulders became the pastor. By 1961, we had outgrown that building on 3rd and Cameron. The church then purchased a basement church on West Trinity Lane. We changed the name to First Pentecostal Church of Bordeaux. Once this building was no longer adequate, we were faced with the decision to either build on top of the basement church or relocate and build a new building. The site chosen for this new building was on the corner of Broadmoor and Maplewood Lane in North East Nashville. We moved into this building in December 1969. The decision was made to rename this new building First Apostolic Church. We have now been at this same location for over 46 years. In 2001, under the direction of Pastor Billy Shoulders, the Family Life Center was erected. The building hosts a basketball, volleyball court, multiple classrooms, kitchen and office space. In November 2004, the next phase of leadership began when Pastor Billy Shoulders became Bishop and his son, DJ Shoulders became Senior Pastor of First Apostolic Church. Bishop Shoulders served as Pastor for over 45 years. The transition of pastoring was seamless and the body of Christ continued to grow. Revival continued to stir and souls were being saved. The church quickly outgrew the original church building built on the property. A building program began in 2007. While the new sanctuary was being erected, church services were held in the Family Life Center. In 2009, the new sanctuary was completed and it hosts our current services. We have been able to modify our current buildings to accommodate the growth. The campus now provides a youth sanctuary, nursery, conference rooms, along with the original Family Life center and new sanctuary. We have seen great outpourings of God’s Spirit through these years and have seen many of our dear brothers and sisters who were laborers and pioneers of this assembly go on to meet their rewards. First Apostolic Church continues to carry on its vision to be a revival center, leading people to Belong, Believe, and Become...
We believe in letting the Spirit of God have His way in our services. We also believe in the freedom He has given us to worship Him in Spirit and truth. You will find people who worship by singing, clapping, and maybe even dancing. But you will also find people who don’t. We invite you to come as you are, but once you have been in the presence of Jesus, you will not leave the same! From the moment you arrive on our campus, you will feel welcomed and loved. If it’s your first time visiting us, make sure you stop by the Hub and pick up a visitor bag. It will tell you more about our church. You can also score a tasty snack! People arrive early to chat and enjoy a cup of coffee. Community is at the heart of what we do at FAC. We fight for unity. You may come as a visitor, but you will leave as family! There is teaching on all levels from 10:00-10:45. Our worship service begins at 11:00 with praise and worship, led by our music ministry team. Pastor Dee Jay Shoulders brings a real word of truth from the Bible. All throughout the service, we encourage freedom in worship as well as body ministry.
Our
Leadership
Pastor Dee Jay Shoulders has served as Senior Pastor of First Apostolic Church since 2003. He has also traveled abroad preaching the Gospel and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in Argentina, Chile, Bangladesh, Canada, Mexico, India, Lebanon, and the Philippines. Pastor Shoulders is a Chaplain with the Metro Nashville Police Department and also currently serves as the Chairman of the Associated Brotherhood of Christians. He and his wife Karla have two sons, Preston and Peyton and two awesome daughters in law Christian and Macy. They are enjoying life as grandparents to three grandchildren (and counting).
What We Believe
First Apostolic Church is a church striving to become a 21st century Apostolic Church.
We are founded upon the belief that the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God.
Our Purpose
We believe in the great commission and are endeavoring to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with love, mercy and compassion. (Matthew 28:19-20)
We Believe In One God
We believe there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). He is the Creator of heaven and earth, and of all living beings. He has revealed Himself to humanity as the Father (Creator), as the Son (Savior), and as the Holy Ghost (indwelling Spirit).
We Believe In Baptism by the Water
We believe in water baptism by immersion in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin. Through baptism we identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
(Romans 6:3-6; Colossians 2:11-14; Acts 2:38)
We Believe In Baptism by the Spirit
We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial sign of speaking in other tongues. (Acts 2:4)
We Believe In Spiritual Gifts
We believe in the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He minsters to His people through tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy, words of knowledge and wisdom, discerning of spirits, faith, working of miracles, healings, helps, and government.
(Mark 16: 15-18; Acts 5:16; 2 Corinthians 12:1-11)
Have questions? Want to know more?
We understand that people come from many different backgrounds. It's our desire that you know what the Word of God says. If you would like a bible study, please click here!
I'm New
So you're new? Welcome to the family. We can't wait to get to know you better.
Belong
Get Connected...
Believe
Find you people! Join a small group or find out what's going on in the Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Launch Student Ministry, or Power House Kids!
Grow...
Become
We believe that no matter where you're at in your faith journey, there's always a deeper level of growth. Find out more about Next Steps or a bible study.
Serve...
There are many inreach and outreach ministries that are available to you. Come find your purpose. Grow as your serve!
Where you've come from isn't as important as where you're going.
No matter where you are in your Christian journey, we want to take the next steps together. We would love to sit with you for three weeks and hear your story and share the gospel of Jesus with you. We believe that as you become free in Christ, you will know His will for your life!
To get involved in Next Steps, speak to any of our First Impressions team or just ask anyone you see! Click here for more.