OUR HISTORY
All Souls Fellowship began in the Fall of 2000 when Shayne Wheeler, our founding pastor, stumbled upon Decatur. The aesthetic beauty, the diversity of humanity, and the wonderful cultural identity captured his heart, and the vision was born. In February 2003, with a group of approximately 40 adults, the “Launch Team” was formed and began meeting for prayer, study, and planning. On September 7th, 2003, we held our first public service of worship at the Old Courthouse on the Square in downtown Decatur. SO WHY ARE WE CALLED "ALL SOULS"? First, our connection to historical Christianity. The name ‘All Souls’ is one that has been historically used by many churches from many different traditions throughout the history of the Christian faith. While holding to different distinctives, we join them in valuing the faith of the Apostles. We joyfully stand in the holy, catholic, and apostolic stream of faith that has its basis in the person of Christ and the teachings of the Apostles. Second, the universal offer of the Gospel. Our offer of the Gospel of Christ MUST be universal and free, not wanting anyone to perish, but all to come faith in Jesus Christ. And, it is with great confidence that we can say to each and every one of our friends and neighbors, “if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Rom.10:9) Our mission is to call ALL SOULS to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, that they too might be reconciled to their Creator! Third, nobody feels left out. This is pure pragmatics, but with the heart of the Gospel. We want EVERYBODY to be welcomed in our midst, with the hope that they too will hear the Gospel of Christ, experience the love of Christ through us, and come to know Him as their Savior. A common response to our name is “Wow, ‘All Souls!’ That includes me!”
