A Pentecostal church and ministry founded on Biblical principles, the Potter's House serves as a haven for the hurt, wounded or broken.
Back in 2003, seven couples came together with a vision to build a spirit-filled church where people of all ages can be involved in some aspect of the ministry.
Fifty-eight people attended the first service held at Greers Dairy Road. Now averaging 181 in attendance at their current location of 1120 Crowell Road in Covington, the church has prospered under the direction of its pastor, the Rev. Sammy Williamson, and continues to correspond with approximately 2,200 people who have visited the church over the five-year span.
The Potter's House currently rents the facility from Springfield Baptist Church. In the near future, the pastor hopes to find 10-12 acres where they can build a permanent location and add a bus ministry.
Their goal is to provide a friendly environment for learning God's word and ministries for enriching the life of each family member. The membership is active in outreach efforts to win the community and exceeded their benevolence budget as they reached out to people in need. Williamson counsels with those who have fallen into hard times and teaches them God's financial principles.
A native of North Carolina, Williamson moved to Covington in the early 1990s and married Tina Fillingame of Bastrop, La. They have two sons, Cody, 13, and Cort, 9.
Williamson went into the ministry in 1997, and before founding The Potter's House, he served at Faith Tabernacle in a variety of positions. He credits the majority of his learning and ministerial growth to his former pastors, the Rev. Dennis M. Patterson of Aberdeen, N.C., and Dr. Jerry A. Patterson of Conyers.
On Jan. 1, 2004, Williamson felt the call to begin an apostolic work in the Covington area. He and Tina are committed to people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.
"We want them to understand that God loves them," Williamson said. "It doesn't matter what the economy has to say, God is in control. There is a peace and assurance that comes with that. If you don't need a new car, don't buy one. If you need to cut back something, don't quit paying tithes, cut off something you don't need."
During his service at Faith Tabernacle, he met Stuart Downs and Charee Sims who now serve on his administrative staff at The Potter's House. Williamson recalled one evening in 1995 when he and Downs were sitting at the piano and prayed that if it was God's will, they would be in church ministry together and he would serve as pastor.
"It is amazing how we all grew up in different areas, but God has literally handpicked us for a time as this," said Sims who grew up in a pastor's home. "The vision that we have here is so great."
Downs, who has directed choirs of all sizes and has held choir clinics throughout the Southeast. relocated to Georgia in 1997 from Baton Rouge, La. He is employed by Rockdale Medical Center as the vice president of nursing/chief nursing officer at Rockdale Medical Center,
Downs articulated how they often plan faith building services to give members an opportunity to share how God has blessed them through difficult times.
"It sparks faith," said Downs as he described how testimonies are infectious and spread throughout the congregation.
The church looks forward to the future with renewed vision, hope, confidence and commitment as they build on their theme, "One God, One Vision, One Church."
Sunday services include Morning Manna and Sunday school at 11 a.m. followed by worship at noon. Midweek Bible study and Potter's Kid's Club are at 7 p.m.
For more information on The Potter's House, call (678) 212-0319 or visit www.pottershousega.org.
