Longmire Road Church of Christ
The Memorial Church of Christ (later Longmire Road Church of Christ) began on February 3, 1974, meeting at Anderson Elementary. That September, the congregation purchased property on Longmire Road, completing the current building in August 1976. A. Chester Grimes guided the church in its early months, followed by Ottis Hillburn (1974–1986), Joe Goodspeed (1987–2008), and John Helbig (2002–2024). In February 2025, Morne Stephanus and his family joined the work, beginning the next chapter of service to the Lord in Conroe.
What We Believe
About God
Our journey of faith reveals a God who is not distant or hidden but wonderfully conspicuous, clearly seen in creation, known through His Word, and perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ. He calls us to recognize His power, submit to His authority, and walk in humble obedience to His will. Through His amazing grace, God reaches out to humanity first, offering forgiveness, restoration, and strength for righteous living. These facts remind us that the Lord is not only our Creator and King but also our gracious Redeemer, inviting every heart to know Him personally, obey Him faithfully, and live transformed by His unfailing love.
Genesis 1:26-27; Deuteronomy 6:4; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Acts 17:26-27; John 3:16; Romans 1:16-21; Ephesians 4:6.
About the Christ
Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, came to earth to give His life for ours. Through His cross, He conquered sin, death, and the grave—rising as the Undisputed Champion of Life. His deity confirms His power, His sacrifice reveals His love, and His promised return calls us to live ready and faithfully. He is our Savior, our Redeemer, and our soon-coming King, worthy of all glory and praise!
Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1-3, 14:6; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-21; Hebrews 1:1-3, Luke 12:40; 2 Peter 3:1-13.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is one of the most misunderstood members of the Godhead. Scripture reveals Him not as a force or feeling, but as a Divine person, equal with the Father and the Son. His mission was to guide the apostles into all truth, inspire the written Word, and reveal God’s will for humanity. The Spirit works through Scripture, not through emotional impulses or so-called “modern revelations.” Though miraculous gifts have ceased, His presence continues to dwell in believers through the Word, empowering faith and transforming lives. These lessons remind us to honor the Spirit’s true work — teaching, guiding, and sanctifying through the living Word of God.
Acts 5:1-4; John 14:16-17; John 16:4-15; 1 Corinthians 2:6-13, 2 Peter 1:16-21.
The Bible
The Bible stands as God’s complete, infallible, and unchanging Word—revealed through His Spirit and preserved for every generation. It contains all truth needed for life, faith, and salvation, guiding us with clarity and power. These messages remind us that Scripture can be trusted, understood, and obeyed; it is not just a book, but the living voice of God calling us to faith, hope, and eternal victory.
Psalm 19:7-11; Psalm 119:105; John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21
About the Church
The Church of Christ is the divinely planned and eternal institution established by Jesus Himself. It was purchased with His blood, guided by the Holy Spirit, and governed by His Word alone. Founded on truth, it is not a denomination or man-made organization, but the one body described in Scripture. Christ is its only head, and His authority directs its worship, mission, and doctrine. The Church exists to glorify God, proclaim the gospel, and bring believers together in unity and faith. Through every generation, it remains steadfast, unchanged in purpose, secure in promise, and built to endure forever.
Daniel 7:13-14; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:20-22, Ephesians 4:4, 1 Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 5:25-27; Romans 16:16.
About Salvation
Salvation is the central theme of the gospel and the greatest expression of God’s grace toward humanity. The Bible teaches that sin separates man from God, but through Christ, reconciliation is possible. God’s plan of salvation is clear: one must hear His Word, believe in Christ, repent of sin, confess faith in Jesus, and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. This new birth marks the beginning of a transformed life—renewed by grace and guided by faith. True belief is always active, demonstrated through obedience to God’s will. Salvation is not earned by works, but received through faithful response to God’s divine instruction. In Christ, we find forgiveness, purpose, and the hope of eternal life.
Isaiah 59:2; Mark 16:15-16, John 3:16; John 14:6; Acts 2:37-39; Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:10,11,23; Romans 6:3-4; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Ephesians 2:1-10; 1 Peter 3:21
About Being a Christian
To be a Christian is to be more than a believer in name; it is to be a true follower of Christ. Scripture reveals that the name Christian was divinely given by God to those who obey the gospel and are added to His Church. A Christian is one who has been converted from sin, lives honestly and faithfully, and is fully devoted to serving the Lord. This identity is sacred, unchanging, and signifies belonging to God’s family. With this name comes a living hope—anchored in the resurrection of Christ and sustained by faith. It is a hope that restores our relationship with God, promises eternal life, and gives strength for daily living. The Christian life is one of gratitude, holiness, and steadfast hope in the Savior who calls us His own.
Isaiah 62:1-2; Acts 26:28-29; Acts 11:26; Acts 2:47, Romans 12:1-2, Romans 8:15,
1 Corinthians 15:58; Hebrews 12:28-29.
About the Second Coming of Christ
The Bible teaches that death is not the end but the doorway to eternity, where every soul will face judgment and receive either eternal life with God or separation from Him. Scripture makes clear that this present world will not endure forever; at Christ’s return, the heavens and the earth will pass away with fervent heat, and all that is temporary will be destroyed. God will not renovate the earth for future living; He will create a new, eternal dwelling for the redeemed in His presence. Heaven is described as a place of perfect peace, joy, and fellowship with God, while hell is a place of conscious torment, sorrow, and regret. The Lord’s return will be sudden, final, and glorious, marking the end of all probation and the beginning of eternity’s realities. Each person’s response to the gospel today determines their destiny forever—life with God in heaven or separation from Him for eternity.
Matthew 25:31-46, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 2 Peter 3:9-12,
Luke 16:24; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, John 14:1-3.
Elders
Elders serve as spiritual leaders in the church, guiding and caring for the congregation like shepherds. They provide oversight, teach God’s Word, encourage spiritual growth, and help protect the church from false teaching. Elders also pray for and support members, offering wisdom and direction so the church can remain faithful to Christ and united in purpose.
Our Elders
Dennis Bonner
Doug Welborn
Don Koontz
Deacons
Deacons serve the church by meeting practical needs and supporting the work of the congregation. Their role is to assist in areas such as caring for the needy, managing resources, and helping with the day-to-day tasks that allow the church to function smoothly. By serving faithfully, deacons free the elders to focus on teaching and spiritual leadership while demonstrating Christlike service and love in action.
Our Deacons
Art Gibbs
Robert Gorhum
Roddy Rodriguez
David Terry
Areas of Responsibilities
Building and Campus
David Terry, Robert Gorhum
Missions
Art Gibbs, Roddy Rodriguez
Benevolence
Art Gibbs
Treasury and Finance
Robert Gorhum
Youth Activities
David Terry
Fellowship
Roddy Rodriguez
Worship Services
Robert Gorhum
Minister
A Pulpit Minister (sometimes called the Preacher) is primarily responsible for preaching God’s Word to the congregation during worship assemblies. He devotes himself to studying Scripture, preparing lessons, and presenting sermons that teach, encourage, and challenge the church to live faithfully. His work focuses on proclaiming the gospel clearly and consistently so that the whole church is spiritually nourished.
Our Minister
Morné William Stephanus is a Memphis School of Preaching alumnus. He has labored with congregations in South Africa, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Georgia. In addition to being our local preacher, Morné also serves as a full-time instructor at the Texas School of Preaching. Furthermore, he serves as a Co-Host on the "Biblical Christianity Podcast" and writes for various publications. Morné is married to Amanda Stephanus, and they have two children: Spencer and Avery.
How to Become a Christian
If you’re interested in becoming a Christian, we would love to have an opportunity to share what the Bible says to you about your relationship with God.
The Bible teaches that we are saved by God’s grace, not through our own efforts or through our ability to do good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are saved completely by what Jesus did for us at the cross.
There are several steps we must follow in order to accept God’s offer of salvation. First we must believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God (John 8:24). Once God convicts us of our sinfulness, we must repent or turn away from those sins and commit our lives to Him (Luke 13:3). After confessing our faith in Jesus (Romans 10:9-10), we receive the free gift of salvation as we are baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-5).
As Christians, we try to live for Christ, though we fail Him often. We draw encouragement from our relationship with local Christians in the church, and we worship God regularly. As we study the Bible, we grow in our knowledge and understanding, and God shapes us into the person He created us to be.
If you have any questions about spiritual matters, or if we can help you in any way, please contact us. We would be thrilled to have an opportunity to get to know you better and to and study the Bible to discover God’s plans for your life.