Who We Are
URA Church was founded by Pastor Eric Earhart and six faithful followers of Christ in 2002 as the first multi-racial, Kingdom-focused ministry in Gatesville, NC. After more than 20 years of uncompromised preaching that Jesus is Lord, URA Church has seen many souls won and lives changed. URA Church has ministry impact around the world and right next door. From kids’ church to car shows, and from international missions to local discipleship, URA Church has been blessed to be an example of ministry to the least of these. Over the years we have partnered with local prisons, high schools, and nursing homes to bring Jesus to those in need. We are not resting on our laurels, but we’re continuing to work until Christ returns. We believe the promise of Haggai 2:9, “The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place, I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.” God is not done at URA Church, and neither are you!
Pastors & Staff
Pastor Eric Earhart
Pastor Eric Earhart is senior and founding pastor of URA Church, and is president and founder of Emancipation Project, a prison ministry advocacy and training arm of Eric Earhart Ministries.
Pastor Carol Anne Hankinson
Pastor Carol Anne Hankinson is the Worship Arts pastor. She is a passionate, spirit-filled leader who holds a master’s degree in theater and is completing her doctorate in theology.
Sister Diana Hinton
Sister Diana Hinton is the Jesus-glue that holds it together. She operates as both office manager and Women’s Ministry leader. She is a founding member of URA and a passionate follower of Christ.
What We Believe
Eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The inspired, infallible, authoritative source of Christian belief and teaching.
Created in the image of God but fallen, lost and powerless to save himself.
Virgin-born Son of God who was crucified to take upon Himself the punishment for the sin of all mankind. He arose from the dead, thereby conquering sin, death and the grave. Jesus will personally return to the earth in power and glory.
Believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Water Baptism and Holy Communion are among the ways we celebrate our hope in Jesus Christ.
Consistent with His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ still offers healing for the physical, relational and emotional pain in our lives.
Indwells in those who receive Christ and empowers believers to live righteous and holy lives. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit, along with its evidences, and the Gifts of the Spirit are available to believers today.
When a life is changed by the love of Christ, we begin a journey of becoming like Christ. It is displayed outwardly in lives of integrity and is shown relationally by love and grace.
Life, as we know it, will come to an end. Jesus will return and show himself to be “King of Kings.” Everyone will be held accountable for the choices in their lives. A permanent personal relationship with God, without the influence of evil and pain, will be established for all who chose Christ. This will be heaven… forever.
The Body of Christ, of which Jesus Christ is the head, is comprised of all those who, through belief in Christ, have been spiritually changed by the personal work of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to pursue God’s mission, both collectively and individually. For some it is a vocation (pastors, missionaries, etc), for all… a passion.