Our Story

Cliffdale Community Church began in 1996 when Pastor Morris Barnett and his wife, Cathy, answered God’s call to plant a church in Fayetteville that would reach people with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Pastor Morris brought a heart for discipleship and community, rooted in faithful Bible teaching and genuine love for people.

From the very beginning, Cliffdale has been about real people discovering real faith — a place where everyone is welcome, and where the mission is clear: to help everyday people become fully devoted followers of Jesus. As the church has grown, that same spirit of warmth, outreach, and spiritual growth has remained at its core.

Today, we continue to build on that foundation — loving God, loving people, and serving our community with the hope and grace found in Christ. 

After 25 years of faithful leadership, our founding pastor, Pastor Morris Barnett, stepped into retirement in November 2021, leaving a legacy of strong biblical teaching, discipleship, and deep love for this church family and community. His years of service helped shape Cliffdale into the welcoming, Christ-centered church it is today.

Following this important season, the church prayerfully sought God’s direction for the future. In His perfect timing, Pastor Dale Paschall was called to serve as Senior Pastor, and Associate Pastor Preston Bennett was also called to serve alongside him in leadership. With hearts for people and a passion for God’s Word, they continue to build on the foundation that was laid — leading our church forward with vision, care, and a desire to see lives transformed by Jesus.

We are grateful for the faithfulness of the past and excited for all God is doing in this new chapter.

In the fall of 2025, God expanded the vision of Cliffdale Community Church as we launched a second campus: Cliffdale at the Lake Community Church. This new campus was born out of a desire to reach even more people with the love of Jesus and create another place where lives could be changed through faith and community.

Cliffdale at the Lake is led by Campus Pastor Norman Cooper and Associate Campus Pastor Gregory Williams, who share the same heart and mission — helping everyday people become fully devoted followers of Christ. While each campus serves its local community in unique ways, both are united in purpose, teaching, and a passion to see people grow in their relationship with God.

Together, we continue building one church family in multiple locations, committed to loving God, loving people, and sharing hope throughout our region.