Our Story.
The story of Coram Deo began with a conviction: Churches change communities.
Yes, Jesus told us to “make disciples.” (Matt. 28:19-20) And as disciples are made, churches must be planted. The book of Acts shows us such. New churches are the vehicle by which the gospel reaches new people. It’s a lighthouse, an outpost of the kingdom of Christ. It is a refuge for the religiously weary, a hospital for the spiritually sick, and a new community Christ builds with the power of his gospel. (Matt. 16:18)
So when two pastors were talking at a local ice cream shop about the growing Raleigh area, they began thinking about planting a new church. Those pastors were Neal Thornton and Matt Capps. Neal was serving as pastor in Harnett County. Matt was and (still is) the pastor of Fairview Baptist in Apex. What if one pastor left his pastorate to plant, while the other pastor leveraged his ministry to help him do so? That’s exactly what happened. Two men and their ministries came together around one central question: How can I best leverage my life to make the greatest kingdom impact?
Neal and his family joined Fairview in July 2024 with him serving as a church planter in residence. For thirteen months he served on staff and assembled the components of a new church plant.
A core team was formed from the Fairview membership, and that of Redeemer Community in Fuquay-Varina. For most of a year the team trained, prayed and learned together as they planned to launch a new ministry in southern Wake County.
On August 3, 2025 Coram Deo was born. Forty-two adults (with 31 kids!) signed a covenant to form the new church. From the first Sunday until now Coram Deo has met at Willow Spring High School, a community we’ve come to love dearly. It’s our desire to serve the students and staff, and the growing number of families only a few miles away.
We’re a church for those exploring Christianity, and those strong in their faith. We make no assumptions and have no expectations. People come as they are every Sunday. Look around our website. Reach out if you’d like. Attend a service, and bring your family. People are moving to North Carolina every day. Perhaps you’re one of them. That’s why we planted a new church. We’re here for you.