About Us
Our story
Thrive Church began in an old, dilapidated twin-screen movie theater in the city limits of Morganton on January, 15th, 2012. Born out of a burden to see the Spirit-filled Kingdom of God advance in Burke County, Founding Pastor, Paul Kidd and his family, moved to NC and started a church as an independent church plant. In 2020, Thrive was able to move to a new 8,400ft sq location on Pete Brittain Rd where they served the Salem community for 5 years and have now purchased the former Pavilion Skating Center to open this new 27,000ft sq location in 2026. Through the years, we have seen miracles, healings, prodigals come home, addicts restored, people delivered, and captives set free!
The mission and goal of Thrive Church is still the same and always will be...we are For the KINGDOM, For ALL People!
Our Pastor
Paul Kidd has served as both the founding and Senior Pastor of Thrive Church - Morganton since inception. Pastor Kidd moved to NC from Mississippi in 2011 after graduation from Mississippi State University with a B.S. in Political Science and Public Administration with a Minor in General Business Administration.
In 2009 while at University, Pastor Paul felt the calling of God serve the Lord in ministry with the rest of his life. Pastor Paul served as both a youth pastor and a lead pastor of a small church in MS while completing his degree but he knew God wanted him to come to Morganton, NC and spend his life serving Burke County as an ambassador of the Gospel. In 2011 Pastor Paul and his wife and kids moved to Morganton and we see the thread of the grace of God throughout their history ever since.
Our Staff
Erica Miracle: Children's Pastor
Erica came onboard in spring of 2025 to serve as both children's pastor and admin for Thrive Church.
Jon and Bethany Greer: Worship Pastors
Jon and Bethany have served on the worship team in varying capacities since 2021 and became the leaders in spring of 2024.
Jacqueline Craig: Media Intern
In the fall of 2025, Jacqueline came aboard as a weekly photographer, graphics and template responsibilities, and to help with design.
What we believe
God
We believe that there is only one God in three persons...Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus, the Christ, was born of the virgin Mary, He is the Son of God and son of man, that He came to save humanity from the condemnation of sin by offering himself as the acceptable sacrifice on the cross, and that he rose again victorious over death making grace available to all who believe in Him.
Holy Spirit
We believe that Holy Spirit is the active agent of God in the world and in the life of the believer. We are not only Spirit indwelled, but we can be Spirit-filled. This Holy Spirit fullness will produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and empowers us to operate in the gifts of the Spirit for the benefit of the whole body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12, 14) which we believe are still in operation.
The Bible
We believe the Bible is God's infallible word given by the inspiration of Holy Spirit and serves as the guide for spiritual, moral, and personal development.
The Cross
We believe that the sacrificial work of Jesus, the Christ, on the cross is payment for all our sin and provision for our every need. The shed blood of Chrost is for the forgiveness of our sins and our cleansing from unrighteousness. We believe the body of Chrost was injured and bruised and His back bore stripes for both our spiritual and physical healing in answer to the prayer of faith.
The Return of Christ
We believe Christ is set to return to establish the Kingdom of Heaven on earth one day soon.
The Resurrection
We believe in the bodily resurrection of both believers and non-believers; the believer to everlasting life in the presence of God and the unbelievers to the second death.
The Church
We believe that the Church, the body of Christ, is made up of all believers in Jesus, the Christ. We also believe every Christian should be connected to a local church thereby declaring their connection to the gretaer body of Christ around the world. This local connection also serves as a spiritual family from which we draw strength, instruction, and encouragement in our relationship with God as we actively participate.
Creation
We believe that the universe, as well as its inhabitants, are the product of the intelligent design of God our Creator. We believe that mankind is specifically created in His image for the purpose of having relationship with Him.
Sin and Salvation
We believe it is by God's grace, accessed by personal faith in the Lordship and resurrection of Jesus, that we are saved. We are all born into sin and therefore, sinners by a fallen nature. However, we are reborn (born again) of the Spirit when we recognize Christ as our Lord and Saviour. God's grace is deeper than the bottomless pit of human failure.