Tony and Tawny Arnds, Church Planter, Folsom Bible Church, Folsom, California
Recent Updates: Arnds Update 2025 January
Tony started a new church, Folsom Bible Church (FBC), in Folsom, California in 2021 with a weekly Bible study. Now the church has about 40 people attending services on Sunday afternoons in rented space. The church has a growing team of people who lead music, two home groups who each meet every other Thursday evening. They also have a a discipleship training program studying key doctrines which is attended by people from multiple churches. FBC also has Tuesday evening home prayer meetings. FBC people are also involved in serving at the Union Gospel Mission and at an elder care home. Maks Vusik serves as another pastor in the church alongside Tony, sharing in the preaching, teaching, and administration. The first three years have built important foundations for the church in identity with Jesus Christ as their focus, in understanding God’s Word and truth, in fellowship as they commit to supporting and encouraging one another, in prayer as they find their sufficiency in Christ alone, and in worship with the purpose of joyfully celebrating and glorifying our creator God. Tony's prayer is that FBC will be able to plant the gospel in Folsom, that FBC would be a strong, united group with an open door that actively invites others to join them in knowing Christ.
FBC's current facility is rented from another church which uses it on Sunday mornings, so FBC meets Sunday afternoons. This timing is not ideal, so FBC continues to look for a different facility but they have not found anything in their price range yet. This remains an important item for prayer.
Tony, raised in a non-Christian home, wanted to be a “cowboy” growing up. He and Tawny met during high school and were married after graduation. After college, while working on a cattle ranch in Montana, the ranch owner pointed Tony to the Bible, leading Tony to pray, “God, if you are real, I want to know you.” Later, Tony heard a radio sermon on the same Bible passage. In response, Tony got down on his knees and prayed to receive Christ. His burden of sin left, and Tony’s desire in life changed to live for Jesus and shepherd people. Tawny came to faith a few weeks later. This change led them to Bible college and then the Masters Seminary. Following seminary, Tony was called to be the pastor at Potter Valley Bible Church (PVBC) where he served for 18 years. Tony and Tawny raised 3 sons – Jess (married), Joey (married), and Josh (passed away in 2021).
Prayer Items:
- That the Lord would stir the hearts of the congregation to be very zealous for the souls of the lost for the glory of Christ.
- That FBC would be a blessing to the church that is graciously allowing FBC to rent their facilities.
- For Tony’s health – specifically his neck and spine pain. Pray for grace to endure the discomfort in a way that pleases God if He chooses not to bring healing.
- Praise for good financial support – at their 3-year anniversary, about 60% of the church costs are covered by the FBC congregation themselves.