How Do I Become a Part of This Church?

If you're already a baptized Christian then you may become an active part of the ministry of this church simply by participating.  We will encourage and challenge you to grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus, as well as offer you the grace and comfort of a loving faith community. 

 

If you are not yet a disciple of Jesus, all we require is that you make the most basic confession of faith -- that you believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that you accept him to be your Lord and Savior.

 

If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, but not been baptized, we are happy to arrange for your baptism when you are ready for that powerful step.   Our church baptizes by full immersion.

If you have further questions about this or are ready to give your life to Jesus, please contact our pastor, Dan Thorsen, at 773-525-5433.

Do You Baptize Infants?

No, instead we perform a Parent/Baby Dedication service. In this service the parents pledge to raise the child in a Christian environment, the child is dedicated to God and prayed for, and the church pledges its support to the child and the parents. When the child is old enough to make its own decision, it is our prayer and goal that she/he will joyfully decide to accept Jesus as Savior and be baptized. For us it is important that becoming a Christian is a decision each person makes and is old enough to remember.

What kind of church is this exactly?

We are historically associated with the Christian Church movement in America.  This group emerged on the American frontier from European Presbyterian background, and had as one of their goals to be Christians only, but not the only Christians.  And so today we are actively engaged in many relationships with other ministries whose goal is to bring people into the Kingdom of God by proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.  One of the exciting ministries we partner with is the Chicago District Evangelistic Association, www.cdea.org.

Why do you have the communion meal every Sunday?

The New Testament says that the first Christians celebrated the Lord's Supper when they gathered for worship (see Acts 2:46 and Acts 20:7). We find that the communion meal is the central part of our worship experience.   We come to worship to meet Jesus, and it is at His table we believe this can happen most profoundly.

How should I dress?

Most of us dress casually for worship. The pastors do not dress formally. Jeans are fine. We do not believe that formal dressing was something Jesus was concerned about, so we aren't either.

Do you pass offering plates?

Interestingly, we do not pass offering plates during the worship experience. The worship is our gift to God and to our visitors. We do encourage disciples of Jesus to make Him the Lord and master of their finances by taking up the spiritual practice of giving offerings and having as their goal the tithe, or giving back 10% of one's finances to God.  Offerings can be made during the worship service by use of the offering boxes at the ministry center, or by mailing offerings to 4054 N. Lincoln Chicago IL  60618.