History of Christ's Church

Christ's Church of Effingham was the dream of a small group of believers in Jesus Christ.  The focus of the dream was a church that would direct its attention to reaching "lost" people for Christ.  This church, they dreamed, would be a place where people could experience the freedom of following God and allowing Him to lead as He willed.

On October 7, 1984, the first official services of Christ's Church were held at South Side School.  On November 8, 1987, the existing building was dedicated at the current location -- 2511 Veterans Drive in Effingham, IL.

Dale Hunt and Charlie Gard were the first ministers, followed by Jim Miller, who began his ministry with the church in March of 1989.  Jim left the Senior Minister role in September of 1999 to become a missionary for Christ in Butuan City, Philippines.  In that same month, Jeff Michael, who had been Associate Minister at Christ's Church since September of 1995, became the Preaching Minister.

In 2001, Greg Zander joined our ministry staff as Associate Minister.  Greg has since gone to the St. Louis area to plant a church.  Andrew Bloemker joined us in 2006.  Our youth ministry staff consists of Kathy Wormhoudt, as preschool youth leader, and Andrew Bloemker, as elementary, junior high, and high school youth minister.  Debby Sefton and Paula McCammon make up the office staff.

In the early days of Christ's Church, we averaged around 50 people.  Over time, many new people have joined the church and the number just keeps growing.  Reaching out to people, leading them to Christ and growing up in His likeness is the purpose of Christ's Church.

Youth Programs

We have a team of committed adults with a heart for kids who are committed to building and leading our youth.  We have something for everyone on Sunday morning during the services and at Sunday School.  On Wednesday evenings, we have youth group for all ages up to high school, during the adult bible study.  See the youth section of our website for more detailed information.

Small Groups

As a growing congregation we must plan to maintain a personal touch. Our small groups provide the perfect opportunity for people to interact and grow closer to each other and to Christ.

Missions

Christ's Church supports the following missions:

Click here to contact our missions team.

 

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What We Believe

The sole basis of our belief is the Bible, which is uniquely God-inspired, without error, and the final authority on all matters on which it bears. As the Bible teaches, there is one God, eternally existing in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — each possessing all the attributes of Deity.

God created humans to have fellowship with Him, but they defied God by sinfully going their own way. As a result, we need God's saving grace to end our alienation from God. Salvation comes only through God's saving grace — not human effort — and must be received personally by repentance and faith.

Jesus Christ, second Person of the Trinity, lived a sinless life on earth and voluntarily paid for our sin by dying on the cross as our substitute. This accomplishes salvation for all who receive grace by trusting in Him alone. He rose from the dead and is the only mediator between us and God. He will return to earth to consummate history.

The Holy Spirit draws sinners to Christ and equips believers for personal growth and service to the church. The church's role is to glorify God and serve those in need. At the end, everyone will experience bodily resurrection and the judgment. Those forgiven through Christ will enjoy eternal fellowship with God.

Music

Christ's Church has a contemporary worship service. Drums and guitars have replaced organs. Songbooks have given way to projected lyrics. Our hope is to worship in a style that reaches people today.  

Drama

In our multi-media world, many people learn visually. Our drama ministry performs at Christ's Church and in many other community events. They help people visualize the truth of God's word in portrayals of real life.