The Family at the Central Church of Christ
Central was founded in 1939. During our first 10 years, members met for worship and study in a variety of locations, including living rooms across the city. In 1950, we moved into our current home on First Ave. after construction was completed on a new facility. In 1976, we added to our facilities an education wing and fellowship hall. In 2001, we began making plans for further expansion and announced our "Foundations of Faith" campaign. Our membership is approximately 200, making us one of the largest Churches of Christ in the state of Iowa, and one of only three churches in the state with an average attendence over 200 (others include Central in Davenport and Central in Council Bluffs). Our families live in a six-county area of eastern Iowa. We're currently led by four elders, 10 deacons, a full-time minister, and a full-time youth minister.
About the Churches of Christ
Approximately 1,500 churches across the country and 1.25 million individuals identify themselves with the Churches of Christ, a group of independent congregations that are locally governed.
The church of Christ first came into existence in the first century. During the early years of the 19th century a very strong historical movement often referred to as the Restoration Movement was begun by several prominent church leaders. The movement's intent was to look solely to the Bible, specifically to the New Testament, for guidance concerning how Christians should live, the means by which a relationship with God is established and nurtured, and how Christians should express their faith through in worship and daily living.
Today, churches of Christ maintain much of their heritage from these early years. Churches of our fellowship exist in all 50 states, though are most numerous in southern states. The vast majority of local congregations consist of 100 or fewer members, though some have several thousand members.
Churches of Christ are often distinguished by the belief that the Bible is to be literally interpreted and is the exclusive word of God. As such, many of our practices are founded in our understanding of Biblical teaching. Bible study and a reliance on scripture for making lifestyle decisions is prevalent.
Churches of Christ also exist throughout the world, the result of missionary work supported by local churches. In addition, many private schools, as well as colleges and universities, maintain ties with the churches of Christ.
