AS A DISCIPLES OF CHRIST CONGREGATION:
     ● We affirm that Jesus Christ is the son of the living God, and offers saving grace to all.
     ● All persons are God's children.
     ● Open Communion.  The Lord's Supper, or Communion, is celebrated in weekly worship.  It is the center of our worship and is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ, regardless of denominational affiliation.
     ● Freedom of Belief.  We are called together around one essential faith:  believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others.
     ● Baptism by immersion.  In baptism the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God begins.  Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.
     ● Belief in oneness of the church.  All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.  We are strong proponents of unity and ecumenical witness to the world.
     ● The ministry of believers.  Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, leadership, service, and spiritual growth.
      ● Congregationally based.  We are a congregationally governed body in covenant with the regional and national manifestations of our church.

First Christian Church (DOC) has been a presence in Garden City since 1884, first meeting in the local Livery Stable.  We have been on our present corner on Chestnut and Seventh since 1886.


MISSION OF
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH:
  First Christian Church exists to grow people into Disciples, serve the community from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth, and experience God through the love of Jesus Christ.

Our Vision

At First Christian Church, we envision:

A church guided by prayer where the Gospel is the theme; where grace overflows, where the love of God is demonstrated throughout God’s people; where the body of Christ is unified; where God is worshiped joyfully; and where all people serve Christ in a diverse way with a grateful heart.

We envision developing all – new believers as well as established believers – into followers of Christ through welcoming worship services, discipleship opportunities, special ministries, and engaging small groups.

We envision helping all of God’s children – youth as well as adults – to discover their spiritual gifts so they are equipped to serve Christ effectively in ministries within and outside the church. We envision every member as a minister. We envision a church that begins every ministry in prayer.

We envision welcoming new members into God’s church who are excited about Christ, experience his unfailing grace and forgiveness, and grow together in love.

We envision a church that sends out our members to serve the community, our denomination and the entire world. We envision planting a church every ten years.
 

Our Values

We, at First Christian Church, desire to define the core values that drive the ministries of this warm and caring church. 

         
Christ’s Headship
We acknowledge Christ as the head of our church and submit ourselves and our ministries to His will and good pleasure. (Ephesians 1:22 – 23)

Biblical Teaching
We strive to teach God’s Word with integrity and authority so that seekers find Christ and believers mature in Him. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Prayer
We rely on prayer and the guidance of God’s Spirit in the conception, planning, and execution of all the ministries and activities in God’s church. (Philippians 4:6)

Grace
We encourage all people to serve Christ with a heart of love and gratitude. (Romans 6: 14)

Mission Oriented
We encourage all members to faithfully support God’s creation beyond the walls of the church. (Matthew 20: 28)

Ministry Excellence
God gave his best, our Savior: we seek to honor God by maintaining a high standard of excellence and hospitality in all our ministries and activities. (Hebrews 13: 1-2 & Colossians 3: 23-24)

Worship
We desire to acknowledge God’s supremacy and worth in our personal lives and in our community of faith as we worship God in unity. (Romans 12: 1-2, 4-5)

Sharing the Gospel
We desire to equip all people to effectively share the Good News of God’s love through the many ministries of the church. (Ephesians 4: 11-13)

Creativity and Innovation
We are constantly evaluating our forms and methods, seeking cultural relevance and maximum ministry effectiveness for Christ. (1 Chronicles 12: 32)

Justice Seeking
We ask all people to grow in the likeness of Christ by seeking justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with God. (Micah 6: 8)

Christ sets the table. Christ beckons all to come just at they are.