About First
Christian Church
Our Mission
The mission of First Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) in Valparaiso, Indiana, is to follow Christ and warmly welcome anyone wishing to
affiliate with, and become active among, the Christians who make up our congregational
family. First Christian will develop and provide programs to encourage and nurture
fellowship, learning, service, and spiritual growth for -and by- all ages.
Further, we will act as our Lord's hands and feet to spread the love of God and to
continue Jesus' ministry of healing and reconciliation in our community and around the
world.
History
As our name implies, we stand in continuity with
those who first followed Jesus as his disciples. Like Peter, we accept Him as our Lord,
saying "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Sadly, we are also like
Peter in that we don't always live up to our confession. That's why we are as grateful as
he was to receive, proclaim, and attempt to embody the love and forgiveness of our risen
Lord.
Our history also includes the birth of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). On the
American frontier, early in the 1800's some Baptists, Presbyterians, and others came to
realize that inter-denominational competition was diluting their witness. They cut their
denominational ties and emphasized the unity of all who accept Christ as Lord. Probably,
they'd be surprised to learn their descendants have become yet another denomination, but
we still believe in -and work for- Christian unity.
Original building on Chicago Street
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