Plan A Visit
We're glad you're checking out First Christian Church!
Whether you’re new to church as a whole or looking for a new church home, we want you to feel welcome and comfortable. To help make that happen, we’ve answered some FAQs below. However, if you still have questions, please don't hesitate to contact Abbey Luka at aluka@firstdecatur.org or call/text (217) 875-3350.
Our Beliefs
Our mission and values are rooted in Scripture and shaped by the heart of a God who gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life (John 3:16). Check out our BELIEFS webpage for details.
Worship Services
We have four identical worship services each weekend:
SATURDAY AT 5PM
SUNDAY AT 8:45AM & 10:30AM
Typically, our worship services last a little over an hour. You'll find we have vibrant worship, meaningful sermons, and we care about our community and world. The sermons are Bible-centered and can easily be applied to your life. Find out more about our beliefs here. Also, we offer communion every week. You can also watch all of our worship services LIVE online at firstdecatur.org/churchonline.
Directions
We are located at 3350 N. MacArthur Road in Decatur, IL. We have parking closer to the entrance for those who may have mobility issues.
Kids & Youth
We have age-specific ministries (FirstKids and Student Life) that distinctly meet the needs of each age group while moving toward a singular goal in concert with families in developing children who grow up to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Toddlers DISCOVER that God loves them and has good plans for their future. Children DETERMINE that God is Who He says He is and can be trusted. Teens DEVOTE their lives to following Jesus Christ both now and into the future. Find out more about our family ministries.
Growing & Serving Together
It is the mission of First Christian Church to develop devoted followers of Jesus Christ by growing and serving together. We believe spiritual development involves growing in your faith and knowledge of God's Word as well as using our gifts and talents to serve in the church, our community, and around the globe.
Also in Romans 6:3-8, the apostle Paul relates how baptism is an important symbol. Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ. In baptism we symbolically participate in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.
What to Wear
Anything — casual or formal! You'll see both here.
What if I have any questions when I get there?
We have a START HERE table located at the main entrance as soon as you enter the church. We are happy to address any questions you may have.
How do I get connected?
History of First Christian Church
Our extraordinary heritage goes all the way back to the dreams of Joseph Hostetler to establish a church in Decatur. He preached his first sermon in 1833 in the log courthouse located on the property currently inhabited by the Transfer House. Toward the end of the 1800s, our congregation moved to a new building on Church Street near downtown. Later, in 1913, the building was replaced with a classic brick-and-stone structure that’s still in place today.
In 1996, we moved into our current facility on MacArthur Road. We've since expanded our building several times to accommodate the growth God has blessed us with. We've also expanded our ministry to our community and around the world.
We have many people who come from various church backgrounds and have chosen to make First Christian Church their home. Many more have discovered their walk with Jesus at First. You can also be a part of the story of First Christian Church!