South Campus coming in 2027!

We are excited to share that Mount Zion Christian Church (1125 W Florian Ave, Mt. Zion(opens in new tab)) has voted to merge with First Christian Church. Over the coming months, we'll be renovating and preparing the campus as we build our Launch Team and get ready for the official opening of our South Campus.

Our future South Campus will function similarly to our East Auditorium with live worship and hosting but the sermon will be simulcast. Pastor Adam Hamerlinck will be serving as the Campus Pastor. Note that he will continue to regularly preach at our MacArthur campus and lead discipleship and missions.

In the meantime, if you need to get a hold of someone at the South Campus, give us a call at (217) 875-3350.

Launch Timeline

There are many of preparations both to the physical building as well as team building so here is our estimated timeline at present. Please note that this is just a guestimate and subject to change.

  • Renovations and ministry-space development taking place Fall 2026
  • Fall 2026 focused on building the South Campus community and preparing Serve Teams
  • South Campus Rooted Groups begin September 13, 2026
  • South Campus Worship Nights will be hosted throughout the fall and into the new year
  • South Campus Kickoff Services: February 2027

Staff Announcements

IMG_2296

From left: John Billner, Thomas Hagan, Meghan Fritzsche, Adam Hamerlinck

We’re excited to announce the four staff members who will help lead ministry at the South Campus:

  • Adam Hamerlinck
    Campus Pastor, South Campus (as well as teaching pastor across both campuses)
  • Meghan Fritzsche
    FirstKids Director, South Campus (as well as FirstKids programs across both campuses)
  • Thomas Hagan
    Worship Pastor, South Campus (as well as Young Adults Pastor and worship at both campuses)
  • John Billner
    Associate Campus Pastor, South Campus (as well as Youth Pastor across both campuses)

Join the launch team!

The South Campus launch is about more than preparing a building—it’s about building a church community.

Interested in being part of it? Join the South Campus Launch Team to stay connected to upcoming gatherings, Rooted Groups, serving opportunities, renovation updates, and important information as we prepare for February 2027.

South Campus Launch Interest
First
Last
Preferred method of contact:
How can you see yourself helpingwith the launch of the South Campus? (you may select more than one)

Questions? Contact Pastor Adam Hamerlinck at ahamerlinck@firstdecatur.org or call (217) 875-3350.