River Valley Christian Church, Goshen, Ky., has approved a merger with Southeast Christian Church, Louisville. Leaders from River Valley approached Southeast a few months ago and discussions led to the agreement to merge, pending Sunday’s approval by RVCC’s congregation.
“We’re grateful that River Valley and Southeast are like-minded churches who have similar missions, and who are unified under the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Eph. 4:13),” SECC pastors Dave Stone and Kyle Idleman wrote in an email. “Join us as we praise God for this unique opportunity to continue to build His church as we share the hope and love of Jesus throughout our communities.”
The Goshen facility will become known at Southeast Christian Church–River Valley. RVCC pastor Brandon Braun, who was diagnosed with a form of leukemia in recent months, will transition to SECC’s ministry staff.
WDRB.com and WAVE.com reported on the merger early this week.
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Eastview Christian Church in Normal, Ill., has begun work on a $1.1 million renovation to its worship center.
Senior pastor Mike Baker told the Bloomington Pantagraph that the church leadership wants to make the space, which seats 2,500, more intimate. The remodel will include new wall coverings and flooring. The church has been in its existing building for almost 20 years.
“We struggled sometimes to make it feel intimate, but I think when it’s done it’s going to feel like a sacred space for people to worship in every week,” Baker said.
The work is expected to be complete in early 2019.
It is one of a couple of projects underway at Eastview, a megachurch on the northeast edge of Normal. The church also is preparing to open a food pantry at its new Bloomington campus, which would complement Eastview’s existing pantry in Normal.
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Students from Milligan College this month traveled to Nashville, Tenn., to gain firsthand ministry knowledge from leaders at Lakeshore Christian Church. Students visited the church’s two campuses and volunteered during a weekend worship service. The trip was part of Milligan’s new Ministry Leadership Program, which was launched this semester to help students get a close-up look at ministry. Students in the program will travel each semester to different churches across the country to learn from prominent ministry leaders.
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First Christian Church in Elizabethtown, Ky., has collected more than $2.2 million in pledges for an expansion project. The church is raising money to enlarge its student ministry space, purchase additional property adjacent to the church, and pay down debt. Senior minister Stuart Jones told the News-Enterprise, “The big thing is God just continues to bless First Christian and we’re looking forward to the journey he has us on.”
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Southland Christian Church in Lexington, Ky., hosted a large Thanksgiving meal distribution program in the days leading up to the holiday. According to WTVQ-TV, hundreds of volunteers gathered at the megachurch to help with the program, which was sponsored by God’s Pantry Food Bank.
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The possible opening of a “gentleman’s club” near Wichita’s Central Christian Church is causing a stir in the neighborhood. According to the Wichita Eagle, neighbors are complaining about the prospect of having a sexually oriented business nearby. City ordinances prohibit such businesses within 500 feet of churches and schools. Central Christian Church operates a K-12 school at its site.
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Author: Christian Standard
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