ABOUT US

CENTRAL
TRIVIA

Central Christian Church was chartered on December 5, 1858, but had been meeting in homes since 1840...long before Anderson was incorporated as a town.

- During the summer, CENTRAL provides free lunch to anyone who stops by the 10th Street entrance between 11a-1p.

- CENTRAL hosts some of the worlds finest pianists, in concert, between the months of September & May.

- The current structure, built in 1899-1900, is actually the second church building. The first stood on the spot currently held by THE TOAST restaurant in Anderson.

- Historical anecdotes claim that the poet, James Whitcomb Riley, while a local editor, visited CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

- Other historical anecdotal evidence shows that one of the reasons Andrew Carnegie, upon the review of plans for his library on the corner of 10th & Jackson (now the Anderson Center for the Arts), was pleased with the design and placement of the library was because of its proximity to CENTRAL, "...a jewel of worship in the Midwest..."

ABOUT CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH
a place for God	Central Christian Church, above all, is a place where God, in all of His glory, is welcome. We celebrate a God who defies definition, who is sometimes more forgiving than we are, and who is the power we depend on for everyday living. At Central, worship is primary, and trust in God's Providence has kept us alive and growing since 1858. With a rich history of worship that includes the music of our pipe organ, the singing of familiar hymns and the celebration of communion each sunday, we enjoy a worship style that has been referred to as "high-energy-traditional". And in our worship, as in our lives, Jesus is the Host at the table, the role model we strive for, and the Brother and King upon whom our hope for a full and rich eternal life is cast.
a place for people	Of course, the building is just a building. People make the church. We are a community of faith that includes retirees, families that have grown up at Central, as their families did. Neighborhood children, University students, couples, singles, families of all shapes, sizes and definitions come and worship together. As Christ called all, we also open our arms. Central truly is A PLACE FOR EVERYONE. We invite all to WORSHIP, where all generations and genders are involved in leadership. EDUCATION for adults and children on Sundays and during the week, include Bible Study, Small Group Meetings, Women's Groups, Men's Groups, Activity Nights for College, High School and Children of all ages. FELLOWSHIP is a big priority, and there are plenty of all-church meals and special events that include a concert series. There are also opportunities for anyone and everyone to serve the community and minister to those in our Church Family who can no longer leave their homes or places of care. The Church supports its people, and strives to make sure that everyone within the family has the ingredients needed for a happy and healthy life as children of God.
a place for you	Everyone needs a place to belong and a place to call home; a center. Central Christian Church has been providing a spiritual hospitality to the citizens of Madison County for 150 years. When you come to Central, to worship, to attend a concert, to visit...you will find a place where you are accepted and loved, a place where you are worth more than you can imagine, a place where you can participate in the "journey" of spiritual growth...with the rest of us. All of us need the nurturing of our physical and emotional selves, but without the nurturing of our spirits our lives are out-of-balance. God has a wonderful picture of you in His wallet, He takes it out and shows it to the angels, He talks about how proud He is of you...and He has some wonderful surprises for your journey, and an indescribable gift to give you. Come and discover who He is by experiencing the open and embracing love of His people at CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH in the heart of the heartland.

Our Mission Statement:
Celebrating God's love made known in Jesus Christ, Central Christian Church invites and encourages all to a journey of spiritual growth.

Vision Statement:
Central Christian Church will be a place where:

God's love as revealed through Jesus Christ will be shared with the surrounding community.
Individuals and families will be transformed through spiritual growth and the development of the whole person.
People will discover their spiritual gifts and talents for ministry.
People will work in partnership to strengthen and grow our ministry, fellowship and membership.