OUR BEGINNING...

           October 31, 1999 crystallized the vision that God had placed on Pastor Smith’s heart for a new, vibrant, faith-building, life-changing ministry filled with the assurance that “only God could have done it” – not man.  This quest for such a faith experience led him to step out on faith, after a 7-year pastorate at the Newburg Church of Christ, Louisville, KY, knowing that the pioneering vision that the Lord had given him was a vision that would face fierce opposition.  He drafted his vision and ideas onto paper for personal clarity and understanding. 

          Later, in conversation with Minister T. Watkins, Minister Lloyd Watkins, and Minister Nate Hollingsworth, it was discovered that they too shared a common desire and had a passion for a renewed commitment for genuine, real ministry untainted by human manipulation, bondage and spiritual oppression.  After prayerful sharing and planning, these four brethren took radical steps onto a path shown by the Lord, and began their journey. 

          Within a few days, articles of incorporation and bylaws were drafted and were received by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, November 9, 1999 giving Christ’s Church for Our Community non-profit incorporation status.  Additional documents were drafted to give Christ’s Church 501c(3) status.  These documents and a $500 fee were sent to the IRS and were later approved and the 501c(3) status was granted.  After notifying the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the church gained tax exemption status.

          Having these documents in place, the search began for a church building.  They considered an opportunity to purchase the edifice of the Von Spiegel Missionary Baptist Church, at 34th and Kentucky Streets, but were unable to meet the time and financial requirements for such a purchase.  Being men of faith, they did not get discouraged, but simply said, “God has something else in store for us.”

          Pastor Smith contacted Elder Marcellus Howard, Pastor of the Magazine Street Seventh-Day Adventist Church to see if their edifice was available for rent on Sundays and Thursday evenings.  The building was readily made available to the church with the understanding that another rental agreement had already been made with Von Spiegel to rent the Magazine Street Church effective April, 2000.  Pastor Smith donated the $500 necessary as a deposit to acquire the rental agreement.

          The first service of Christ’s Church was held on Sunday, January 30, 2000.  Four communion trays were purchased and were shuttled back and forth each week by Sister Oma Watkins.  Radio broadcasts were initiated beginning December, 1999 with the help of Perkins Motors.  Newspaper ads were also purchased to get the word out concerning the new church in town.

          An amazing 97 people came to the Magazine Street Seventh-Day Adventist Church, January 30, 2000.  Our first tithes/offerings that day totaled $1,179.10.  Pastor’s first sermon was entitled, “Christ Must Reign!”  The Praise Team consisted of Minister Tierra, Minister Nate, Minister Lloyd, Brother Marvin Thomas, and Brother Marc Clemons.  It was a spirit-filled service.  Sister Bettie Thomas was the church’s first greeter and usher, asking everyone to sign in on the tablet as they entered.   Brother Victor Baskett served as one of our first Sunday School teachers.

          Pastor outlined the vision of the new congregation, explaining the name, the purpose of the name and set the thermostat for a congregation culture that has since been consistently radiant with Christian love and warmth.  The first membership class was taught by Minister Nate on Saturday, February 5, 2000.  Following the class, 30 people signed the membership covenant form to be a part of the new congregation.  Within 3 weeks, members and friends had given a total of $8,623.40 with an average attendance of 81 individuals.  On Sunday, February, February 27, 2000, Brother Fred Liggin weighed in as our first babe born again in believer’s baptism.  He was quite a splash.  Charter Sunday was conducted on Sunday, March 18, 2000.

OUR FIRST MOVE...

          Beginning the first Sunday of April, 2000, Christ’s Church began to meet at 626 Finzer Street, the former building of the East End Church of Christ.  Many have been baptized or have placed membership.  Some have decided to move to other places of ministry and growth for their lives and Christ’s Church has sent them forth with blessings.

OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES...

          Christ’s Church has a history of helping people in the community.  Since our beginning, we have been involved in clothing and food ministries for the homeless and the poor. Brother Quincy Sweatt was helpful in developing an intense outreach ministry for youth and adults in our community.  On October 20, 2000, Christ’s Church received the “Outreach Faith-Based Organization of the Year” award from KCHIP for successfully canvassing 2,000 homes in the community to aid needy children in acquiring free health insurance.  The church also received a grant for the Second-Time Around Ministry for Grandparents raising Grandchildren.  Operation TOUCH allowed for a partnership with National Homes Trust and the church was blessed by Sister Susan Butler at NHT to acquire a technology grant to provide a media lab at the church. 

OUR SECOND MOVE...

          In January, 2004, we received a letter from the Presbyterian Community Center, owner of the Finzer Street property that we had 6 months to prepare to depart the facility by June 2, 2004.  Pastor Smith had already worked throughout the years to investigate available properties.  While looking into a particular property, the realtor shared some information about the Episcopal Church nearby having merged with another church.  This meant to Pastor that there was a vacant property somewhere.  He contacted the Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky and was given contact information for Mr. Bob Nesmith.  Mr. Nesmith was charged with overseeing the sale of the property with all proceeds going to the All Saints Camp and Conference center in Leitchfield, KY.  He informed Pastor of the location (the former St. John’s Episcopal Church) and agreed to meet Pastor at the property.  As soon as Pastor saw the property, He believed this was the place.  It had been vacant for 8 months waiting for Christ’s Church!  Discussions and negotiations began with the Diocese and an agreement was made for the sale of the property.  While we needed to leave Finzer Street on June 2, God came through with keys to the Krupp Park Drive location on May 28, 2004.  He is an on-time God – yes He is!  We were given time to formally conclude financing arrangements with National City Bank.  We had already been approved for financing on two other occasions, and God blessed us to obtain financing from them one more time! 

The property required a “resurrection”.  Members cleaned. Volunteers came and cut down trees at no charge.  Meals were served for several clean up occasions.  A new aroma filled the place as the Holy Spirit returned to the house of worship.  Since that time, several accomplishments have been made.  Collapsed sewage pipes in the ground have been replaced.  Electrical work and Heating/Air installations have occurred.  A sanctuary renovation has happened beginning with the installation of the baptistry, reconfiguration of the pulpit area, newly built side walls along the sides of the sanctuary with more necessary efficient insulation installed.  Painting and carpeting and the installation of a unisex restroom behind the baptistry with new flooring and dressing areas have also been completed. 

MINISTRIES...

The P.R.A.I.S.E. Team released a well-acclaimed CD product that has blessed lives throughout the country.  In addition to weekly singing praises in the worship assemblies of Christ's Church, they minister monthly in song throughout the community.  Other congregational ministries are developing with new fervor.  Our Christian Education department is going to another level with the space now available.  Christ’s Kids ministry is packed with children who learn and worship during the worship hour as Pastor begins the Sunday morning message.  Many Sundays they journey to the Fransciscan Home to minister to the residents in inspiration and song.  Our congregation experienced a special time of fellowship as we traveled to the All Saints Camp and Conference Center in Leitchfield, KY for our 2006 Church picnic.  The church shares generously on an annual basis with our community in our Back-to-School Community Festival.  Our Ushers Ministry produces an anniversary program each year that is filled with amusing, yet thought-provoking drama presentations.  Prayer is intensified with us as we have begun our Friday High-Noon Prayer Ministry at St. Catherine Court residence. 

God is so good.  There are many more projects and ministries yet needed and we anticipate many more expressions of His grace and favor in the lives of this humble band of believers to accomplish these things and, hopefully soon outgrow our current facility. We pray that the Lord will continue to lead us into more opportunities for service and ministry for the glory of Christ, for the growth of the church and for the good of our community.  Thanks be unto God!