How it all started...
In the spring of 2012, a group of friends gathered in a basement to discuss the idea of planting an independent, non-denominational church to serve the area in and around Creston, Rittman, and Sterling Ohio with Ryan Klotzle as pastor. In May 2012 we had our first worship service together in a garage with 25 people.
Shortly thereafter we began to rent a side room from the Hartland Party Center between Sterling and Rittman. As the church grew, we moved from renting a room to purchasing the entire building and remodeling it to better function as a church with Sunday school rooms, sanctuary, and lobby.
Over the years, Christchurch has developed a distinctive character as a church. There are weeks where half of our attendees are children, which is definitely unique among most smaller sized churches. While our attendance does skew younger in age, we have chosen not to operate in terms of the traditional vs contemporary church culture wars. With expository verse-by-verse preaching, theologically deep worship songs, and Sunday school lessons that always point to the gospel we do not wish ever to sacrifice substance for style. Instead, we seek to minister with a blended, multi-generational approach that holds firmly onto the ancient truths of scripture while practicing them in a way that is currently authentic and relatable to our community.
God has been so gracious to bless and grow our imperfect efforts over the years, if you are reading this we would love to have you as a part of the continuing story of what God is doing through Christchurch.
Shortly thereafter we began to rent a side room from the Hartland Party Center between Sterling and Rittman. As the church grew, we moved from renting a room to purchasing the entire building and remodeling it to better function as a church with Sunday school rooms, sanctuary, and lobby.
Over the years, Christchurch has developed a distinctive character as a church. There are weeks where half of our attendees are children, which is definitely unique among most smaller sized churches. While our attendance does skew younger in age, we have chosen not to operate in terms of the traditional vs contemporary church culture wars. With expository verse-by-verse preaching, theologically deep worship songs, and Sunday school lessons that always point to the gospel we do not wish ever to sacrifice substance for style. Instead, we seek to minister with a blended, multi-generational approach that holds firmly onto the ancient truths of scripture while practicing them in a way that is currently authentic and relatable to our community.
God has been so gracious to bless and grow our imperfect efforts over the years, if you are reading this we would love to have you as a part of the continuing story of what God is doing through Christchurch.
Where we are headed...
Due to growing attendance and limited space, we are in the process of considering adding onto our current building. Pray for our leadership as they consider options.
We do not desire to "grow in place" indefinitely, as we would love to become a church that sends out to plant other churches.
We do not desire to "grow in place" indefinitely, as we would love to become a church that sends out to plant other churches.
Be a part of our story...
Join us every Sunday as we gather to worship together at 9:15 am and 10:30 am.