We are a group of Christians who follow the New Testament teachings of Christ. We use the Bible as our guide and we know that it contains “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (II Peter 1:3). We answer to the authority of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18) and serve under the oversight of the elders (Acts 20:28, Hebrews 13:17). As New Testament Christians we are “being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (I Peter 2:5).
Here at EP we are striving to be nothing more than the church you read about in the New Testament. The church that Jesus gave His life for (Ephesians 5:22-32; Colossians 1:18-20) and the church He will one day take home to heaven (I Corinthians 15:24). We hope that you will come and worship with us, study with us, and grow with us in the “grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (II Peter 3:18). We hope to meet you soon.
-The God of the Bible is the Creator of the world, the Redeemer of His people, and the only One we should serve (Deuteronomy 6:4-6).
-The Bible is the flawless word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and it is one unified story that leads to Jesus.
-Jesus entered history, born of a virgin, as the only Son of God (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:20-23).
-Jesus’ death paid the price for our sins and that the singular church is composed of those who have been saved through that death (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:21-23; 4:4; Colossians 1:18).
-In order to accept God’s offer of salvation, we believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God (John 8:24). God convicts us of our sinfulness and leads us to commit our lives to him, which involves our repenting of and turning away from our past lives of sin (Luke 13:3). We confess our faith in Jesus (Romans 10:9-10) and accept the free gift of salvation as we are baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-5).
-The elders collectively of each congregation have authority over that congregation (Acts 20:28). This means they rule in matters of judgment and expediency (Hebrews 13:17). They are responsible for ensuring that the Word of God is being taught and that the flock is being fed (Titus 1:9; 1 Peter 5:2). They are to be examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3).
-Worship should be done according to the pattern found in the New Testament. On every first day of the week, we come together to worship God by singing, praying, giving an offering, partaking in communion, and studying His word.
Marriage is to be a one-flesh relationship (Genesis 2:24) between one woman and one man for their lifetimes.
Visiting a new church can be intimidating. When you visit the East Peoria Church of Christ, you will never be asked to stand up, introduce yourself, or do any other activity that makes you feel uncomfortable. We’d just love to have you visit and study with us. We want you to feel comfortable when you visit us for worship services, so here is a brief summary of what you can expect from a typical service at the East Peoria Church of Christ.
Our weekly Sunday morning assembly includes elements of praising God and edifying one another in song, prayer, The Lord's Supper, the proclamation of God's word, and collections for ministry, however, we do not expect visitors to give to the work of the church if you are not comfortable doing so.
We welcome you just as you are. Some members come dressed in business casual, some come dressed in jeans or casual skirts. Each of our members are different and so is their personal style.
Every time we meet we read from the Word, so bring your Bible if you can. We use them every week! Don’t have one? Don’t worry, we have plenty to share with you. We hold to no standard version, however, we typically preach from the English Standard Version.
If you have little ones and are in need of nursery space, we have one in the commons area by the entrance to our auditorium. We also have someone in there at all times should you want to leave your child there during class or worship.
We believe, the Lord was very clear in His Word about how He wishes His church on earth to be organized and managed:
The qualifications for an elder can be found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. “A elder then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence; not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Much the same, the qualifications for a deacon can be found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
Steve Breeden
Paul Willett
Mark Fawley
Roy Campbell
Don Nicholson
Curtis Graves
Marsha Benson
Lorie Link
Stacy Ray
Dave Glover, Worship Ministry Leader
Rob Comer, Church Treasurer
Support Staff:
Stacy Ray
George Witt