ABOUT FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Following Jesus. Growing Together. Helping Others Do the Same.

First Christian Church is a community of people seeking to follow Jesus faithfully and help others do the same. Located in the heart of downtown Columbus, Indiana, we are a multi-generational church committed to loving God, loving people, and living out our faith in our homes, our community, and beyond.

 

For generations, God has been at work through First Christian—and we believe He is still at work today.

Our Mission

Growing Followers of Jesus Who Are Growing Followers of Jesus

Our mission is to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus and equip them to help grow others grow in theirs.

 

Following Jesus is a lifelong journey. As we grow in our faith, we are called to share His love, invest in others, and help more people discover what it means to follow Him.

Our Vision

Loving. Transforming. Thriving. Always. 

Our vision is to be a church where lives are shaped by Jesus and His love is lived out in everything we do.

Loving

We love because God first loved us—loving Him and loving others with grace, compassion, and generosity.

Thriving

We want people of every generation to experience a growing, active faith—deepening their relationship with Jesus and using their gifts to serve others.

Transforming

We believe Jesus changes lives. As we follow Him, He transforms our hearts, our relationships, and the way we live.

Always

Following Jesus isn't limited to Sunday morning. We seek to live out our faith every day, wherever God has placed us.

Our Values

These values shape how we follow Jesus, grow together, and live out our mission as a church.

Biblical Authority

 

We look to God's Word as our foundation and guide for what we believe and how we live. 

 

 

Every Person

 

Every person matters to God and matters to us. We want people to know they are seen, valued, and loved. 

 

Community

 

We believe following Jesus is meant to happen together. We build relationships where people can belong, grow, encourage one another, and share life.

Kingdom Minded

 

We look beyond ourselves, partnering with others and serving our community and world to help advance God's Kingdom.

Wise Stewardship

 

Everything we have is a gift from God. We seek to faithfully and wisely use what He has entrusted to us—our time, gifts, resources, and opportunities.

Staff & Leadership

Meet the people who serve, lead, and support the ministries of First Christian Church. Our staff works together to equip and encourage our church family as we grow as followers of Jesus who help others grow as followers of Jesus.

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Steve Yeaton

Senior Minister

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Tim Bond

Executive Minister

Eric Radecki

Worship Minister

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Josiah Been

Discipleship Minister

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Kendall Yeaton

Student Minister

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Cara Been

Children's Minister

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Emily Reed

Next Gen Assistant

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Tammy Hendricks

Weekday Preschool Director

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Christy Farrell

Communications Director

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Linda Barringer

Financial Officer

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Kelly Taylor

Administrative Assistant

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Lisa Bush

Weekday Preschool Asst.

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Dave Woodall

Facilities Manager

Our Elders

First Christian Church is led by a team of elders who provide spiritual leadership, guidance, and care for our church family.

 

Our elders are called to faithfully follow Jesus, shepherd and pray for the church, guard sound biblical teaching, and lead with wisdom, humility, and integrity. They serve according to the biblical qualifications for church leadership found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.

 

Together with our staff and ministry leaders, our elders seek God's direction as First Christian continues its mission of Growing Followers of Jesus Who are Growing Followers of Jesus. 

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Our Story

Rooted in Faith. Looking to the Future.

First Christian Church has been part of the Columbus community for more than 200 years. From a small congregation formed in 1823 to the church family that gathers today, generations of people have worshiped, served, grown in faith, and shared the love of Jesus here.

 

Our story is also closely connected to the architectural heritage of Columbus. Our current building, designed by renowned architect Eliel Saarinen and dedicated in 1942, was created with a remarkable idea at its heart: “Our church is our people.” Today, the building is a National Historic Landmark and continues to serve as a place for worship, ministry, and community.

 

While we are grateful for the people and places that have shaped our past, our story isn't finished. We believe God is still at work through First Christian—calling us to follow Jesus faithfully, serve our community, and help the next generation grow as followers of Jesus.

EXPLORE OUR HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE

A Church Beyond Our Walls

Following Jesus Leads Us to Serve

We believe the church is called to make a difference beyond Sunday morning. That's why we look for opportunities to serve our neighbors, strengthen our community, partner with organizations doing meaningful work, and support ministry beyond Columbus.

 

From meeting practical needs here at home to supporting mission work around the world, we want to use what God has entrusted to us to share His love and help others experience the hope of Jesus.

EXPLORE MISSIONS & OUTREACH

Take Your Next Step

Whether you're new to First Christian, looking for ways to connect, or ready to get involved, we'd love to help you take your next step.

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