Christian Community is difficult to define – but it seems to be something many Christians are looking for. Many families around the country are looking for a home church that will give them a safe haven for their families. So, families are considering moving to find a church that will give them this sense of belonging and safety.
But, true Christian community does not come without a cost. Christian community means a good deal of give and take – giving of ourselves and taking on the Lord Jesus Christ. A good definition of Christian community can be found in Philippians 2:1-11. Here we find the following attributes of Christian Community…
- There is “like-mindedness.” Philippians 2:1-2:"Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” At Providence Church, this includes a unity on doctrinal positions, as well as some areas of Christian living. Our church is committed to the Westminster Standards, the Reformed Faith, family integrated worship, a covenantal view of Scripture, weekly celebration of the Lord’s Supper and baptism (as the Lord allows), and biblical Presbyterian government. But, as a people, we are also committed to Christian education for our children, complementation family structure, Christian moderation in our deportment and our thoughts life, and “Titus 2” accountability.
Note – this does not mean that we need to agree on every aspect of the Christian life. This is impossible this side of Heaven. Thus, as we have received grace from our Lord in our salvation, so we believe it is important to be gracious with one another. As the Puritan preacher Richard Baxter said, “In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity.”
- The second element of Christian community is reciprocal love. The Bible calls this comfort of love. Loving one another, sacrificially, is love in action. We not only focus on our needs, but we consider the needs of those around us. This sort of love will flourish and grow as we learn more of the love of the Savior.
- We need to know who we really are. Philippians 2:3:Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. When we realize who we really are, sinners at the mercy of our Sovereign God, and that we have nothing praiseworthy within ourselves, we in a position to thrive in Christian community. Too often Christian community has failed because of the pride of men who falsely believe they have a corner on the truth. A true understanding of Scripture reveals both respect for biblical government in the home and in the church, and a realization that any truth we have is given to us from the Holy Spirit. We can check our pride at the door.
- We should have a generous view of others. We come to understand that all Christians are being sanctified, and we are all at different steps of the process. Each member of the Body of Christ is not only valuable, but necessary, for the proper functioning of the Body. We are all members of His Body – we need to remember this and rejoice in the giftings He has given to each other! And, instead of focusing on our needs, we seek to meet the needs of our neighbor.
- The final and most important attribute of Christian community is Christ-likeness. We find this from Philippians 2:4-11. When we understand the mind of Christ, the humility of Christ, the sacrifice of Christ, we the path to unity. We find that real honor and glory come from laying down our lives for each other. When we see this, our own opinions, priorities, and divisions stop and serving one another with the attitude of Christ becomes our priority.
If you are looking for this kind of community, a community that can span generations, pray about joining us here in Central Illinois!
Pastoral Ministry
The elders of Providence Church are committed to assisting the families the Lord brings to the community. We do this through a number of outreaches that include…
Hospital Visits
If you or a member of your family becomes hospitalized, we want to care for you. Please call the church office and one of our elders will come pray for you.
Counseling Services
We offer counseling services for those in need of encouragement from God’s Word. Counseling services are offered for those struggling with issues in their marriage, those who suffer from anxiety or depression, relationship difficulties and more. Please call the church office to schedule an appointment.
Pre-Marital Counseling
We offer counseling services for couples about to be married. Please call the church office to schedule premarital counseling.
Bereavement
If a loved one passes on, we want to know and offer you comfort and care when you are grieving. Please call the church office to schedule a funeral and to have an elder pray for you and your family.
Prayer Ministry
Please let us know how we can pray for you. You can let us know by calling or emailing one of the elders at the church office.
Relocating Here?
If, after reading through this web site and listening to a sermon or two, you have a desire to move here, be forewarned - we are not the perfect church, not even close. Our members are not perfect, our elders are not perfect, the pianist is not perfect! So, you will not find perfection, However, if you are looking for a community of Christians committed to seeing one another grow in the Lord and seeing our children walk victoriously in the faith, we may be what you are looking for.
Our church is in Central Illinois surrounded by agriculture, and yet also near the centers of commerce of Peoria and Bloomington-Normal. If you are looking for an agrarian lifestyle or a smaller city, Central Illinois may be for you. There are many jobs in manufacturing, energy, high technology, ministries, and, of course, agriculture.
You can find very reasonably priced homes in the city or in the country. Enjoy the four seasons that God had created. Plant a garden in rich soil or walk along the riverwalk enjoying the restaurants in the evening air. And, most importantly, be with Christian friends that really care for one another.
Our families are committed to seeing the Lord glorified and His reign proclaimed in this area and beyond. If you would like to visit our community and experience the community of Providence, please call our church office. We will try to get you in touch with a host family who can answer your questions about the area and our church.
Or, if you are interested in other “like-minded” churches in different parts of the country, log on to our denominational website. We all hold to similar doctrinal perspectives and outlooks on the Christian family.