Christ Community Church celebrates 30 years

ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP – There was no denying it Sunday – people love Christ Community Church.

The message “I [heart] my church” was emblazoned on the weekend’s programs, on T-shirts and on an interactive timeline noting milestones in its 30-year history – an anniversary celebrated at the weekend services.

"Happy anniversary," senior pastor Jim Nicodem said to those at the 11 a.m. Sunday service in St. Charles Township. "We're glad you're here."

What began with six families in 1984 has evolved from holding services in movie theaters and baptisms at a backyard pool to a church community with four campuses in multiple counties.

According to its most recent annual report, the attendance at outreach services – including Wow Weekends, Christmas and Easter – totaled 34,019 for 2013-14.

Local leaders, including St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina, and former Wow Weekend speakers, such as Nik Wallenda, offered congratulations in video messages.

“Your contributions to our community and the spiritual benefits that you provide to our residents are too numerous to mention,” Rogina said.

Nicodem, who has been with the church from the beginning, said the founders aimed to create a welcoming place for explorers – those who hadn’t yet committed their lives to Christ.

“If that’s you … you are warmly welcomed here,” he said.

In a video, church members Michelle and Jeremy Mejdrich said they became involved with Christ Community Church after taking their daughters to a VeggieTales show. Jeremy Mejdrich said he was impressed by the friendly, nonpressure atmosphere and liked how the messages were relevant and easy to apply to their lives.

“God has used this church to bring his word to us in a relevant and real way,” he said.

Occasionally, Nicodem said, he will hear that some churchgoers believe the church puts too much emphasis on explorers and neglects mature Christ followers. Recapping last year’s topics, which included homosexuality, Nicodem asked the audience if that sounded like Christianity 101.

“We are far from catering strictly to explorers,” he said.

In closing, Nicodem suggested that Christ Community Church make country singer Toby Keith's song "I Love This Bar" into its unofficial theme song. But, he said, the lyrics would substitute "church" for "bar."

“I love my church,” Nicodem said. “This is a great place to be.”

On the Web

Visit this story at KCChronicle.com to watch video from senior pastor Jim Nicodem’s message Sunday at Christ Community Church.