What is Church?

​The purpose of the church is to form disciples who faithfully share the gospel of peace in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Topeka Community of Christ is an excellent place to attend church for a variety of reasons. Here is why we think someone would benefit by attending our church:
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Our church has a strong sense of community where members support each other, share their joys and sorrows, and work together to make a positive impact on the world.

​A strong focus on discipleship is a key aspect of our church, as it helps to create a community of believers who are committed to growing in their faith and sharing it with others.
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In addition to forming disciples, a church can also provide a sense of community and support for their members. This can be especially important for people who may feel isolated or disconnected from others in their daily lives.
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​The church, the body of Christ, is called to proclaim the gospel (Good News) until Christ comes again.
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Our focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ is at the center of everything we do.  We offer worship services that are engaging, inspiring, and relevant to our daily lives. Learning opportunities for all ages, including Sunday School (Disciple) classes, and online educational opportunities.
 
The gospel of peace in Christ is a message of hope and love that can bring comfort and healing to those who hear it. By faithfully sharing this message, a church can make a positive impact on the world around them.
 
As congregational members become ensigns of Christ’s peace, ambassadors of reconciliation, and ministers of healing, they express the living presence of Christ in their congregations and in the world.
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The power of the Holy Spirit is essential for effective ministry, as it empowers believers to do things that they could not do on their own. This includes sharing the gospel with others, as well as living lives that reflect the love and grace of God.
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Community of Christ believes that people are the cornerstone of our community. We strive to create an inclusive space where everyone is welcome to worship, learn, and grow together.
 
Topeka Community of Christ Church is a welcoming congregation that opens its arms to everyone, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or beliefs. This church provides a safe and accepting environment where everyone can feel comfortable and valued.
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 Restoring people to healthy or righteous relationships with God, others, themselves, and creation is at the heart of why our congregations exist.
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Worship services at Topeka Community of Christ are meaningful and thought-provoking. The services are designed to inspire and challenge members to grow in their faith and to apply it to their daily lives.

​Each Community of Christ congregation has its own mix of activities which include worship, church school, study groups, youth ministry, seniors' groups and community service that fit its local needs and resources.

At their best, our congregations are positive and lively places, encouraging and inspiring us to expand our calling and understanding, and supportive and safe havens when we are hurt and tired and discouraged by life.
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We promote local and worldwide communities that signal (represent, reveal) the peaceful reign of God on Earth. Some call this the cause (hope) of Zion. 
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When we effectively proclaim Jesus Christ by sharing our witness, ministries, and sacraments and promote Christ-centered communities of justice and peacefulness, we are sharing the peace of Jesus Christ.​

As disciples of Christ, we are all called to conform our lives to his by living in loving community with others, seeing Jesus in the faces of the least of God’s children, and serving those whom the world has forgotten.

Our compassionate, Christ-like service is aimed at ending suffering and promoting justice and peace in our community and beyond. We believe that by working together, we can make a positive impact in the world and help create a better future for everyone.
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If you're looking for a faith community that values love, acceptance, and service, we invite you to join with us.

Visit our ACTIVITIES page and see what we are doing to make Christ's Mission - Our Mission.
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 What is the Christian Church?
Project Zion Podcast Episode 241


What is the Christian Church? Why is it important for Christians to meet together in fellowship and worship? As part of the Project Zion Podcast God Shots series, Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith discuss various models the church can be and it’s theological purpose as they explore the term, ecclesiology.

​Host: Carla Long
Guests: Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith

What is Church?
Beyond the Walls - Online Worship Service - August 28, 2022
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We use the word “church” to refer to several different things: a building, a particular type of worship service, our own denomination, and to the body of all disciples. As more and more people in the West dismiss church as irrelevant to their lives, we pause to reflect on the question: “what is church?” What is the essence of a tradition that we have committed our lives to in sacred covenant? How are we called to be the church in a changing world?
The Great Reversal

​This Community of Christ video message affirms that we first belong to God and one another.

​This is the reversal of how we have understood or assumed the steps for membership in the church: “believe, behave and then belong.”
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Community of Christ: "This is Church"

​In this encouraging love-letter to the people of Community of Christ, Salt Lake City pastor Carla Long applauds how we “get church right” and cheers us on to keep loving, keep sharing, keep accepting, and keep transforming lives as we live out Christ’s mission.

​From the Community of Christ July 2022 "Witness the Word" release.

​Scriptures: Doctrine and Covenants Section 161:3
What happens when the one true church falls? 

​A community of love and healing emerges-muskets are turned into plowshares, the lion and the lamb lie down together, and all children of God know their inestimable worth.
A Message to the Unchurched

​What I really want for you to know is that there is a place for you if you are looking for a place in Community of Christ. If you seek meaning, God or the divine, I believe that the mystery is seeking for you, as well. Our community may be a place for you to join others in this journey of exploration. Join us and we can journey together.  
​Maybe it is time for you to consider something different. We do not proselytize anyone in an effort to change their faith. We do, however, invite all who are seeking to, come and see what God can do in their lives.  We invite you to experience the peace and meaning that fellowship in Community of Christ can bring to your life.      

   Messy Church

Community of Christ is a unique place for finding a spiritual home and community. But what is different about us compared to other organized religions? Tune in and find out what it means to be a “messy church”.
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