Welcome!
What Can I Expect?
The beginning point in the Ankeny Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) experience for most is Sunday morning. The Sunday morning service at Ankeny Christian is designed to help you connect with God, to actually experience him in your life. It's where teaching, worship, music, and art come together to bring life and faith into a clearer focus.
Visitor's FAQ's
We want you to be comfortable when you visit!
Where do I park?
A special space near the front door has been reserved for you! A drop off area is also near the front door.
How should I dress?
Ankeny Christian Church is a "come as you are" church. Jeans or ties are equally welcomed.
Is a nursery available?
Yes. A well-staffed, bright and beautiful nursery is available for children during worship.
Are Children Welcome?
Yes. A special children's moment is featured in every worship service.
What if my kids get noisy during the service?
Children are always welcome in the sanctuary. Should children become restless or noisy, we have the nursery and a room equipped with sound is available to you at the back of the sanctuary.
What style of music is offered?
The style of music is an energetic and lively blend of praise choruses, traditional hymns. A wonderful choir and special song selections by invited guests and church members bring God's message through music. A song leader helps us get into the music.
What style of preaching is presented?
Pastor David Clark provides upbeat messages that are not only inspirational but relevant to everyday life. He doesn't lecture or preach down to us from a pedestal, but from real life experiences. No one has to feel as if they are on trial or judged. We are a church of grace.
How often do you have communion?
Communion is celebrated every week. You do not need to be a church member to receive God's gift of the Lord's Supper. Everyone is welcome to the table of forgiveness and love.
How do I find your location?
Click on the map below to see a map and get directions.
Beliefs
What Disciples Believe
Everyone is on a Spiritual Journey. Whether you are just starting to explore what the Christian faith is about, or if you have been a part of the church for your whole life, we are all people on a spiritual journey, and this church is committed to helping you wherever you may be on that journey. You can join with fellow travelers in this journey where your gifts, questions, struggles, and hopes will all be honored.
Like most Christians, Disciples Affirm:
Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God,
All persons are God's children
Beliefs and practices associated with Disciples include:
Open Communion: The Lord's Supper, or Communion is celebrated in weekly worship. It is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Freedom of belief: Disciples are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit study and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others.
Baptism by immersion: In baptism the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.
Belief in the oneness of the church: All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.
The ministry of believers: Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.
Follow this link to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) home page to discover more about our beliefs and practices:
www.disciples.org/discover/
How to Join:
Everyone who expresses faith in Jesus is invited to join our church. During each worship service an invitation is extended for persons wishing to join to come forward. You can join at any time.
Orientation Sessions with Pastor Dave are the first Sunday of each month after worship. Get acquainted with the church and its programs.
History of the Church
Ankeny Christian Church was established in the late summer months of 1976 with services held in Rev. Gerald (Jerry) Sawyer's basement. The congregation quickly outgrew the home by Christmas of the same year and moved into rented space. On Easter Sunday 1979 the congregation broke ground on the first unit of the church. As the congregation grew in 1988, we broke ground for a new sanctuary and administrative unit.
As the church's outreach to the community expanded, we erected a Community Life Center which houses the Christian Day Care and provides opportunity for recreation, exercise, study and cultural opportunities for the church and congregation.
In December, 2007, Rev. David Clark began serving as our pastor.
Mission Statement of ACC:
Positive people doing God's work:
Learning God's word
Sharing Christ's love,
Proclaiming God's message
See our HOME page for links to more information about our mission statement.