Who we are

Who we are
Avon Christian Church is part of a church movement known as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) – the oldest denomination with roots in this country. Our beginnings are traced to Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio in the early 1800s. While autonomous as a congregation, we are bound in covenant with the regional expression of the church – the Christian Church in Indiana – as well as the general expression. Our ties to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is part of our core values, and one reason we commit significant outreach resources to the church’s common mission funding systems, the Disciples Mission Fund.

Avon Christian Church traces its beginnings to 1961 when a group of individuals decided the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) needed a presence in Washington Township of Hendricks County. The seed was planted Jan. 2, 1962, at Litzon Christian Church, and by 1963, 11 acres had been secured.

The first worship service was conducted Jan. 5, 1964, in the Avon Community Building; charter membership was closed six months later with 85 members listed. The original building was constructed in 1966 and dedicated on Sept. 11 of that year.

As a community of faith, Avon Christian Church is focused on four primary goals:
Develop and share in a vibrant ministry
Extend resources to enhance family and community development
Provide programming to help individuals recognize their spiritual gifts and foster the acceptance of the spiritual gifts of others
Provide an outreach mission that embraces serving others.

Worship is central to our community life as we gather weekly for inspiration through word and song and the sharing of Holy Communion. Educational opportunities are available for all ages as we seek to grow in wisdom and understand of God’s desire for our lives. Mission work, in our community and beyond, is key to our vision of Christian service as we seek to spread the love of God to others in tangible, meaningful ways.

What we believe
Disciples seek to increase respect, understanding, and co-operation among believers of all denominations. Attempting to hold true to the teachings of Jesus and the practices of the early church, we strive for a faith which is socially relevant to the era in which we live, intellectually sound, emotionally satisfying, and spiritually disciplined. We practice:

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.

An Invitation
You are invited to join us on life’s journey and experience the redeeming love of Jesus Christ. Our faith community is here to welcome you and challenge you to grow in your faith and understanding

What to Expect
When you visit, you can expect to be warmly greeted by our trained welcome staff. You’ll be directed to the sanctuary, but if you’d like a fuller tour, simply ask. We provide coffee and snacks prior to worship, so feel free to even come a few minutes early.

Worship dress ranges from very casual to dressy; it is more important to us that you have come to experience God’s love through Jesus Christ than what you wear. And don’t worry, we won’t be singling you out as a “guest.”