OUR BELIEFS

God

We believe in one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

(Matthew 3:16-17; John 14:9-10)

 

Bible

We believe the Bible is the 100% inspired, infallible Word of God.

(2 Timothy 3:16)

 

Salvation

We believe salvation is attained only through the person and blood of Jesus Christ. (John 14:6, Romans 5:1-8)

 

Baptism

We believe Scripture teaches water Baptism as an immediate response to faith in Christ (Acts 2:38)

 

The Church

The church of Jesus Christ is the collective Body of people across the world who serve God through local assembles. We believe the local church is the most powerful movement globally for enacting life change. (Acts 2:42-47)

 

Purpose

God has a purpose for every person. We believe that purpose is rooted in the life change that a relationship with Jesus brings to each and every one of us.

(1 Peter 2:9)

 

Eternity

We were created for an eternal existence. We believe Jesus will return for His church. We believe in a literal heaven and a literal Hell. We believe the church is an extension of Jesus’ ministry and is called to share His gospel message of hope to ransom sinners from Hell. (Romans 2:5-8)

OUR STORY

Looking Towards the Future.


We've been celebrating for over 175 Years!

Committed to connecting all generations from every walk of life.

We look forward to you being a special part of Our Story!


History:

Adamson Bentley preached the first Gospel message in Painesville in 1828. His ministry through Painesville and surrounding communities led to many people turning toward Jesus and looking to plant churches for continued fellowship and growth. On this conviction, a group of thirty-six members birthed our church in 1843. The congregation adopted the practices of the Restoration Movement, a brotherhood of independent churches upholding the values, practices, and polity of New Testament Christianity.


The congregation first met in a school house until finally constructing a building in the square of Painesville in 1887. Years of growth and prosperity forced multiple revisions of the building over a period of four decades, leading to and through the years of the Great Depression. The church’s fervor for evangelism continued, resulting in continued growth and prosperity. In 1967, the congregation purchased land adjacent Lake Erie College and in 1973, a new building was dedicated.


First Church of Christ still holds its passion for sharing Christ’s message of hope to the community. With a strong vision to reach the community of Painesville and Lake County, our congregation is engaged and invested to continue the strong heritage of ministry and vision set in place nearly two centuries ago. Together, we eagerly desire to faithfully execute the call of Christ in Painesville for another 177 years and beyond!