...into a growing church.
Christ Church came into existence in June 1986 when Pastors David and Marlinda Ireland joined hearts with six other adults who were committed to seeing the gospel of Jesus Christ heal broken lives.
The young church began formulating a vision to preserve and strengthen families. We continue to believe that strong communities exist because of strong families. To this end, we make families and single people a priority so that our nation and world will be strengthened as we impact the community. The rigor of developing a growing church included our making periodic relocations from one rental facility to another.
The rental of these temporary locations afforded us the privilege of exposure in various areas, resulting in dramatic numerical growth. In October 1994, we acquired our present facility, a 900-seat Romanesque Cathedral in Montclair, after nearly eight years of renting. We now serve upwards of 5,000 active members, representing approximately 25 different nationalities. Because of the size of our congregation, we currently offer four Sunday worship services along with various classes and small group activities for weekly Bible-based instruction.
In addition, the teaching portion of our service is heard daily on radio. This media opportunity allows us to penetrate over 50 million homes. Thus, the gospel is presented to approximately 100 million people each week.
In 2005, we purchased a 107-acre property in Rockaway, New Jersey. To keep pace with the demands of the ministry, we have developed a full-time staff of 50 individuals with responsibilities ranging from accounting and finance, community development, media production, counseling, administration of children's ministries, and pastoral care. This broad-based staff, along with over 250 volunteer leaders, affords us the opportunity to provide a myriad of services to our community and church family.
 What is Christ Church?
Christ Church is an independent, Evangelical Christian church with a celebrative worship style. We were incorporated in 1986 in the State of New Jersey as a federally tax exempt non-profit corporation. Our purpose as a Christ-centered, non-denominational church is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in our community and throughout the world. We believe the Bible to be the inerrant word of God, which is the final authority of faith and practice to Christians. Christ Church is a community minded congregation with a global sensitivity. We support missionaries locally and abroad. We strive to maintain relevancy throughout every sector of society. This is why we intentionally operate our ministry to reach and serve a cross-cultural, racially diverse congregation. Currently, our church family represents over 40 different nationalities. Our church also focuses on building strong families through investing in the lives of children, youth, singles, and married couples. We believe that the family is the foundation of society and that strong families build strong communities.
How does one become a member?
The Bible teaches that membership into the universal Christian Church occurs automatically when one becomes born again. A bona fide acceptance of Jesus Christ as one's Savior and Lord is what validates a person as being a Christian. At Christ Church, full membership occurs once a person becomes Born Again and completes our ten-lesson Joining Our Church Family course. This course is the sole requirement beyond personal faith in Christ for anyone desiring the privilege of membership at Christ Church.
Is there a membership application?
Yes! An application form is available here. You may also pick one up at the Information Center located in the lobby of the church or by calling the church office at 973-783-1010. An application must be completed by each adult family member that desires membership. Once the application has been completed, you may drop it in the designated box in the Information Center or mail it to 140 Green Pond Road, Rockaway, NJ 07866.
Is there a formal acceptance of new members?
Yes! After completion of the Joining Our Church Family course, the church provides a professionally printed membership certificate to each new member. Acceptance of new members takes place on a bi-monthly basis at a Sunday morning service. The pastoral team extends the right hand of fellowship to the graduates publicly to symbolize their acceptance into the family of Christ Church.
What subjects are taught in the Joining Our Church Family course?
The foundations of Christianity are presented in a systematic way followed by a time of questions and answers. This assures us that each person coming into our church family has been taught the foundational tenets of the Christian faith. The course consists of ten lessons:
1. Inside Christ Church
2. Who Jesus Is
3. The New Birth
4. Water Baptism
5. Holy Spirit Baptism
6. About The Bible
7. Covenant & Church Life
8. Covenantal Living
9. Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
10. Using Your Spiritual Gifts
How often are the Joining Our Church Family classes taught?
The course functions on a ten-week cycle. Every ten weeks, the classes automatically begin again. There are two options available to complete the course:
1. Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., for five consecutive weeks.
2. A bi-monthly, two Saturday, intensive program from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
We do ask, however, that you arrive by the starting time for each class in order to get credit for the class. Students arriving ten minutes after the starting time will not get credit for the class.
Please contact the church office for exact dates.
When can I begin taking classes?
You may begin taking Joining Our Church Family classes at any time in the cycle. Since the course is designed so that each class is independent from the other, you may take any class at any time. You simply need to participate in all ten lessons.
After taking the Joining Our Church Family class, can I change my mind about becoming a member?
Absolutely! We want you to feel totally comfortable about being a member of our church. It is our firm position that God plants each person in the local church which He wants. Consequently, if after completing the Joining Our Church Family course you feel that Christ Church is not the church for you, please inform one of the teachers or you may contact the church office at 973-783-1010 and communicate this to one of the Staff Pastors.
Is Christ Church too large to give personal care?
No! The reason why our Church has experienced such tremendous growth is our ability to provide personal care. Individualized, pastoral care at Christ Church occurs through a system called LIFEGroups.
What are Small Groups and how does personal care occur?
It is utterly impossible for one, two, or a team of pastors to provide exemplary one-on-one care for each person in our local church. Therefore, we have embraced the model of small groups taught in the New Testament. LIFE Groups are small groups ranging from 10 to 12 people who meet bi-monthly in a member's home for fellowship and Bible instruction. The meeting is headed by a LIFE Group Leader who has been well-trained by a pastor to provide personal care, discipleship instruction and basic counseling to the members of his/her LIFE Group. The personal care that takes place on this level is remarkable. Most of the pastoral needs are met by the LIFE Group leader practicing heartfelt, biblical Christianity. When matters are beyond the scope of the LIFE Group Leader, he or she will refer you to one of the pastors or to the church's counseling center. Our goal is to provide you with the best help in the shortest amount of time. LIFEGroups are the personal linkage and relationship building arm of our church.
Can anyone be a member of a LIFE Group?
Yes! Sign-up for LIFE Groups is held annually with the first meeting of each cycle occurring in October. If for any reason you would like to transfer to another group after attending two meetings, you are more than welcomed to do so. Simply tell your LIFE Group Leader and he or she will help you locate a group that may be more suitable to your liking. Each LIFE Group has a unique “personality”. We are confident that with the diversity of our congregation and the number of LIFE Groups available, you will find a group that meets your needs both spiritually and relationally.
Will I ever meet the senior pastor and the pastoral team?
Absolutely! Pastor Ireland and the other pastors are not untouchable; they deeply care for you and your family. On a quarterly basis, the church sponsors a "Meet the Pastors" get together. This occurs both on a Saturday morning or a Sunday evening. You will be notified regarding the session. You will have opportunity to talk with any one of the pastors personally about matters that are on your heart.
How do I get involved with the activities of the church?
We believe it is important for every member to find at least one place of service. One of the joys of membership is helping the Church fulfill its mission. There are several points of entry into a ministry opportunity. You may talk with your LIFE Group Leader about your ministry desires and he or she will connect you with the proper department. Additionally, class 9, Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, and class 10, Using Your Spiritual Gifts, of our Joining Our Church Family course is designed to help you discover your spiritual gifts and to connect you with the appropriate ministry in the church. Our volunteer and ministry opportunities are posted in our weekly bulletins. You may also call the church office during normal business hours at 973-783-1010 and our Church Life Director or a staff member will provide you with the appropriate ministry information. Your gifts are welcomed here!
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