Indianapolis—Fulfilling a Long-Time Vision

Over the past few weeks, we virtually visited two of our congregations in Africa. This week I’d like to write about an American congregation that traces its roots back to the days of the Radio Church of God. After many years, the vibrant assembly in Indianapolis, Indiana, fulfilled a vision that many had held for decades and received a major blessing, one that is still unfolding. Through a joint effort between the Indianapolis congregation, the Council of Elders and others at the home office, a 12,000 sq. ft. building was purchased in northeast Indianapolis in 2019. Previous owners had bought and converted a former data processing facility into a multi-use church building with a formal assembly area, fellowship facility and other useful amenities.

To see a complete report about this story with many photos, please go to https://kubik.org/indianapolis-fulfilling-a-long-time-vision/.

A somewhat nomadic congregation in decades past, the Indianapolis congregation had a history of finding a meeting place, putting down some roots, and then having circumstances force a move. Like many other congregations, this happened several times over the decades. Sometimes the halls were subpar, and sometimes very nice, like the fellowship hall the Indy congregation leased from a nearly new Lutheran church before it moved into its existing facility. But that rental hall, like other halls, presented several challenges, including short-term hassles of finding alternative meeting space when the Lutheran church hosted its own events.

Bev and I lived in Indianapolis for several years when we pastored the Terre Haute and Lafayette congregations, and when I was serving as a member of the Council of Elders (Cincinnati is only about two hours away by car). We attended in Indianapolis from time to time, especially when the congregation would host a joint service with outlying congregations (which would often require the renting of a large meeting room to accommodate everyone).

The Indianapolis congregation had set up a separate building fund in 1995. Over time, this fund grew to six figures, and the Indianapolis brethren showed their generosity time and again by providing funds to other church congregations to help purchase buildings in Indiana and Ohio.

Now, owning a church hall and having 24/7 access has provided many major benefits, even during the restricted time of COVID-19 social distancing. Just before the church moved in, then-pastor Bart Bornhorst took up a new post in Pennsylvania. Joshua Creech and his wife, Lizzy, formerly serving in Tennessee, were transferred to serve the Fort Wayne and Indianapolis congregations, which has worked well.

Indianapolis, which merged with the Lafayette congregation a few years earlier (and also serves members from Muncie, Kokomo, Columbus and places in southern Indiana), holds a legendary reputation for service in hospitality and potlucks. As soon as the church moved into its new building, those and other church activities quickly ramped up. No more would chairs, audio equipment and hospitality areas have to be torn down and the building vacated before 6 p.m. each Sabbath.

A 24-hour fun weekend “lock-in” for the teens was soon organized, something that could not have happened previously. Additional rooms in the new church building were dedicated to young people and expanded Bible classes for children. Other social events and after-services fellowship were expanded, including pizza and other types of gatherings. Members quickly organized to begin upgrading the facility and making improvements to freshen up areas to allow better use by brethren.

In March 2020, things changed dramatically. Experience previously gained through setting up phone and Internet connectivity would prove very valuable during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

With an expanded capacity for support, members in Indianapolis were able to set up multiple camera angles and video graphics to enhance streaming services. While brethren safely stayed home during the early days of the pandemic, Mr. Creech and other elders were able to lead traditional services from the church building with only a handful of people present to conduct services. Everyone else linked in live through the Internet and phone, and a song leader led hymns in the traditional fashion. On occasion, live special music was presented. It provided familiar continuity, an important aspect during uncertain times.

During the lockdown, the church building was physically reset to meet Indiana COVID-19 meeting requirements, and over time larger groups of members were able to return, all adhering to Indiana’s mandated standards.

As restrictions relaxed, more members began attending. A major moment came recently with the staging of the first-ever Night to Be Much Observed at the Indianapolis hall with dozens of members pitching in to help with and enjoy a catered meal. My wife Bev and I were privileged to attend this first-time event and it was indeed a lovely and memorable evening.

Ironically, the previous hall rented by the Indianapolis congregation was closed right at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis and only recently began allowing people back in. If Indianapolis had not made its move, the UCG congregation would not have been able to meet in any fashion at the old hall for well more than a year!

The Indianapolis congregation hosted the Fort Wayne congregation for the Last Day of Unleavened Bread. The additional available building space allowed both congregations to safely attend while remaining in compliance with state regulations. Many people had not seen each other for months. More such joint meetings are planned, since the Indianapolis church building is conveniently located near Interstate 69 that links to Fort Wayne.

Today, with upwards of 100 people attending each Sabbath, the Indianapolis church looks forward to even more activities, Bible studies, seminars and other events to maximize the use of the building. Now well-versed in online technology, Mr. and Mrs. Creech are able to regularly unite brethren from all over Indiana through online women’s Bible studies, Second-hand Lions club and other meetings.

The Bible tells us “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1). At the first church service back in 2019, both Darris McNeely, a former long-time Indianapolis pastor (and currently a Beyond Today host), and I were able to positively reaffirm that members are the church, not the building, and I had the privilege of reviewing Solomon’s prayer of dedication (1 Kings 8:22-61). The members in Indianapolis certainly have been living up to those high standards!

Want to experience Indianapolis firsthand? The congregation welcomes visitors; anyone can easily find the address of United Church of God in Indianapolis through a Google search or by going online to www.ucg.org/congregations/indianapolis-in