Our Mission

Seeking...to share, to serve, to save

About Us

Who We Are

Vision

At Sullivan First Christian Church, our Vision is FOR THE ONE!

The call of Christ for His church is to follow His example. he left the 99 to go after the one lost sheep (Luke 15:4), thus we strive to reach the ONE lost person that Christ places in our path. The apostle Paul also encourages us to live in such a way that pleases the ONE (Ephesians 5:1-6).

Mission

Our Mission is: Seeking...to Share, to Serve, to Save.

Our Mission is how we accomplish the vision. Christ stated his mission clearly in Luke 19:10 "to seek and to save the lost" and in Mark 10:45 "to serve." At FCC, we strive to fulfill this same mission.

Core Values

Unchanging Truth - God’s Word is eternally true and unchanging, serving as the foundation for all faith and practice. What God has spoken is trustworthy across all generations, and His truth does not shift with culture or opinion. (John 17:17, Hebrews 13:8)

Unwavering Trust - Faith means trusting God completely, even when we don’t see the outcome. Our confidence is not in our circumstances, but in God’s faithful character and promises. (Proverbs 3:5, Hebrews 10:23)

Unbreakable Relationships - In Christ, believers are united in a bond that is deeper than human association—bound by love, grace, and commitment. The church is a spiritual family, designed for authentic, enduring relationships. (Romans 12:10, Ephesians 4:3)

Uncomfortable Generosity - True generosity isn’t just giving from excess—it’s sacrificial, stretching beyond comfort for the sake of others. It reflects God’s heart and teaches us dependence and joy.
(2 Corinthians 8:3, 9:7)

Unconditional Love - God’s love for us is not based on our performance, but on His nature. We are called to love others in the same way—without limits, conditions, or favoritism. (Romans 5:8, John 13:34)

Our History

Our history is a testimony of nearly two centuries of faith, growth, and commitment to sharing the message of Jesus with the Sullivan community and beyond."

1830s

Foundations and Early Preaching

In the 1830s, a man by the name of Joseph Wolfe—Auditor and Clerk of Sullivan County, a member of the Sullivan County Bar, and a Christian preacher—began holding preaching services with A.P. Law around 1835. From these services, First Christian Church was born. In 1840, the congregation built a small frame building at the corner of Section and Wall Streets in Sullivan. Under Wolfe’s leadership, churches were also established in Indiana (Shaker Prairie, Paxton, Carlisle, Bruceville, and Oaktown) and Illinois (Hutsonville, Lawrenceville, and Palestine).

1868

A New Church Building

By 1868, the church had outgrown its original building and constructed a new facility in the 100 block of North Broad Street. This building has remained the church’s home and has seen multiple expansions.

1910–1911

A Larger Sanctuary

In 1910, the church began construction of a new sanctuary on the south side of the 1868 building. Completed and dedicated on July 24, 1911, it became the main worship space for the next 53 years.

1964–1965

Current Sanctuary Constructed

In 1964, construction began on a new sanctuary on the north side of the existing buildings. Dedicated on January 31, 1965, it remains the church’s primary worship space today. The project also included renovations of the older structures for expanded Sunday School use.

1988–1990

Major Renovations and New Facilities

A “Because He Gave” capital campaign was launched in 1988 to fund a major renovation. The original 1868 and 1911 buildings were demolished, and the basement was filled in. A new one-story addition was completed in 1990, including a fellowship hall, kitchen, nursery, restrooms, office space, choir room, and classrooms. Additional parking was also created across Broad Street.

1999–2000

The Gathering Place for Teens

To better serve youth ministry, the church began construction on a dedicated youth building in 1999. Completed and dedicated on July 2, 2000, The Gathering Place (TGP) includes multi-level areas for teaching, fellowship, and recreation, including a small gymnasium.

Today

A Church About Jesus

While buildings have changed and expanded, First Christian Church remains committed to its mission: pointing people to Jesus. For nearly 190 years, FCC has welcomed the community, proclaiming the gospel and gathering in worship as a faithful body of believers.

Contact Us

Send Us A Message

Have a question or need to get in touch? Send us a message—we’d love to hear from you!