About

Gospel Community Church is a new church plant in Athens, Illinois. We are rooted in Scripture, centered on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and committed to living faithfully in the everyday life of our town. Our aim is not to be flashy or program-driven, but steady, relational, and grounded in the Word of God.

Our Mission

We exist to make, mature, and multiply followers of Jesus Christ.

Worship extends beyond Sunday. Following Jesus transforms our homes, our work, our relationships, and our town.

What Shapes Our Worship

Our gatherings follow a simple, Scripture-anchored pattern that reflects the Gospel each week — from God's call to worship through the preaching of His Word, Communion at His table, and His blessing as He sends us back out.

Community Groups

Growth happens not only on Sundays, but through shared life. Our Community Groups meet during the week to pray, study Scripture, and encourage one another in everyday obedience.

We want to help people move from simply attending church to actively following Jesus in community. Learn more about our Community Groups.

Leadership

Gospel Community Church is led by Pastor Chance Newingham. Chance and his wife, Ginger, have six children and are committed to planting a faithful, Scripture-centered church in Athens.

Until the Lord raises up elders from within our congregation, Gospel Community Church remains under the spiritual oversight of the elders of Delta Church in Springfield, our sending church. We are grateful for their prayer, counsel, and partnership.

Where We Meet

Gospel Community Church meets at New Life Baptist Church in Athens, Illinois. We are a separate congregation that gathers in their building, and we are grateful for their generosity in welcoming us into their space.

We are also thankful for the prayer, support, and partnership of Delta Church in Springfield, which has helped send us out to plant here in Athens. We are partnered with the North American Mission Board through Send Network as part of a wider effort to establish healthy, Gospel-centered churches across North America.

Why Another Church

We are not planting because there are no churches in the area. We are planting because, even with churches present, there are still people who do not know Christ. Our desire is not to compete with existing churches, but to complement the work God is already doing by establishing a church marked by clear doctrine, deep community, and a long-term commitment to the life of this town.

Our Hope

Our prayer is to see lives shaped by the Gospel, families strengthened, believers equipped, and Christ honored in Athens for generations to come.

We are planting with patience and confidence that Jesus builds His church. Our calling is simply to be present, faithful, and obedient where He has placed us.