What to Expect When Visiting

You’ll hear the Gospel

“The gospel” is a phrase you will hear a lot at Antioch, so it would be helpful to know what we mean when we say that. The word gospel is an old one that simply means “good news”. Specifically, the good news about what Jesus Christ has done to reconcile us to God.

A good way to summarize this good news is to biblically unpack the words God, Man, Christ, Response.

God. God is the creator of all things (Genesis 1:1). He is perfectly holy, worthy of all worship, and will punish sin (1 John 1:5, Revelation 4:11, Romans 2:5-8).
Man. All people, though created good, have become sinful by nature (Genesis 1:26-28, Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:23). From birth, all people are alienated from God, hostile to God, and subject to the wrath of God (Ephesians 2:1-3).
Christ. Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully man, lived a sinless life, died on the cross to bear God’s wrath in the place of all who would believe in him, and rose from the grave in order to give his people eternal life (John 1:1, 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 7:26, Romans 3:21-26, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
Response. God calls everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and trust in Christ in order to be saved (Mark 1:15, Acts 20:21, Romans 10:9-10).

Now that’s good news!

What is Antioch Community Church?

In 2008, we launched as a new church plant in Minneapolis out of Hope Community Church and the EFCA (see partnerships). Our desire is to “ignite a movement of the gospel throughout the Twin Cities and beyond” through sharing the gospel, developing leaders, and planting churches. You can read more about what we believe in our Statement of Faith.

Congregation worshipping together on a Sunday morning in Minneapolis

Who will I meet at Antioch Community Church?

We have a mix of people in all stages of life from around the Minneapolis area. We are about half families with children and half single adults. We tend slightly younger in age, but you will find folks ranging from college-aged to grandparents. Our goal is to reflect the Northeast Minneapolis community and all of its demographics.

Families walking into church on a Sunday morning

What should I expect on a Sunday morning?

During the school year, our Education Hour starts at 9am, and year-round our Worship Service starts at 10am. The service includes worship through singing, prayer, hearing preaching from God’s word, and other aspects of family life. We observe Communion on the first Sunday of each month, and celebrate new life through believer’s baptisms and child dedications regularly. When you arrive, help yourself to a cup of coffee and meet some people. There will be folks at the door to direct you to whatever you need, and you will not make it far before someone introduces themselves!

What about my children?

We highly value kids at Antioch, and see them as a vital part of the body of Christ. We believe the family is the primary place where kids will learn about Jesus, but we as a church want to do everything we can to point them toward him as well.

Education Hour for all ages is held at 9am Sundays during the school year. Toddler and PreK classes occur year-round during the Worship Service. During the summer months Kindergarteners and older are welcome to join in the service. Look in the back of the sanctuary for activity packs, kid’s Bibles, kids sermon notes, and more to help your child pay attention or be occupied.

Babies
Babies at least 6 months old in the toddler room while the room is open and there is enough volunteers. Babies 6 mo+ can be checked in as early as 9:45 to be cared for during the worship service.

Toddlers – ages 15 months through 36 months
Toddlers can join in during the Ed Hour, the Sunday Service, or both! Check in for Ed Hour begins at 8:50. Drop-off begins at 9:55 am before the worship service. Education Hour is only offered during the school year, but classes during the Worship Service are available year-round.
Children and teachers in toddler class

Preschool – ages 3 through 5 years
PreK can join in during the Ed Hour, the Sunday Service, or both! Check in for Ed Hour begins at 8:50. Drop-off begins at 9:55 am before the worship service. Education Hour is only offered during the school year, but classes during the Worship Service are available year-round.

Kids Club K2 – Kindergarten through 2nd grade
Education Hour is held at 9am Sundays during the school year. During the summer months the older kids are welcome to join in the service. Look in the back of the sanctuary for activity packs, kid’s Bibles, and more to help your child pay attention and be occupied.

Kids Club 34 and Youth Group
Education Hour is held at 9am Sundays during the school year. During the summer months the older kids are welcome to join in the service. Look in the back of the sanctuary for activity packs, kid’s Bibles, and more to help your child pay attention and be occupied.

Youth coloring poster on wall

How do I get involved?

We are all about community. Our main community building tools are worship services on Sundays and Community Groups throughout the week that meet all over the city. Find a community group near you or contact us to learn more. We also have teams of volunteers who help make the daily ministry of Antioch happen.