WHO WE ARE

We are a mission-minded, community-based church, joyfully and purposefully planted in the heart of the Black Oak neighborhood in the city of Gary, Indiana. Black Oak is a uniquely vibrant, ethnically diverse, and economically challenged part of our city. While the struggles are real, so are the opportunities. In this urban setting, we see countless doors open for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, demonstrating God’s love in tangible ways, and being a beacon of hope where hope is needed most.

Our identity is rooted in the gospel. We exist to glorify God by being faithful to His mission—right where He’s placed us. We believe the local church is a living expression of God’s grace, and we seek to reflect that grace in every relationship, every act of service, and every opportunity to minister to those around us.

OUR MISSION

In this uniquely positioned ministry field, we pursue three interconnected goals:

1. The Great Commission

We are committed to fulfilling Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:18–20 to make disciples of all nations. We do this by:

Proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ boldly and compassionately.
Walking alongside those who are seeking truth, helping the lost find new life in Christ.
Discipling believers so they grow in spiritual maturity, character, and purpose—becoming more Christ-like day by day.
Encouraging every believer to find their place within the body of Christ, actively engaging in the life and ministry of the local church.

2. The Great Commandment

Jesus told us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength—and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30–31). As a church, we strive to:

Cultivate a passionate love for God that overflows into every area of life.
Build authentic, supportive, and grace-filled relationships within our church family.
Extend that love beyond our walls to embrace our neighbors—no matter who they are or where they come from.

In everything we do, love is the heartbeat. It shapes our preaching, our outreach, our service, and our community life.

3. The Gospel of the Kingdom

We believe that the gospel is not only about individual salvation but also about the restoration of all things under Christ's lordship. As a result, we:

Seek to be agents of transformation in our community, addressing spiritual, social, and physical needs.
Pray and labor for the renewal of Black Oak, so it increasingly reflects the justice, peace, and beauty of God’s coming kingdom.
Work with humility and perseverance, trusting that even small acts of faithfulness can lead to lasting impact.

OUR AFFILIATION

We are a congregation of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA)—a denomination with a rich heritage of biblical teaching, Reformed theology, and kingdom-focused mission. As part of this broader body of believers, we are connected to a network of churches and ministries that share our commitment to Scripture, grace, justice, and global discipleship. To learn more about the Christian Reformed Church, click here.

Whether you're seeking spiritual answers, looking for a church home, or just passing through, we welcome you with open arms. Come as you are, and experience the love of Christ among a people who are learning to follow Him together.