About Gooch Lane church of Christ

What Makes Us Different?

  • Relatable People

    We’re on the journey with you. We’re not perfect and don’t pretend to be.

  • Bible-Based Practices

    We strive to follow God’s word without adding to it or taking away from it.

  • Pure Christianity

    Independent, non-denominational, and simple—just like the early church.

Our Bible-Based Beliefs

Discover our beliefs. While we don’t claim to have all the answers, we aim to let God’s Word guide our faith and actions.

The Bible

In a world full of uncertainties, the Bible serves as our guide (Psalm 119:105). It provides direction when we’re lost, comfort in our struggles, and clarity during difficult times (Proverbs 3:5-6). Most importantly, it leads us to salvation and eternal life (Romans 1:16). Its teachings remain as relevant today as when they were first written.

Amid countless opinions, we hold fast to the simple truth of the Bible. It’s an enduring treasure that has stood the test of time (Revelation 22:18-19), revealing God’s true will for us (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Jesus

Jesus is our Savior and guiding light (1 John 4:14John 8:12). He’s the connection between this world and everlasting life, offering salvation and limitless love that supports and strengthens us every day (John 3:16Ephesians 3:19).

 

In the midst of daily chaos, we find our center in Christ (Colossians 3:4). He’s our focus and the guiding principle in all we do. His love and wisdom shine through every area of our lives (Philippians 1:21). We call ourselves “disciples” because He is our example. We strive to live our lives as He lived His (I Corinthians 11:1). By following Him, we discover a life that’s fulfilling and eternally significant.

Forgiveness

The pressure to be sinlessly perfect can be crushing, leading some to feel defeated and ready to throw in the towel. God never meant for us to carry that weight; His grace takes it off our shoulders. Forgiveness isn’t something we earn by being good; it’s a gift we receive through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). This grace isn’t a free pass to stay the same; it motivates us to change for the better (Titus 2:11-12). This leads us into a life full of purpose and passion, where we’re committed to serving Him (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

Baptism

Water baptism, through full immersion, is more than just a symbol; it washes away our sins (Acts 2:38Acts 22:16). This sacred act marks the start of a new spiritual journey (Romans 6:3-4). Baptism does not save us because it’s simply a good work, rather it is how we ask God to save us from our sins (I Peter 3:21). It’s an essential part of accepting God’s saving grace and sets us on the path to eternal life (Titus 3:5).

The Church

We aim to be a spiritual family, directly connected to the original church that Jesus Himself established (Matthew 16:18). He’s our ultimate head, not any human or manmade organization (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). Each congregation operates independently, led by its local leaders according to the Bible (1 Peter 5:1-4; Titus 1:5). It’s a community where everyone has a role, all focused on growing in faith and drawing closer to God (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

Worship

We believe worship should be simple and heartfelt. Gathering to worship is about honoring God as He wants (John 4:24) and encouraging each other to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). Just like the early believers, we sing joyfully (Ephesians 5:19), pray earnestly (1 Thessalonians 5:17), remember Christ through the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), listen to God’s Word (2 Timothy 4:2), and give with a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Communion

We take the Lord’s Supper seriously as a moment to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us (1 Cor. 11:23-26). Every Sunday, we break bread and share grape juice, echoing the practices of the early Christians (Acts 20:7). It’s more than a ritual; it’s a special time to reflect and feel close to God, grounding us in the love and grace we’ve been given through Christ (Matt. 26:26-28). This act serves as a unifying experience for our community, strengthening our shared faith and commitment.

Our Elders

Elders lead and teach to ensure that the church remains faithful to Jesus (1 Peter 5:1-3).
Gary Crafts
Greg Kiel
Brent Romine
David Dunaway

Our Evangelist

Evangelists share the message of Jesus through preaching and teaching (2 Timothy 4:5).
Greg Chandler

If you’re feeling confused, find the simplicity that is in Christ.

Experience Christ-centered worship in our non-denominational church in Madison.

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