About Us

Glen Oak Christian Church is a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination

What It Means To Be Disciples of Christ

We practice unity and inclusion by welcoming everyone to the Lord’s Table. In the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), communion isn’t a reward; it’s a wide-open invitation for healing, mission, and community. Most of our congregations share the meal every Sunday as a reminder that God’s grace is for all. The chalice has become our symbol because it reflects that open table and our shared life in Christ.

In the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), baptism is a joyful response to God’s grace and a personal commitment to follow Jesus. We practice baptism by immersion, celebrating the moment someone chooses to step into a life of faith. At the same time, we recognize that people come to faith in many ways and from many traditions, so membership is not defined by baptism alone. However you arrive at the waters, and whatever your faith story looks like, you are welcome here.

From the beginning, Disciples have understood ourselves as a movement for Christian unity. We partner with other faith communities - locally and globally - because we believe the work of healing, justice, and wholeness is bigger than any one tradition. Our long partnership with the United Church of Christ through Global Ministries is one expression of that shared call. We also practice unity within our own church life, staying in covenant with one another even when we disagree. Our tradition’s wisdom still guides us: unity is not uniformity, and everyone is welcome at Christ’s table.

We take scripture seriously, and we believe every person can engage it for themselves. Instead of creeds or tests of faith, Disciples read the Bible with curiosity, context, and critical thought, paying attention to the history and stories behind the text. We listen for God’s movement together, trusting that honest study deepens our faith and strengthens our community.

We live out God’s call for justice through concrete action: advocating for creation care, supporting women and children, addressing poverty and hunger, welcoming immigrants and refugees, and standing with those pushed to the margins. Disciples do this work in partnership with other faith communities and community organizations, believing that justice is a shared calling and that love becomes real when it shows up in public.

Ministry Statement

Ministry Statement

We will share with the residents of the East Bluff about the love of God through Jesus Christ. We will continue our historic building-based Christian education and worship while continuing our mercy ministries and developing empowering ministries. We will attract people and families beyond our neighborhood who embrace diversity be transformed with us as we serve together. 

We at Glen Oak love community and believe in providing a home that extends a sense of love and welcome to everyone who enters. Everyone belongs here, everyone has a place here, and everyone can partake in the full life and leadership of Glen Oak Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Glen Oak Christian Church is located in a very diverse neighborhood, and our church reflects that diversity which we cherish.

Meet Our Team

History  

History  

Glen Oak Christian Church started as an outreach Sunday School class in 1919 at the original Glen Oak School. In 1923, the Church was chartered. After a fire, the church was rebuilt in 1947; yet, Glen Oak Christian Church thrived starting a preschool program in 1969. Glen Oak Christian Church has been known as a place of mission. Weekday Wonders, a weekly neighborhood outreach program, commenced in 1990 providing a meal and Biblical adventures for youth and their adult volunteers. Our weekly Community Meal took its place in 2016. Nine mission trips have been taken by youth and adults since 2002. In 2004, the first annual Operation Inasmuch began--- a one-day blitz of home projects for our neighbors of the East Bluff. This ministry continues today. A Mind and Muscle after-school tutoring program thrived for nearly a decade. The very first Snack Packs were distributed to local school children in 2012. Having voting several times to stay on the East Bluff, we continue to strengthen our partnerships including participating in the East Bluff partners establishment in 2019.

Glen Oak Christian Church is a vital partner on the East Bluff. For many years, our congregation has been passionate about addressing not only the spiritual needs of our neighbors but their physical needs as well. If Glen Oak Christian Church is to be a driving force for transformation, it will require continued collaboration with neighborhood agencies, as well as, new collaborations with others. We believe that working together to provide a safe place where children, youth and adults can work to identify and reach their full potential is a dream worth dreaming.