On South Lumpkin Street in Athens, Campus View Church of Christ is a multi-generational congregation centered on Scripture, the transforming message of the Gospel, and following Jesus in everyday life. The church is known for the a cappella singing preserved from its heritage, shared communion, and a Sunday rhythm that brings adults and children together. That same emphasis on faith in practice extends through Life Groups, intergenerational gatherings, youth and college relationships, and mission partnerships.
Two Sunday Gatherings at 9:00 and 10:00
The Sunday rhythm begins at 9:00 a.m. with Bible Class. Adults meet in a combined class for conversations about how to live out the teaching and message of the Bible. Age- and grade-appropriate classes are available for children from birth through college, giving families at every stage a place in the same morning gathering.
Sunday Worship begins at 10:00 a.m. The congregation gathers to worship God and refocus hearts on him. Scripture reading and prayer are part of the service, and sharing communion is a meaningful reminder of unity and of the church's desire to give life as Jesus gave his. The congregation sings a cappella as part of its heritage, lifting voices together in simple, heartfelt worship.
Men, women, kids, adults, individuals, and families all have a place in the assembly. Children of all ages are welcome because the church believes families should worship together through every stage of life. A separate Children's Church serves children ages 1 through 5. Campus View also offers online worship.
Life Groups in Homes Across Athens
Campus View uses smaller gatherings to help people grow in their calling as a family and witness of Jesus. Life Groups meet at the building and in homes throughout the Athens area for Bible study, prayer, listening to God and one another, and sharing their lives. The church describes these as intentional spaces where people listen, pray, and deepen relationships.
Intergenerational Gatherings meet monthly on Sunday evenings for time together, stories, laughter, and celebration of the church community. Separate weekly Bible studies gather women on Tuesday mornings and men on Wednesday mornings. Both groups study Scripture, pray, and fellowship with one another.
Children, Youth, and College Ministry
The Children's Ministry introduces children to God, his character, and his great love for them. Volunteer-led Sunday school classes create a nurturing environment in which children learn Bible stories about the Creator who loves them. Fun events are planned throughout the year to help children build relationships with the larger church family.
For middle and high school students, the Youth Group has its own Bible classes. The goal is to help students become aware of God in everyday life while building meaningful relationships and learning to live out their faith honestly. Parents and volunteers walk alongside students as they grow into lifelong followers of Jesus. The youth also gather weekly outside church to laugh, play, and grow closer as a community.
College students add depth to church life and serve alongside the congregation in its ministries. Campus View describes them as adopted members of its families, with the hope that the church will be a home away from home. The College Ministry hopes students will feel treasured, deeply loved by God, and renewed in faith and perspective through relationships at church.
From the Athens Courthouse to South Lumpkin Street
Campus View traces its beginning to September 1939, when a small group of Christians first met in the courthouse in downtown Athens. Clyde Hale, minister at West End Church of Christ in Atlanta, conducted several tent meetings on Prince Avenue, and a nucleus of the church took shape. A dwelling house at the corner of Cobb Street and Milledge Avenue was purchased and converted into a meeting place, with a minister's apartment on one side.
The congregation grew after World War II as more people came to Athens to attend the University and later the Navy School. In the early 1950s, it acquired property at Prince Avenue and Lyndon Avenue and built a basement. During this period, the church continued to worship in the downtown courthouse and was known as Prince Avenue Church of Christ. Its auditorium was completed in 1955, and the move into the present Campus View structure came in the early 1970s.
The church continues to value its Churches of Christ heritage while saying that its greatest commitment is to Scripture and the transforming message of the Gospel. Its stated vision is to foster relationships, invigorate communities, and enhance lives across generations. That welcome extends to fellow searchers and seekers as well as people who have walked with Jesus for years.
Lead Minister and Shepherds
Ben Brinkerhoff serves as lead minister, and Drew Thompson serves as a college apprentice. The church's shepherds are Wayne Kellis, Gold Daniel, Dustin Rector, Ben Lastly, and Wilbert Pope.
Mission Partnerships in Nigeria and Venezuela
Campus View partners with other churches to support Right Steps, Inc., a Christian mission that empowers and transforms the lives of vulnerable women and children in Nigeria. Right Steps provides holistic care that nurtures body and spirit and builds compassionate, resilient communities grounded in Biblical principles.
The church also partners with Pegram Church of Christ in Tennessee to provide monthly boxes of medical supplies, food, and basic necessities to families living in extreme poverty in Venezuela. Through these partnerships, Campus View supports vulnerable women and children in Nigeria and families experiencing extreme poverty in Venezuela.
Finding the Building on South Lumpkin Street
Campus View is at 1360 S Lumpkin Street in Athens. Two long drives on either side of the building funnel vehicles to the rear. Entrance doors are located on the front and sides of the building under covered porticos, so visitors can enter from several directions. A handicap entrance is located on the left when facing the church.
The church's rhythm includes Life Groups meeting in homes across the Athens area and monthly Intergenerational Gatherings on Sunday evenings, in addition to the 9:00 a.m. Bible Class and 10:00 a.m. worship service. At the heart of Campus View is a shared commitment to follow Jesus in every part of life, live out the love and grace of Jesus in everyday ways, and continue growing in faith together.