Two Tulsa Congregations Became Midtown
On October 15, 2023, the 10th & Rockford Church of Christ and the 29th & Yale Church of Christ began meeting as one congregation, taking the name Midtown Church of Christ. The 10th & Rockford work began in 1916, when a small group met for worship at Whittier Elementary School. After several early changes in meeting places, the congregation grew and purchased property near downtown at 10th & Rockford in 1922. A brick building was erected there in 1933 and later received numerous structural changes.
The 29th & Yale congregation began in the mid-1950s in what was then southeast Tulsa. Men from several Tulsa congregations chose to begin a new work and met at Hoover Elementary in 1956. That July, they contracted two acres at 29th & Yale for a building. As merger possibilities opened in early 2023, the two congregations moved ahead quickly. The 10th & Rockford property was sold, and by mid-October the combined church was worshiping at the 29th & Yale location. The same enduring commitment carried into the merged congregation: faithfulness to God's Word.
A Sunday Rhythm for Worship and Study
On Sundays, Bible Class begins at 9:00 AM. Adults gather in the Auditorium and youth meet in the Youth Room. Worship follows at 10:00 AM, with a second worship gathering at 5:00 PM. Wednesday Bible Study is at 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall, where Dalton Key leads the class. A Ladies Bible Class meets at 10:00 AM on Tuesdays during spring and fall. The church is at 2901 S. Yale Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114. Its phone number is (918) 744-0356, and questions can be sent to questions@midtowntulsa.church.
Members and guests wear what feels comfortable. Some wear suits and ties, while others are more casually dressed; the only standard is modest dress. Midtown says it does not judge anyone by outward appearance. Guests are not required or expected to give, and no one needs to feel unworthy to attend because all are sinners who have been forgiven by God's grace.
Simple, Orderly, Thoughtful Worship
Worship is intentionally grounded in the Bible and described as simple, orderly, and thoughtful. The congregation stresses worship in spirit and truth rather than relying on the setting, temperature, or location.
Prayer in the Assembly
Several prayers are usually included. The congregation gives thanks and praise, asks for God's blessing on the church and mission, pleads for strength for those who are sick or suffering, and seeks spiritual renewal. Those who lead public prayer may be members, elders, or deacons, but they are not presented as ranking above others in holiness. The church regards prayer as both an orderly part of corporate worship and a deeply personal relationship with God.
Singing Without Instruments or Choirs
A major part of worship is congregational singing. Lyrics are projected at the front of the auditorium, and hymn books are provided. The repertoire ranges from old favorite hymns to newer praise and worship songs, but Midtown uses only the voices of worshipful hearts: it does not add special choirs or instruments. Midtown says this follows the New Testament pattern of worship, while emphasizing that technical vocal ability is unnecessary and heartfelt singing is what matters.
Communion, Teaching, and Giving
Communion is observed every Sunday. The emblems are treated not as objects of worship but as reminders of Christ's body and blood and his sacrifice for sin. Each service also includes a spoken message that is to be supported by the Bible, along with public Scripture reading. Bibles are available in the seats, and a guest can ask for one to keep. Brief announcements cover events, programs, and physical needs within the church family. Members receive an opportunity to contribute, with a prayer of thanksgiving and blessing before the collection trays; guests are neither required nor expected to give. Members also offer time and talent.
Five New Testament Objectives
The church defines its aim as pleasing God and organizes its ministry around five New Testament objectives: worship, evangelism, fellowship, discipleship, and ministry. The desired results are God-centered worship, strengthened relationships, mature disciples, souls added to the church, and meaningful service opportunities. These purposes are grounded in the Bible rather than a human creed.
Midtown states that it has no creed but Christ and is not connected to any earthly religious body or headquarters. It holds that the Bible is inspired and sufficient, and seeks to worship as the first-century church did. That includes acapella singing, observing the Lord's Supper weekly, immersion in water as baptism, teaching and evangelism, and financial giving. The congregation is pastored by elders, ministers do not take confession, and members address one another as brother or sister.
On God and salvation, Midtown teaches that God is the only true God and that Jesus is His Son, born of a virgin, sinless, crucified, resurrected on the third day, and destined to return in power and glory. People come to know and trust God's grace through hearing the word of Christ, turn from sin, confess Jesus, and are baptized by immersion in water. After this new birth, believers strive to walk in light, seek forgiveness, and remain in fellowship with God.
Nursery, Classrooms, and Friendships Across Tulsa
Midtown places children's education at the center of church life. Most teaching staff are volunteers, and all have background checks. The nursery serves birth through age two with separate Cuddlers for infants not yet walking and Cruisers for children around age one who are walking well. A simple Bible lesson is taught in both classes on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, using basic accounts repeated through the quarter and reinforcing that God made and loves every child. An attended nursery is provided during worship services. A worship training room sits at the rear of the auditorium, and nursing mothers have a private room in the Cuddlers area.
Preschool and Elementary Bible Teaching
Preschool welcomes children age two through kindergarten. Lessons move through Old and New Testament accounts, including Noah, Moses, and Esther, with Bible-related crafts and handwork, singing, and memory work. The stated aim is a firm biblical foundation and a lifelong relationship with God. Elementary classes for grades one through six build Bible knowledge through curriculum, mentoring relationships between teacher and student, and friendships among the children.
Youth and Adult Fellowship
The youth group seeks spiritual growth, lasting friendships, and service to God. It intentionally reaches young people throughout Tulsa, including those who live in different areas and attend different schools. The adult schedule places Dalton Key with adults in the Auditorium at 9:00 Sunday morning and with the Wednesday class in the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 PM. Dennis Vasicek leads youth in the Youth Room at 9:00. The Ladies Bible Class meets Tuesday at 10:00 AM during spring and fall.
Mission Relationships Across the United States and Abroad
Under the elders' direction, Midtown's missions ministry includes:
- Italy: Franco Verardi and Church Camp
- Philippines: Robert Gamio
- Ukraine: Gary Workman
- United States: In Search of the Lord's Way
- United States: Tipton Children's Home
- United States: Brown Trail School of Preaching
- United States: Bernabé Rodriguez and Jaime Rivera with Memphis School of Preaching
- United States: Kevin Lovell in Huron, South Dakota
- Zimbabwe: Zondai Mazenza and Farai Mlambo
- World Bible School: Ocean Bridge
Service That Uses Each Person's Gifts
Midtown frames involvement as service according to what God calls each person to do, rather than filling a rigid set of jobs. Members are encouraged to identify their ministry, passions, interests, and ways to strengthen the congregation. Among its opportunities are attendance, benevolence, Communion, discipleship, adult and children's education, greeting and church history, hospital visitation, the library, local evangelism and worship, missions, nursery and preschool work, photography, physical facilities, song leading, transportation, young families, youth, and World Bible School.
Sermons, Study, and Weekly Online Gathering
Sermons are offered in an archive organized by topic, Bible book, speaker, and date, with audio and video presentations. Weekly sermons can also be watched through Midtown's live stream. The church also offers a monthly Old Paths newsletter and a study titled Absolute Proof, written by James C. Hinckley, which presents the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah as evidence for God's existence, the Bible's authority, and the reality of Jesus as Savior.
Midtown also offers a free Bible study with a personal study helper who answers questions and learns with the participant about Jesus. Registration for the study is available online. Contributions can be made through the church's online giving service.
At 2901 S. Yale Avenue, Midtown Church of Christ continues the combined work of its two long-standing Tulsa congregations through Scripture-centered worship, acapella singing, classes for children, youth, and adults, service within the church family, and mission relationships extending far beyond Tulsa.