An Autonomous Congregation off Highway 67
The Jerseyville Church of Christ meets in a modest, functional building on the north side of Jerseyville, Illinois, just off US Highway 67. The congregation is small, family-like, and built around one guiding conviction: the New Testament is the only authority for faith and practice. Members describe themselves as "Christians only," with no denominational name attached, no man-made creeds, and no hierarchy above the local church. Every teaching, every act of worship, and every program is measured against Scripture.
The church's stated mission runs in three lines of work: teaching the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ, encouraging one another in faith, and helping those in need. Its driving motivation is the love Jesus said would mark His followers (John 13:34-35), and that love shapes how members worship, serve one another, and treat those who walk through the door.
Simple, Reverent, a Cappella Worship
Sunday worship at the Jerseyville Church of Christ is built around five acts the New Testament church practiced from the start: singing, praying, preaching, giving, and partaking of the Lord's Supper.
Singing is a cappella. There are no instruments, no choir, and no praise band, just voices of the congregation united in praise. The practice follows the pattern described in Ephesians 5:19, where every believer participates in the song.
The Lord's Supper is observed every Sunday, in keeping with Acts 20:7. Unleavened bread and grape juice are passed to remember Jesus' sacrifice. Visitors may participate or observe, as they feel comfortable.
Prayer is offered several times during the service, including prayers for specific needs within the church and the wider community. The sermon that follows is grounded in the Bible and typically runs 20 to 35 minutes.
The Invitation and Baptism
After the sermon, an invitation is extended. Anyone who wishes to respond, whether to ask for prayer, confess sin, be baptized, or identify with the congregation, may come forward. When a baptism takes place, it is performed by full immersion, often immediately after the invitation while a final song is sung. No one is pressured or singled out.
The church teaches a clear and ordered path to salvation drawn directly from Scripture: believe in Jesus (John 3:16), repent of sin (Luke 13:3), confess Him as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16). From there, members are called to live faithfully, trusting God step by step (Revelation 2:10).
Members give on Sunday as an act of worship, with offerings placed in a box at the auditorium entrance. Guests are never expected to contribute.
What a First Visit Looks Like
Visitors are warmly greeted but never put on the spot. The atmosphere is friendly and family-like rather than ceremonial. Members help with directions to Bible classrooms or the nursery, and are glad to answer questions before, during, or after the service.
Bible classes run alongside the worship service on Sunday mornings. Each class, whether for children or adults, is prepared carefully and designed to be biblical, thoughtful, and relevant to everyday life. A nursery is available for little ones.
There is no dress code. Members come in everyday styles, and guests may take part in any element of worship or simply observe. Some visitors are asked to fill out a visitor card on the way in, but sharing any information is entirely optional.
Jake, the Preacher, With No Title
Jake Medford preaches for the Jerseyville Church of Christ, and that is exactly how members refer to him. No "Pastor," no "Reverend," no special clothing on the stage. The church holds to the priesthood of all believers, so the role of preaching is one of service among many.
Jake grew up right here in Jerseyville and was raised Catholic. He once considered the priesthood but began questioning some of the teachings he had been told not to question. A friend connected with a local non-profit project introduced him to a small church of Christ meeting just north of town, and long hours of Bible study followed. He began preaching for the Jerseyville congregation in May 2017. Jake and his wife, Samantha, married in 2020 and have two children, Emersyn (born 2022) and Noah (born 2024). Around town, Jake is easy to find and always ready with a smile, a good laugh, or a Bible conversation.
Sermons stay firmly centered on Scripture. The choice to use no titles and no special dress reflects a desire to honor the simplicity of the New Testament pattern.
The Weekly Rhythm
- Sunday Bible Study - 9:30 am, classes for all ages
- Sunday Morning Worship - 10:30 am
- Sunday Evening Worship - 6:00 pm
- Wednesday Bible Study - 6:30 pm
The Wednesday Bible Study meets in person and is also offered over Zoom, making it accessible for anyone who cannot attend in person.
Worshipping from Anywhere
Both Sunday services are livestreamed on Twitch. The 10:30 am morning service and the 6:00 pm evening service are available online for those who cannot be present. The Wednesday Bible Study connects through Zoom, with the meeting ID and password posted publicly for anyone who wants to join.
Study Tools for Growing Christians
The church maintains a deep collection of resources that members and visitors are encouraged to explore. Gospel broadcasts include the Gospel Broadcasting Network, Polishing the Pulpit (with its PTP 365 archive), House to House, International Gospel Hour, and In Search of the Lord's Way. Educational ministries such as World Video Bible School, World Bible School, Apologetics Press, and The Spiritual Sword round out the list. Podcasts including Scriptures b/c Real and the Authentic Christian Podcast are available for ongoing study. The church also offers free Bible correspondence courses that can be requested through a short online form.
An Open Invitation
The Jerseyville Church of Christ keeps its door open for anyone who wants to learn, study, or simply sit in on a service. The singing is unaccompanied, the building is modest, and the welcome is warm. Anyone who wants to worship, study the Bible, or simply listen is welcome to make themselves at home.