Florence Church of Christ sits on Boone Aire Road on the north edge of Florence, Kentucky, in Boone County just a short drive south of the Ohio River. The congregation gathers on Sundays and Wednesdays around a single conviction: that the New Testament gives a clear and sufficient pattern for the church, and that pattern is worth keeping. From the a cappella singing in the auditorium to the food and clothing ministry that meets neighbors in hard times, every part of the work here is shaped by that conviction.
Christians, Not a Denomination
Florence is candid about identity. Members will tell visitors plainly: We are not a denomination, neither Catholic nor Protestant, but simply Christians seeking to be the church Jesus established nearly 2,000 years ago. The phrase "following the New Testament pattern" is the congregation's watchword, the closest thing to a motto the church has, and it shows up in every piece of communication that goes out the door.
That conviction shapes how the church reads the Bible. Scripture is treated as the only guide for faith and practice. Where it speaks, the church speaks; where it is silent, the church stays silent. Salvation, members believe, comes through faith and baptism, when a sinner confesses Christ and is immersed in water for the remission of sins, on the basis of Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, and John 3:3-5. A person who obeys the gospel becomes a Christian, nothing more and nothing less, and is added by Jesus Himself to His body, the church.
The church's identity is also drawn tightly from Acts 2:47. Only Jesus adds those who are being saved to His body. The hearts of the members are set on restoring New Testament Christianity in its pure form, and the Bible alone contains God's perfect will.
Worship: Five Acts, Sung Without Instruments
Sunday morning begins at 9:30 AM with Bible classes for children and adults. The worship assembly gathers at 10:30 AM. Visitors who walk in are welcomed at the door and offered a visitor's card, with the assurance that any information shared stays confidential. There is no dress code, no pressure, and no expectation of giving. Guests are simply treated as honored guests.
The order of worship is unhurried and familiar to anyone who has sat in a Church of Christ auditorium. The congregation sings a cappella, all the voices blending into one offering of praise, with prayer spoken before and after the sermon. The Lord's Supper is passed each Sunday, with unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, and participation is left between the guest and the Lord. A collection is taken; visitors are never expected to contribute. After a Bible-centered sermon, an invitation is extended for anyone who would like to respond, and the service closes with prayer.
Five acts of New Testament worship shape everything. The congregation describes them as singing, prayer, the Lord's Supper, giving, and preaching, all drawn from Scripture. A study called "Worship in Spirit and Truth" walks members through each one, asking worshipers to engage both spirit and mind in every part of the assembly.
Three Shepherds, Three Servants
The leadership of Florence Church of Christ follows the New Testament pattern described in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Three men make up the eldership: Dale Bertram, Robert Budy, and Randy Johnson. The church describes them as shepherds who "watch over this congregation the way a good shepherd watches over his flock, not from a distance, but up close, present in the hard moments and the joyful ones alike." They open God's Word with care and conviction, open their homes with warmth, and lead by example. Most of their work happens in conversations behind the scenes, in prayers offered long after everyone else has gone home, and in decisions made with the weight of the congregation on their hearts.
Three deacons round out the leadership team. Jesse Black serves in fellowship and missions. Clint Green oversees outdoor and indoor maintenance. Wyatt Robbins focuses on indoor maintenance. Each deacon takes responsibility for a specific area of congregational care and operation.
Neville Buchanan serves as the church's minister. He is the primary voice in the pulpit and teaches the Wednesday night adult Bible study, leading the congregation through extended series that walk verse by verse through books of the Bible.
Bible Study as a Way of Life
Bible study is not a program at Florence; it is the steady rhythm of the week. Three formal gatherings anchor the schedule: Sunday morning at 9:30 AM for all ages, Wednesday night at 7:00 PM for adults, and the Tuesday Ladies' Bible Class at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Classes are taught for young children through adults, providing systematic study of God's Word.
Beyond the weekly schedule, the church has invested in extended written curricula that members can work through on their own or with a partner. The signature study, The Church: God's Eternal Plan in Action, is a thirteen-week journey through God's design for the church, walking through passages like Ephesians 1:3-14 on God's eternal purpose, Isaiah 2:1-4 on the church prophesied, Acts 2:1-47 on the church born at Pentecost, Ephesians 1:22-23 on the church defined, Colossians 1:18 on Christ as head and foundation, Ephesians 4:4-6 on one body and one Spirit, Acts 2:36-41 on the plan of salvation, 2 Peter 3:18 on growing in grace, John 4:23-24 on worship in spirit and truth, 1 Timothy 3:1-13 on church organization, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 on the work of the church, and 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 on future glory. Each week includes memory work with flashcards, discussion questions, and a personal commitment to practice throughout the week.
A second major study, Rightly Dividing: How to Read, Understand, and Apply God's Word, runs thirteen weeks through biblical hermeneutics. Members learn how to read the epistles, the historical narratives, the Gospels, the parables, the psalms and wisdom literature, the prophets, and Revelation. The aim is to give every member a repeatable method for life, family, and service.
Other studies include a thirteen-week journey through Galatians called "From Chains to Christ," a thirteen-week journey through James called "From Storms to Souls," a study of 1 John, and a five-week evangelism study designed to be worked through with a partner. There is also a Jenga Bible trivia set with one hundred questions on the book of Ruth for groups that want a lighter way to engage the text. Printable PDFs of each study guide are available.
Walking Through Books of the Bible
The preaching at Florence follows a simple pattern: working through books of the Bible, often a chapter or section at a time, with practical application for daily life. Neville Buchanan preaches most Sundays and Wednesdays, with occasional guest sermons from Dale Bertram and other guests.
Recent series have included a walk through Acts called "Harvest Power," tracing the early church from Pentecost through the missionary journeys of Paul; a series through James; a study through Psalm 119; and series through 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and Galatians. The pattern is consistent: take a book, walk through it carefully, and let the text do the teaching.
Sermons are livestreamed on YouTube every week, and an archive is available on the Florence Church of Christ YouTube channel. Anyone who misses a Sunday can catch up at home, and the archive has become a teaching resource for members and for other congregations.
Youth, VBS, and Special Days
The youth of Florence have their own program, with retreats, youth rallies, and devotionals that are both social and spiritual. Vacation Bible School is held annually, with classes for all ages, providing a week of fun learning around a Bible theme. A Vacation Bible School sermon closes out the week.
The congregation observes Ladies' Day, Men's Day, and Youth Days throughout the year, with subjects chosen to strengthen believers and apply the gospel to everyday life. The Ladies' Bible Class meets weekly in addition to the special day, and the Men's Breakfast has become a Tuesday morning tradition, gathering at a local restaurant in nearby Walton at 9:00 AM.
Meals, Clothing, and a Saturday at the Shelter
Benevolent work has long been part of the congregation's life. Members participate in daily benevolent work, providing food and clothing for families in the community during difficult times. A pantry is maintained for those in need, with sign-up sheets posted in the foyer so members can contribute.
Once a month, on a Saturday, the church prepares and serves a meal at a local homeless shelter. Members sign up to bring needed items, and the meal becomes a hands-on ministry for anyone who wants to be involved. The Saturday homeless shelter meal is one of the most visible ways the church lives out its faith beyond its own walls.
The church also supports mission work and Children's Homes, helping spread the gospel and care for those in need around the world.
Cheerful Giving
Florence treats giving as an act of worship, on the pattern of 1 Corinthians 16:2. On the first day of every week, members give as they have been prospered, as part of the worship assembly. Offering boxes are located at the back of the auditorium, and members may also give during the collection.
Three ways to give are supported. In-person giving happens every Sunday during worship. Members who cannot attend can mail contributions to the church at 1141 Boone Aire Road. Online giving is available through Zelle, with the Florence Church of Christ Inc. account set up to receive transfers.
Contributions support the proclamation of the gospel through preaching and teaching, mission work locally and around the world, the benevolence ministry to those in need, building maintenance and operations, and Bible classes and educational programs for all ages.
Live on Sundays
Every Sunday at 10:30 AM, the worship assembly is livestreamed on YouTube. The Florence Church of Christ channel carries the live broadcast and houses an archive of sermons organized by book of the Bible. Anyone can subscribe to follow along, and the archive is freely available for members and visitors who want to revisit a message or share it with someone who could not be present.
Plan Your First Visit
Florence Church of Christ is located at 1141 Boone Aire Road, Florence, Kentucky 41042. Visitors coming from the interstate take Exit 83, the Florence/Union exit, turn toward Florence, and continue to Boone Aire Road, where the church sits on the right. Free parking is available in the church lot.
The phone number is (859) 359-2205, and visitors can reach the minister by email to ask questions before a visit. Anyone considering a trip can expect a warm, friendly welcome at the door, a casual and relaxed atmosphere, a cappella congregational singing, a Bible-centered and practical message, and the Lord's Supper observed every Sunday. There is no pressure, only grace. Come as you are.