Six Decades in a Kailua Neighborhood
Kailua Christian Church sits on Manono Street in a quiet residential pocket of Kailua on Oahu's windward coast. For more than sixty years the congregation has called this neighborhood home, growing out of a response to a tragedy in the wider Windward community and a desire to minister in an ongoing way. Members, friends and visitors regularly describe the church as a place that "feels like home," and the greeting on the front door - "E komo mai!" - sets the tone for what the church calls its ʻohana.
A Mission Rooted in Love
The congregation lives by a short mission statement: "Empowered by the Holy Spirit Kailua Christian Church strives to be a loving and nurturing family of faith committed to a growing relationship with God, one another, and the world through teaching, service and witness as embodied by Jesus Christ." Their vision statement frames the church in the shape of a cross, growing vertically toward God and horizontally toward neighbors, and "striving to be centered in Jesus as God calls us and leads us into an ever-changing future."
Sunday Morning Worship
Service begins at 10 AM each Sunday in the sanctuary, with a Zoom option for those joining from home. The worship style is described as blended, drawing from both traditional and contemporary music, with singing, prayers and preaching. On the first Sunday of each month the gathering takes a more traditional form, includes communion during the service and is followed by a themed potluck. On the remaining Sundays, small group spiritual discussions follow the sermon; newcomers are welcome, and quiet prayer and journal areas are available for those who prefer not to join a discussion group.
Na Anela: Angels in the Works for God
One of the longest-running ministries at KCC is the Na Anela I Ka Hana A Ke Akua Support Group, a bi-monthly health and wellness educational program that grew out of a cancer support group started in the early 2000s. The program continues to meet and provide educational care for the community, and its name - "Angels in the Works for God" - reflects the heart behind the work.
Children, Small Groups and Giving
The children's ministry, called King's Company, is being rebuilt, and in the meantime a keiki corner in the sanctuary gives young children a place to be during worship. Small groups meet after most Sunday sermons for conversation and prayer. Members and friends can give online with one-time, weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual gifts.
Plan Your Visit
Visitors enter through the church gates and can park in either the front or back lot. The church is casual about dress, welcoming aloha wear, shorts and slippers as readily as business casual, with a light sweater recommended for the cooler moments. Listening devices are available during the service for those who are hard of hearing, and handouts help the congregation follow the sermon. Zoom remains an option for those who prefer to join from home, and a Google calendar lists the week's activities.