At 1012 North Main Street in Washington, Illinois, just south of Washington Middle School, Washington Christian Church is known for the three-part mission that runs through its ministry: LOVE, GROW and GO. It is a non-denominational, Bible-believing church whose heritage lies with the Restoration Movement. Adults, children and students gather for a coordinated Sunday rhythm of study, fellowship and worship, while the congregation also operates Washington Christian Preschool, founded in 1977, and supports mission partners in Washington, across the region and around the world.
A Sunday Built Around 9:00, 10:00 and 10:30
Sunday follows a regular three-stage rhythm: Bible classes first, coffee fellowship next and worship at 10:30. Children have age-specific programs during the worship hour, and students in grades 6 through 12 gather again at 6:00 p.m. The church office at 1012 North Main Street is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- 9:00 a.m. - Adult Bible Classes. The classes offer a welcoming place to explore God's Word, ask questions and grow in faith. They are intended for both people who are new to Bible study and those who have studied it for years. Discovery Bible Study and sermon-based study are among the class options.
- 10:00 a.m. - Coffee Fellowship. Coffee and other refreshments are available in the fellowship hall before worship, giving people time to meet, share and settle into the morning together.
- 10:30 a.m. - Worship Service. The service usually lasts about 60 minutes and includes congregational music, a sermon from Scripture and Communion.
- 10:30 a.m. - WCC Kids. Age-based classes serve children from birth through 5th grade while their families worship.
A plan-a-visit form allows the church to greet visitors and show them around before or during their first Sunday.
Worship That Mixes Generations, Music and the Word
The worship service begins with the Praise Band and singers. Song lyrics and Scripture readings are projected on the screen so the congregation can participate, followed by a sermon from the lead minister and the sharing of Communion. Communion is open to everyone who believes and has accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Multiple generations worship together through a mixture of older and newer expressions of worship. The Worship Choir, Vocal Team and Praise Band each have a place in the service, while the projected readings make it possible to follow along visually. The Sunday gathering is intentionally casual and relaxed, and the church encourages people to come as they are.
Visitors are welcomed by greeters as they arrive. A staffed Welcome Center can orient people to the building and provide assistance with children or other needs. Coffee before the service offers another relaxed point of connection in the fellowship hall. For those unable to gather in person, the church maintains an Online Campus and a collection of recent worship services.
From the Nursery to Junior Worship
Children are treated as a vital part of WCC rather than only as future church members. The children's ministry uses Bible stories, interactive activities and age-appropriate teaching to help children learn about God while supporting parents in the discipleship process at home.
- Nursery - Birth to 18 months. Care for the church's youngest children is provided during worship.
- King's Kids - 18 months to 3 years. This class serves babies and toddlers who are not yet potty-trained and meets near the auditorium.
- Wee Worship - 3 years through kindergarten. Children who are potty-trained join this age-specific class in the education wing.
- Junior Worship - Grades 1 through 5. Students begin with their parents in the Worship Center and are escorted to their classroom before the sermon.
A nursing room beside the King's Kids room streams audio from the service, allowing parents to remain with infants while hearing the worship service. First-time families are asked for basic information when they check in so staff can provide appropriate care and reach them if necessary. Every adult who volunteers in a children's ministry undergoes a thorough background check before entering the ministry setting.
THE WAY at 6 p.m. Across Washington
THE WAY, short for Washington Area Youth, serves middle and high school students in grades 6 through 12. It meets at 6:00 p.m. with students from Highview Christian Church and Calvary Community Church. The venue rotates among the three Washington churches. Student Ministry seeks to give young people a place to ask questions, grow in faith and build genuine community. Middle and high school students are also encouraged to attend or serve during the morning worship service.
Bible Classes, Life Groups and Primetimers
Adult connection at WCC is rooted in fellowship, prayer, study and service, following the example of the early church in Acts 2. Small groups are a central part of that ministry. Some meet at the church while others gather in homes, and meeting times and frequency vary according to the needs of each group. Their shared purpose is to build authentic relationships, support one another and grow in faith.
- Adult Bible Classes meet on Sunday mornings and also on Wednesday nights during Connections. The Sunday classes at 9:00 a.m. offer teaching and connection for people at different stages of Bible study.
- Life Groups bring people together for fellowship, prayer and study, whether they are new to faith or longtime Christians.
- Primetimers meet on the first Saturday of each month for people who describe themselves as young at heart.
The Welcome Center is also a starting point for adults who want to find a group or understand the opportunities to connect, grow and serve.
LOVE, GROW and GO in Daily Practice
The mission is more than a slogan. Washington Christian Church explains that LOVE, GROW and GO shape both its purpose and the way it gathers, studies, sings and serves.
LOVE
Love God and love neighbors are the church's foundational commands. Jesus identified love for God and love for others as the greatest commandments, and WCC says this love is the reason people gather, study the Bible, sing and serve. Love therefore shapes both devotion to God and relationships within the congregation and community.
GROW
The church teaches that God sent Jesus not to condemn people but to save them. God's love embraces people as they are while also pointing toward growth. That growth is described as spiritual development through Scripture, prayer, loving relationships and service, so that faith becomes more than knowledge and advances the kingdom of God.
GO
GO reflects Jesus' instruction to make disciples and His teaching that the greatest followers are those who serve. Lending a helping hand to someone in need is presented as reaching a hand to Jesus. The example of Paul, who described his life as a living sacrifice and spiritual act of worship, leads to a striking conclusion for WCC: worship is to GO.
These commitments are expressed through a set of core values:
- Commitment to God the Father as Creator and Sustainer, God the Son as Savior and Redeemer, and God the Spirit as Indwelling Presence.
- Commitment to biblical authority for proclamation and practice.
- Commitment to local evangelism and discipleship.
- Commitment to global missions.
- Commitment to healthy relationships with one another and strong family relationships.
- Commitment to God-honoring worship and godly servant leadership.
- Commitment to faith-stretching stewardship.
- Commitment to honoring marriage as designed by God to be between one man and one woman for life.
From Washington to the World
Outreach at WCC is organized around three geographical levels. Locally, the church supports practical needs and ministries in its own community. Regionally, it partners with college ministries, educational institutions, camps and other organizations. Globally, its mission network includes children's care, relief, education, church partnerships and Bible translation work.
Local Missions
- SnackPac Ministry
- WHIP food pantry
- My Sister's House
- Threads, Hope, and Love
- South Side Mission
Regional Missions
- Christian Campus House at Eastern Illinois University
- Encounter at Illinois State University
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Little Galilee Christian Assembly
- Ozark Christian College and Lincoln Seminary
- Shiloh Christian Children's Ranch
Global Missions
- C.O.P.E., the Children of Pokot Educational Fund
- CMF International, also known as Christian Ministry Fellowship
- Cornerstone Haiti
- G.O. Ministries
- IDES, International Disaster Emergency Services
- India Christian Ministries
- International Conference on Missions, or ICOM
- Korean Christian Gospel Mission
- Message of Life
- Mission Mexico
- Pioneer Bible Translators
- Training Christian for Ministry, or TCM
- West African Christian Mission
The scope of that support reflects WCC's conviction that love should be shared across the street and around the world. Its outreach includes packing meals and sending mission teams abroad, connecting the church's community involvement with a sustained global emphasis.
Washington Christian Preschool: Learning Since 1977
Washington Christian Preschool was established in 1977 within a loving Christian environment. Its educational approach seeks the development of the whole child - socially, intellectually, physically and spiritually - with the goals of building a positive self-image, cultivating a joy of learning and preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. The half-day preschool serves children ages 3 through 5.
Families have access to a secure classroom setting and several practical features designed for the daily school routine:
- A fenced outdoor playground
- A covered drive-up drop-off and pickup area
- Field trips as part of the preschool experience
- Experienced teachers within the church's Christian educational setting
Leadership and Teaching Staff
- Lisa Tinervin, director. Tinervin has directed the preschool since 2011. She earned a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education with a Pre-K focus from Lincoln Christian University. Her work centers on caring for children, building a strong teaching team and helping each child develop academically, socially and spiritually.
- Brooke Mylott, AM Pre-K and 3's teacher. Mylott earned her bachelor's degree from Illinois State University. She has a strong desire for children to develop a love of learning that continues beyond preschool and sees her role as part of a Christ-centered educational partnership with families.
- Nikki Kinsinger, 3's teacher. Kinsinger earned her bachelor's degree from Moody Bible Institute and has experience in children's church, Vacation Bible School and other children's ministries. She emphasizes letters and numbers alongside emotional regulation, positive interaction and learning what Jesus says about who they are.
- Jess Bochart, Pre-K teacher. Bochart holds an associate degree from Davenport University and has more than 20 years of experience working with children through children's ministry, Vacation Bible School leadership and paraprofessional work. She creates a nurturing and stimulating classroom where children can explore, discover and grow.
Enrollment begins one year in advance each fall on the day after Labor Day, giving families time to prepare for the coming preschool year.
What Washington Christian Church Believes
Washington Christian Church describes itself as a non-denominational, Bible-believing church with Restoration Movement heritage. Its guiding motto places unity in matters of doctrine, liberty in matters of opinion and love in all things. The church seeks to carry out God's teachings in its community and around the world.
God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit
The church believes there is one divine being who has existed eternally and reveals himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. These are distinct but equally divine persons. God created the universe and all its creatures, continues to sustain creation and desires a personal, eternal relationship with people.
Jesus is believed to be the eternal divine Son of God who voluntarily took on human likeness, was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life, was executed by crucifixion and rose from the dead on the third day. After appearing to witnesses over a period of forty days, he ascended into heaven, where he serves as mediator between God and humanity. The church also expects his visible return at the end of time to complete God's eternal plan.
The Holy Spirit is the third person of God and dwells within every Christ follower. The Spirit gives spiritual life, identifies believers as children of God, guides them in understanding and applying God's principles, empowers Christ-like living and equips people with abilities for building God's kingdom.
Humanity and Salvation
Mankind was created to live in relationship with God. Human rebellion disrupted that relationship and brought separation from God and all that is good. WCC teaches that people cannot repair this relationship by themselves, making God's mercy essential.
Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. The church describes faith as recognizing Jesus as God's Son, accepting him as the only remedy for a right relationship with God and submitting to his authority as Lord. This restoration brings forgiveness, the gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal communion with God. In practice, faith is demonstrated through action, repentance means turning back to God and following his way, and baptism is by immersion in water.
The Bible and Christian Life
The church believes God divinely inspired the authors of the 66 books of the Bible. It holds that Scripture is entirely accurate, complete and reliable, and that it reveals the character of God and serves as the final authority for faith and conduct. Spiritual growth comes through time with God in Bible reading, prayer, biblical community and service, which leads people toward greater love for God and a willingness to serve others.
The Church as the Body of Christ
The church is described as the body of Christ and a living organism with Jesus as its head. Each part contributes its gifts and abilities to the growth and maturity of the whole. The church works through Christ to reconcile a lost world to God, which creates a regular need to gather for worship, fellowship and learning. Those gathered are enabled to serve one another and people who do not know Jesus.
Lead Minister, Worship Minister and Church Council
Lead Minister Kevin Dell joined the WCC team as interim preaching minister in October 2021 and became a full-time staff member in June 2022. He holds degrees from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, St. Louis Christian College and Lincoln Christian University, including a Doctor of Ministry. Before joining WCC, he taught Spiritual Formation for 11 years and later served as Assistant Professor-at-Large at Lincoln Christian University.
Darrin Akin serves as Worship & Administration Minister. He has served in churches in Yuma, Arizona, Lincoln, Illinois, and Danville, Kentucky. Akin holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Lincoln Christian University and a Doctor of Worship Studies from The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. His work at WCC brings together the church's music, worship and administrative responsibilities.
The Church Council includes Jeff Hultgren and Mark Zotz as elders. Deacons serving with them are Brent Green, Steve Hobbs, Benjie Lee, Mark Jarrett, Terry McQuillen, Terry Schupp, John Underwood and Stephan Volz. The preschool's ministry leadership includes Director Lisa Tinervin and teachers Brooke Mylott, Nikki Kinsinger and Jess Bochart.
Giving as Worship and Stewardship
WCC presents tithes and offerings as an act of worship that expresses gratitude, faith in God's provision and love for others. It says gifts are handled with faithful stewardship, ethical business practices and full accountability. Several ways to give are available:
- Place tithes and offerings in the Sunday morning collection basket.
- Drop gifts off at the church office on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- Mail gifts to Washington Christian Church at 1012 N. Main, Washington, IL 61571.
- Arrange recurring giving through a bank.
Washington Christian Church brings its commitments together at 1012 North Main Street through Sunday worship, discipleship, Christian education, local service, support for the preschool and mission work extending from Washington to the wider world.