About Us
We're here to glorify the King of Kings.
Location
In the heart of SC.
Christian Life Church is located in the Midlands of South Carolina. We love serving the Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, Forest Acres, Blythewood and Chapin areas, and we frequently have visitors from all over the country. Our church is conveniently located less than a minute off of I-20.
"The congregation is great, friendly and diverse. The pastor puts exceptional effort into his sermons. Amenities and children's programs are great, and the focus is always kept on primary reason we attend: to learn, worship God and fellowship with other believers." -Leah
FAQ
We are an Assemblies of God church, part of the world's largest Pentecostal denomination.
We're so glad you asked! We strive to bring God glory in everything we do. Here are our beliefs and values.
We are so blessed to have such a large church family! We understand it can be hard to feel connected with so many faces. We recommend joining a Life Group or serving on a team to experience that "small group" feel. It's a great way to get to know others and find your special community. KidzLife, Union and our Young Adults program are other great ways for you and your children to get connected with Christian friends.
Our History
Christian Life Church had its beginnings in the 1930s when several families began meeting in their homes.
After some time had passed, this group of believers decided that a permanent place of worship was needed. Rev. Julius Rish was called to become the pastor of the church. He served until 1938.
Rev. H. D. Ferrel succeeded Rev. Rish, and, under his ministry, the church was well on its way to becoming established. A building program began, and, upon its completion, the small congregation adopted the name, Assembly of God Tabernacle. Rev. Ferrel served as pastor until 1941. Rev. V. L. Clark, whose ministry extended into 1945, succeeded Rev. Ferrel.
Beginning in 1945, Rev. J. C. Hunnicutt led the church for the next 31 years. He served in the honorary capacity of Pastor Emeritus until his death in 1992. While under his ministry, the congregation moved from the Olympia Mill area to facilities on Richland Street and adopted the name, First Assembly of God.
When Rev. Hunnicutt stepped down from his Senior Pastor position in 1976, Rev. Steven R. Brown stepped in. Rev. Brown served as pastor until 1994 when he resigned to become Superintendent for the South Carolina District of the Assemblies of God.
In 1978, approximately 12 acres of land was purchased on Bush River Road in the Woodland Hills area and a new building program was initiated. On September 11, 1979, the name of the church was changed from First Assembly of God to Christian Life Assembly. In the spring of 1980, the congregation moved to the Bush River property to begin enjoying a new 14,000-sq. ft. sanctuary and educational facility.
In the fall of 1984, a major Capital Stewardship drive was launched with hopes of raising slightly over one million dollars to pay for these facilities. Approximately $750,000 was raised above the regular offerings. The entire Administrative Education Complex was completed and paid for with more than three-fourths of the 18,000-sq. ft. Family Life Center being completed at its dedication in 1985.
In October 1994, Rev. J. Stephen Chitty became the lead pastor and a new era of growth began. Under Pastor Stephen’s capable direction, the main sanctuary was expanded. The continued growth necessitated going to three worship services. On May 23, 2004, the church family gathered for a Celebration Sunday to kick off our Building to Touch Lives Campaign. Construction on a new auditorium and support facilities began in May 2005. In September 2006, we moved into our new worship facility.
Under the leadership of the pastoral staff, all areas of church ministry have experienced growth and development. Our services are marked by dynamic worship and relevant, Biblical teachings.
Through strong, Godly leadership we continue to grow, especially our children's, youth and young adults programs. Pastor Stephen desires that the Columbia area "will be a hard place to go to hell from!"
Our mission
Our mission is to create environments in which people encounter God, resulting in purpose-filled lives based on a biblical worldview. Join us!
Ways to Serve
Get connected doing what you love.
- Audio, Visual + Multimedia
- Café + Bookstore
- Children's Ministries
- Choir + Band
- Events
- Food Pantry
- Hospitality Team
- Life Care (Meals, Stephen Ministry, Transportation)
- Life Groups
- Missions
- Parking Attendant
- Prayer Team
- Royal Rangers (Boys Ministry)
- Senior Adults
- Ushers/Watchmen