Central Christian Church is not an ecclesiastical institution, service organization, a building, or a religious party - we are people.  Christian churches, like Central, are non-denominational and there is no group or individual (other than Jesus) outside of our local congregation that has authority over our congregation.  In other words, we are completely independent of other churches and other church movements.   We have been ministering to the people of San Jose (Silicon Valley)  for over 60 years.

We don't believe that there is any Biblical precedent for a denominational structure.  Christian churches are directed and guided by Elders (sometimes called Bishops, Pastors, and Shepherds in the Bible).  Anyone who has the desire and meets the qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 can become an elder of our congregation.  Central Christian Church elders do not have any authority over any other church.

Christian churches, like Central, also have a teaching Pastor or Minister whose role is primarily that of teaching the Gospel and leading the church to reach the lost (2 Timothy 4:2).  Our Senior Pastor is also an elder and, as such, he serves with the other elders determining goals and direction for our church.  In addition to the Senior Pastor, we have commissioned and ordained ministers serving in other areas of the church ensuring that day to day business of the church is accomplished (youth, children, music, missions, discipleship).

Our church also has Ministry Leaders, called Deacons and Deaconesses, who lead ministry teams for various areas and functions.  Anyone who meets the criteria described in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 can become a Ministry Leader.

Last, but certainly not least, every person at Central Christian Church is encouraged and expected to participate in ministry in one or more areas.  We are excited about giving people the opportunity to get involved.

We are committed to being a Purpose Driven Church and our main "purpose" is reaching people.  Our church is for everyone - young or old, rich or poor, male or female, regardless of race.  No one who is seeking God through His eternal Word, the Bible, is turned away from Central Christian Church.  Our members come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, but we have a oneness in Christ that binds us together in a love so strong that it does not allow us to be separated over differences of opinion or interpretation of scripture.  These are tenets of the Restoration Movement which sprang forth during the 19th century in an attempt to direct God's people back towards a New Testament format church.  The Restoration Movement has some interesting statements that help describe this direction:

It is our desire to unite on the essentials of the Bible and to give loving freedom in areas of opinion. Man was never given the authority or right to add to or overrule God's Word.

Of course, we do not claim to be a perfect church or perfect people.  Rather, we are a fellowship of the imperfect desiring to grow into the perfect image of God's Son, Jesus Christ.  We do not claim to be the only Christians, but we are striving to be Christians only.  Our goal is to reach our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and families by demonstrating real Christianity in our own lives.

Why should you choose Central Christian Church?  Because we love the Lord, try to Live His way according to His Word (the Bible), and because we are people saved by Jesus Christ - just like you!

We'd love to have you as our guest this Sunday.  See our schedule for the time most convenient for you.