About Us
Explore our beliefs and values, learn about our denomination, and meet the pastors who guide our community.
We Believe
We are a community shaped by the love of God and the way of Jesus. Our faith is rooted in grace, nourished by scripture, guided by the Spirit, and expressed through compassion and justice. We embrace questions as much as answers, trusting that God’s truth is still unfolding in our world.
We believe every person is created in God’s image, worthy of dignity, love, and belonging. Together, we seek to follow Jesus’ call to love God and neighbor, to welcome the stranger, and to work for peace and wholeness in our community and beyond.
Ours is a faith that welcomes diversity, honors tradition while engaging new insights, and finds strength in practicing love with open hearts and open minds.
Our Values
Inclusive Community
We strive to be a place where everyone belongs—whether you are just beginning to explore faith or have walked with God for many years. Our community includes people with diverse experiences, perspectives, and gifts, and we see that diversity as a reflection of God’s Spirit at work among us (1 Cor. 12:4-6). Together, we seek to follow Christ by welcoming all, nurturing disciples, and sharing God’s love through justice, mercy, and everyday acts of grace.
Personal & Shared Spirituality
Our tradition claims "unity as our polar star"—not by erasing differences, but by learning from one another and growing together in faith. At First Christian, we value relationships with God and with each other more than creeds, which is why prayer, scripture, and spiritual practices are central to our life together. Our long history of interfaith partnerships and ecumenical ministries reflects this commitment to living faith in community.
Hearts for Justice
From the earliest days, our congregation has looked beyond itself in mission. Whether through global work led by members like Caroline Neville Pearre and Sara Hart, or through local efforts such as Shelter House, the Coralville Food Pantry and the Iowa City Free Lunch Program, we have always believed faith must take shape in acts of compassion and justice. That passion for service continues to guide us today.
Our DESIGNATIONS
Open & Affirming
LGBTQ+ Inclusive
First Christian Church of Iowa City/Coralville is recognized as an Open & Affirming Congregation. Together we have made a formal commitment to fully welcoming and affirming individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities into all aspects of church life and leadership. We recognize and affirm the inherent worth and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals, and celebrate their identities as part of God's diverse creation.
Creation Care
First Christian Church of Iowa City/Coralville is a Green Chalice Congregation. This means we have committed to caring for God's creation through specific actions and practices that signify a dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainability, aiming to reduce the church's environmental impact and promote ecological justice.
Dementia Friendly
First Christian Church of Iowa City/Coralville is a Dementia Friendly Congregation. We are a faith community that strives to be inclusive and supportive of individuals living with dementia and their families. This involves educating our members, creating a welcoming and accessible environment, fostering understanding and acceptance, and providing practical support. We are commited to ensuring that people with dementia and their caregivers can continue to participate in meaningful ways within the church community.
