Atlanta Christian Church is a local parish community located in the Midtown neighborhood of Home Park. Our aim is to be a people growing in the ways of Jesus, that we might resemble his life in our relationships, in our faith, and in the ways we serve those in need.
A Brief History
In Atlanta Since 2004
As churches go, we are still quite young. Our first Sunday service was held on February 1, 2004 in the once-popular Buckhead adult spot known as the Gold Club. Yes, that was us! But only for a short while. Later that year, we moved into the AMC Theaters at Phipps Mall for a two-year run of setting up on Sundays from 2004-2006. (This was way before they installed those nice reclining chairs.) Having paid our dues on those sticky theater floors, we moved into a closed-down church on Peachtree Road, just across the street from Lenox Square, where we held services from 2006-2016. In the winter of 2016, however, that property sold to a developer and once again, we packed up our things and moved, this time into The Terminus330 event space downtown. It was then that we changed our name from "Christian Church Buckhead" to "Atlanta Christian Church." During our three-year stay downtown (2016-2019), we set our sights on finally purchasing a space of our own. It was our desire to plant ourselves firmly in a neighborhood where we could not only hold Sunday services, but also house events and gatherings that would serve both our parish family and the surrounding community. In the spring of 2019 our hopes and prayers were realized when we purchased an old church building in the Midtown neighborhood of Home Park.
Our roots are in the Christian Church / Churches of Christ tradition that began during the Second Great Awakening (1790-1840) in America. At the heart of the movement was the hope to find unity among all Christians regardless of denomination, and to live out a simple expression of the way of Jesus with a love and mercy for all people. You will find shadows of all the great church traditions here.
Our Faith & Hope
Nicene Creed, 381 AD
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.
Practices
Community
We are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26) and have been wired to flourish in safe, authentic, and integrated relationships. The church is at her best when there is a diversity of people present, creating an uncommon community of "differents" and "unlikes" where everyone has a place at the table. All are welcomed and included in the life of our church.
Formation
Faith is something we pick up, like a trade. It takes time, intention, and patience. There are times we move forward, backwards, and sideways; it's all part of the journey of knowing God. Throughout the year, we offer classes and groups that are all designed to help all people in their pursuit of a deepening faith.
Service
The mandate to serve others is embedded in the whole of the Biblical story, most clearly in the command to "love your neighbor as yourself." We are called to look for ways to serve the needs of others and to leverage our strengths and resources for the common good. We practice this posture of service both in and outside the church, and all are invited to get their hands dirty!
All Are Welcome
We acknowledge and affirm the image of God in persons of every race, ability, class, gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation. We are an open and affirming parish where all are welcome and everyone is invited to participate fully in the life and leadership of this congregation.
Staff & Leadership
Pastors
Derek Sweatman
Lead Pastor
Derek has served as Lead Pastor since 2007. Before that, he served as a youth pastor for 15 years for churches in Kentucky and Georgia. He was born and raised here in Atlanta. He holds a Bachelors of Arts in Biblical Studies and a Master of Arts in New Testament Studies. He also taught Theology and Biblical Studies at Point University for 7 years.
Lindsey Self
Associate Pastor of Youth & Family
Lindsey has been on staff here since 2011 and has served as the Associate Pastor of Youth & Family since 2016. She was born in Nashville, TN and was raised in Roswell, GA. She holds a degree in Psychology from Georgia State University.
Board Of Elders
Garrett & Elizabeth Simmer
Suzanne Nadell
Kyle Marshall
Marla Smith
Terna Ityokumbul
Alongside the pastoral staff, our church is overseen by board of elders who volunteer their time and energy to ensure that Atlanta Christian Church is a healthy congregation.