Church Times
Sunday School – 10 AM
Morning Worship – 11 AM
Evening Worship – 6:30 PM
Wednesday Prayer Meeting – 6:30 PM
Our Heritage
The Church of God movement began in 1881 within the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Early leaders, including Daniel S. Warner and Mary Cole, called Christians to place their faith in Jesus Christ above denominational divisions.
The movement was founded upon three important truths: salvation through Jesus Christ, unity among all believers, and holy living through the power of the Holy Spirit. Rather than adopting a formal human creed, the Church of God looks to the Bible as its foundation for faith and daily living.
This message continues today through a worldwide family of congregations united by the belief that Jesus must remain at the center of everything we do—Jesus is the subject.
Our Mission at West Bend
At West Bend First Church of God, we desire to be real people living out real faith in real life. Since 1955, our congregation has served Clay City and the surrounding community by sharing the gospel, worshiping together, helping those in need, and welcoming families into a caring church home. Whatever your background or where you are on your spiritual journey, we invite you to worship, grow, and serve with us as we follow Jesus together.
What We Believe
Jesus Christ and Salvation
We believe Jesus Christ died for everyone and that anyone who repents of sin and places their faith in Him can receive forgiveness, salvation, and new life.
The Holy Trinity
We believe in one God who exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Bible
We believe the Bible is inspired by God, trustworthy, and authoritative. It guides our beliefs, decisions, relationships, and daily lives..
Holy Living
We believe the Holy Spirit gives followers of Jesus the strength to overcome sin and live lives that reflect the character and love of God.
The Image of God
We believe every person is created in the image of God and should be treated with dignity, compassion, grace, and love.
The Kingdom of God
We believe Jesus established His kingdom and that Christians are called to demonstrate His kingdom through faithful living, loving service, and obedience to God.
Christian Unity
We believe everyone who has accepted Jesus Christ belongs to the family of God. We seek unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ while keeping Jesus at the center of our fellowship.
Our Practices
The Church of God recognizes three ordinances established by Jesus:
- Believer’s baptism
- Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper
- Foot washing as an example of humility and servant-hearted love
These practices remind us of Christ’s sacrifice, the new life we receive through Him, and our calling to serve one another.
Our Mission at West Bend
At West Bend First Church of God, we desire to be real people living out real faith in real life. Since 1955, our congregation has served Clay City and the surrounding community by sharing the gospel, worshiping together, helping those in need, and welcoming families into a caring church home.
Whatever your background or where you are on your spiritual journey, we invite you to worship, grow, and serve with us as we follow Jesus together.
7 Theological Commitments
The Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) identifies seven theological commitments. Below is a plain-language summary of its official Mission & Beliefs page.
Sin and Salvation
Jesus offers salvation to everyone through repentance and faith. People have freedom to accept Him and can forfeit salvation by rejecting Him.
Holiness
The Holy Spirit enables believers to overcome sin and reflect Christ’s character in everyday living, including how they treat others.
Trinitarian Theology
God exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—three distinct persons, each fully divine, united as one God.
The Nature and Authority of the Bible
All 66 biblical books are inspired by God. Scripture provides trustworthy authority for Christian belief and daily living.
Imago Dei — God’s Image in Humanity
Every person bears God’s image. This shapes how Christians understand human worth and how they value and treat others.
The Kingdom of God
Christ reigns now in believers’ lives. The movement teaches amillennialism: His kingdom is already present, without a future thousand-year earthly throne.
Unity
Christians are called to fellowship across differences of culture, ethnicity, gender, and age, welcoming each person’s spiritual gifts and calling.