First Baptist, City Life Church merging to increase impact

The past few years have been kind to downtown Wichita. Businesses are moving back, apartments are going up, and new restaurants festoon the concrete landscape. A fresh story is being written about this area that once seemed out of style.

In a sense, downtown is being resurrected to new life.

It must be said, however, that an alternate story exists for many people living on the margins. Issues of poverty, homelessness, sex trafficking and more color the experience of countless people in this area, diminishing their hope for a better life.

That the church has been called to serve this multifaceted community is unmistakable. Thus, we have decided to unite our churches – First Baptist Church and City Life Church – into one. We sincerely believe that we can accomplish more together to meet the needs of our changing community than we can apart.

For more than two years now, our churches have lived in the same neighborhood. In our own way we have cared for many of the same people, seeking to provide welcoming places for those who lack the support of a loving community. More importantly, we both were committed to staying downtown, ostensibly where the need is greatest. Ultimately, though, it was our common love for Jesus and the mission of his kingdom that drove our decision to set aside our differences and unite as one church.

As one, we desire to enhance the capacity to serve our downtown neighbors, especially those in need. As one, we desire to start and foster churches that represent the various multiethnic communities across the city. As one, moreover, we desire to be agents of cultural creation, giving space for artists to create and display their craft. Finally, as one, we desire to become a permanent piece of the moral architecture in our city – tirelessly working for peace, justice and reconciliation in the name of Jesus Christ.

In the end, we desire to be an indelible character in the story of downtown Wichita, faithfully playing the part to which we’ve been assigned. Our prayer is that other churches would seek to do the same for the sake of the kingdom. For it’s in the bond of unity that we manifest the love of Christ, showing the world that we are his disciples.

This story was originally published June 12, 2016 at 12:01 AM with the headline "First Baptist, City Life Church merging to increase impact."