Our specific beliefs have their roots in the free church tradition and the Restoration Movement of the 19th century, were forged in the mainline church movement of the 20th century, and are tempered by the best of contemporary scholarship. We are a non-creedal church, asking only that congregants acknowledge the Messiahship of Jesus. It is up to the individual believer to work out their own doctrine. We value personal freedom in matters of faith, and encourage personal responsibility to develop a coherent theology. Through study, participation in worship, and involvement in small groups, members of South Street have the opportunity to understand the gospel and our Judeo-Christian faith tradition, and form their own ethic. Obviously, we are people who have many different opinions, but we enjoy our diversity and value one another in Christian love.

Membership in our congregation is by confession of faith and baptism (for those who have never made a public confession of faith and been baptized) or by transfer of membership from another congregation or parish (no letter is necessary). We baptize solely by immersion, but accept other forms of water baptism as valid expressions of faith. Membership classes are offered annually to those 6th grade or older, and adults are invited to discuss their church membership with one of the ministers at any time.  

Core Values

Our life together as a congregation is expressed in these values:

*God is revealed in our Judeo-Christian heritage

*Jesus is our best teacher and remains in relationship with his disciples

*God's spirit is quietly at work in our midst

*We welcome you to encounter Jesus (no matter where you are on your life journey) to find spiritual growth and to utilize your spiritual gifts

*We esteem education and the liberal arts

*We are inclusive in our language and conduct

*We practice tolerance, kindness and courtesy

*We teach stewardship to God's work and generosity to the world's need

*We strive for excellence in what we do for God

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The Christian Church in Springfield began in 1834, four years before the city was incorporated. First Christian Church began in that year, organized by Joel Haden, a Federal land commissioner and preacher. After meeting briefly at the courthouse, the church moved to a log building west of the public square that was first used as pioneer educator Joseph Rountree's schoolhouse. South Street Christian was organized in 1886 as the result of a dispute in First Christian over the use of instrumental music in worship, and built its first facility at the corner of South and Elm soon after. Several buildings have served the church at this site. The present educational building was dedicated in 1954, and the sanctuary in 1972. First Christian merged with South Street in 1918, and that congregation's records and artifacts are housed in our Historical Room.

South Street has maintained a close tie to our denomination, as well as the Council of Churches of the Ozarks (South Street being one of the founders) and campus ministries at both SMSU and Drury. Beginning in the latter half of the 20th century, Christian Women's Fellowship has been a strong voice for missions, and has generously contributed to the outreach work of the church.

The South Street Disciples of Christ Foundation was incorporated in 1984 to serve as a perpetual fund to assist the fulfilling of the purposes of our congregation. This fund has continued to grow, and provided a significant financial resource for the congregation.

In recent years, important upgrades have been made to ensure our building is accessible and useful. The Ozark Lakes Area Office - Bethany Center for Ministry is housed on the upper floor of our educational building, as is the University Child Care Center. In 1997 South Street became the first area church to offer the Godly Play method of Christian education, and in 1999 created Celebration!, a contemporary worship service.

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Senior Minister - George Latimer, M.Div. - Brite Divinity School

Associate Minister - Janet Given, M.Div. - Southeastern Seminary

Minister of Visitation - Carl Radford, graduate of Missouri School of Religion

Administrative Assistant - Carol Thomas - southstreet@sbcglobal.net

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We are located 4 blocks south of the public square downtown at the corner of Elm and South. South Avenue can be accessed from the south by Grand Street and from the north by Boonville Avenue. Elm Street can be accessed from the east by National Avenue. From the west, follow Mt. Vernon Street directly into our south parking lot.

See this map at Expedia.com (link will open in new window)

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