ABOUT US
Open hearts. Open Bibles.
We are a congregation of Christians who follow the New Testament, welcome everyone as they are, and would love for you to know the God we serve.
WHO WE ARE
Christians, gathered in Coldwater.
We are not a denomination, and we answer to no headquarters. We are simply Christians who gather to worship God, study His word, and care for one another and our neighbors.
WE WORSHIP
In song, in prayer, and in remembering the sacrifice of Christ.
WE STUDY
In Bible class on Sundays and Wednesdays, where every question is welcome.
WE SERVE
Our community, and the preachers, schools, and missions we support around the world.
Through the year we have a singing every second Wednesday, share a potluck meal every fifth Sunday afternoon, and gather for an annual Gospel Meeting in June, and an annual Area Wide Youth Day in July.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Everything rests on God's word.
These convictions shape how we worship and live, and each one can be found in scripture. We would be glad to study any of them with you.
The Bible & Our Identity
The Bible alone is our authority. We are a restoration of the New Testament church, not a denomination, with no creed, headquarters, or hierarchy above Christ.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Salvation & Baptism
Saved by God's grace through faith, we repent and are baptized by immersion for the forgiveness of sins, following the same pattern as the early church.
Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 2:38
Worship
Through a cappella singing, prayer to God, and remembering the sacrifice of His Son, we worship God in spirit and in truth every Sunday.
John 4:24; Acts 20:7
God & Eternity
Christ alone is the mediator between God and man. We believe in a coming judgment, in Heaven and Hell, and not purgatory, and we hope for eternal life with Him.
1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:27
Leadership
Elders lead each congregation by the pattern of scripture. No minister holds authority over them, and no elder stands above Christ, the head of the church.
Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:1-4
Giving
We give back to the Lord as we have been prospered. The funds go towards helping those in our community and around the world, spiritually and physically.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7
OUR LEADERS
Men who serve and shepherd.
Our elders oversee and care for this congregation, and our minister preaches and teaches God’s word. You are always welcome to speak with any of them.
Dan Cates
ELDER AND MINISTER
Dan has preached for Independence since 1999 and has served as an elder since 2010. A graduate of the Memphis School of Preaching and Amridge University (B.A., M.A.), he has taught at the Memphis School of Preaching since 1999 and serves as Dean of Apologetics. He and his wife, Shelly, have two children and a grandson.
Phone
(662) 560-8045
Carl Hounshell
ELDER
Carl has served as an elder at Independence since 2008, after about 20 years as an elder at the Paoli Church of Christ in Paoli, Indiana. He oversees the congregation’s treasury and missions work and is known for his weekly visitations. A retired carpenter and farmer, he has two children and six grandchildren.
Phone
(812) 653-2358
We would love to meet you.
Sunday at 10 AM is a good place to start. Or send us a message first, and we will be glad to answer any questions.