A Fragrance to the City

The Chicago Ministry Center, 2009

For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved
and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death;
to the other, the fragrance of life.

According to some historians and legend the name "Chicago" is derived from the Indian name for a particular smelly onion found all over the nearby prairie. And some have suggested that Chicago has been called the Windy City for its hot-winded politics. Recent events suggest that there are some grounds for this moniker. In any event, Chicago needs a fresh aroma.

The Chicago Ministry Center of roughly 360 members is very distinct in its makeup from the suburban ministries. We have a city-wide campus ministry of about fifty members, which usually meets at or near UIC on Friday evenings. On Tuesdays our North sector of about 140 meets in Lincoln Park, whereas our south sector of about 180 meets at IIT on Wednesday. It is our hope that we can be part of Christ's aroma to one of the most important cities in the world.

We have a simple approach to ministry. Our focus is on worship each Sunday, the day in which our Lord rose from the dead. We utilize middle of the week meetings for teaching, training and fellowship. Our House Churches provide neighborhood outreach, hospitality and discipling. There are other small focus groups which meet various needs.

One of the ways that we hope to model a greater way for Chicago is ensure visitors that our own unity is bigger and deeper than politics, race or class. We welcome our friends to observe the relationships and attitudes of the Christians who comprise our combined Sunday worship which includes campus, north and south side. Christ is our great bond. There is no agenda, ideal or person who compares to the greatest figure who has ever lived, our Lord and Savior.

We welcome any challenges about inconsistencies to our witness for Christ. Flawed though we are, we strive toward his likeness - that is our collective goal. If you are interested in joining us in this journey, we will gladly have one of our capable members walk you through our instruction series, called The Journey. It is a seven-lesson Genesis to Revelation overview of the Bible.