Our History

Christ Community Church was started by four couples who had a simple desire – they wanted to see God glorify Himself through something new and exciting in Sumter, SC. So, on February 19, 2001 these four couples met for a time of fellowship and prayer – a prayer that was rooted in Exodus 33:15-16:

“If your presence doesn't take the lead here, call this trip off right now. How else will it be known that you’re with me and your people? Are you traveling with us or not? How else will we know that we’re special, I and your people, among all the other people on this planet.” (The Message)

Like Moses, these four couples desired for God to be the Leader! As they continued to meet and pray over the next several months, God began to identify His will for a new church – a church where God was glorified through changed lives.

By the summer of 2001, these four faithful couples began a Sunday morning Bible study that first met in a home and by September 9, 2001 had moved to the Sumter YMCA. God was faithful in those beginning days, always providing relevant, life-application Bible study through visiting pastors, missionaries, and other gifted leaders. It was clear from the beginning that God was in control and was going to provide every step of the way. Not only was God proving His faithfulness during the beginning days, He was also teaching patience and trust. These four couples were continually encouraged by Scripture and constantly reflected on David’s words of wisdom:

“Wait passionately for God, don’t leave the path. He’ll give you your place in the sun…”
Psalm 37:34 (The Message)

By January 2002, Christ Community Church had outgrown the YMCA’s snack bar and moved to the Aerobics Room. God was up to something special and everyone knew it. Throughout these beginning months, the church had begun meeting regularly for prayer – praying specifically that God would lead them to their first pastor. In a divine series of events, God led Toby Toburen to Christ Community Church on February 10, 2002 as a last minute replacement for what was suppose to be a prospective visit of another pastor candidate. At the time, the leadership wasn’t quite sure why things had fallen apart with their potential candidate, but God began to clearly reveal that He had something else planned. February 10th was the beginning of a new relationship between the Elder’s of Christ Community Church and Toby Toburen – a relationship that resulted in Toby being called as pastor on May 10, 2002. On June 9, 2002 Toby preached his first message as pastor to more than 90 people.

Since then, God has continued to “do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20). God continues to show Himself faithful. Christ Community Church has grown into a core group of believers that number over 400 people. We have witnessed God change lives and restore relationships. In August 2003, CCC moved to the USC Sumter Nettles Auditorium that seats 500 people. In November of that same year CCC purchased our current Administrative building located at 525 Oxford Street in Sumter, which is now completely paid off. The building was renovated in early 2005 and opened in March. In September of 2007, our church purchased 75 acres of property on Loring Mill Road near Keels road as our future site for a permanent structure. We are excited about the future God has for Christ Community Church and we would like to invite you to be a part of a church who's desire is to reach the unchurched in Sumter. Please take a moment and visit the rest of site, making sure that you read through our “Core Values” and “FAQ’s.”