OUR STORY
Christ Community Church was started with a simple desire – seeing God glorify Himself through something new and exciting in Sumter, SC. So, in February 2001, a group of individuals met for a time of fellowship and prayer – a prayer 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, this group desired 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, a Sunday morning Bible study began, meeting first in a home and then moving to the Sumter YMCA. God remained 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 God was in control and going to provide each step along the way. Not only was God proving His faithfulness during those initial days, He was also teaching patience and trust. They 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)
CCC outgrew the YMCA snack bar by January 2002 and moved to the Aerobics Room. God was up to something special and everyone knew it. Throughout these months, the church had begun meeting regularly for prayer – praying specifically that God would identify their first pastor. In a divine series of events, God provided a speaker on February 10, 2002, as a last minute replacement for what was supposed 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. That day was the beginning of a new relationship between the Elders of CCC and what would become the churches’ first pastor. On June 9, 2002, our first pastor preached for the first time 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!
By the summer of 2001, a Sunday morning Bible study began, meeting first in a home and then moving to the Sumter YMCA. God remained 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 God was in control and going to provide each step along the way. Not only was God proving His faithfulness during those initial days, He was also teaching patience and trust. They 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)
CCC outgrew the YMCA snack bar by January 2002 and moved to the Aerobics Room. God was up to something special and everyone knew it. Throughout these months, the church had begun meeting regularly for prayer – praying specifically that God would identify their first pastor. In a divine series of events, God provided a speaker on February 10, 2002, as a last minute replacement for what was supposed 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. That day was the beginning of a new relationship between the Elders of CCC and what would become the churches’ first pastor. On June 9, 2002, our first pastor preached for the first time 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!
In August 2003, CCC moved to the USC Sumter Nettles Auditorium with a seating capacity of 500 people. In that same year, CCC purchased our first property. Located at 525 Oxford Street in Sumter, the building was to be used for administrative offices, youth group, and special events. The building was renovated in early 2004 and opened in March of that year. The site for permanent facilities became a reality in September of 2007 with the purchase of 75 acres fronting Loring Mill Road. God proved faithful again in November 2008 opening the doors to worship weekly at Patriot Hall.
In December of 2015, we finally moved onto our property at 320 Loring Mill Road as we converted the existing buildings on our property to our offices and a multi-purpose building now called "The Shed". "The Shed" is used primarily for our youth ministries on Sunday evenings, but is also a great space for other ministries and life groups that meet throughout the week there.
In 2016, our church officially broke ground on our new worship facilities and opened our new building on December 4th!
Christ Community Church has grown into a core group of believers that number over 1000 people. We have witnessed God change lives and restore relationships. Our children continue to be challenged weekly with learning spiritual truth and practical applications. We are excited about the future God has for CCC and invite you to be a part of a dynamic church with a desire is to reach Sumter and encourage believers to reach their fullest potential in Jesus Christ.