Our Theme

"Excellence for the Eternal!"     Psalms 8 and Mark 7:37 

 Our Vision

A Hub of Hope to a Hurting World; Calling All People to a Safe Place in Christ Jesus!

Our Mission

 We, the congregation of Mount Moriah, seek "To preach and teach the uncompromising word of God in an atmosphere whereby God is glorified, Christ is crucified and God's people edified. By application of God's word, we are committed to establishing, developing and maintaining a cohesive family unit. We are dedicated to providing effective educational programs whereby a clear understanding is achieved through training that is tailored for all levels and an environment that facilitates learning. We seek to follow the ways of Jesus and provide a place of worship where everyone is significant, and an atmosphere whereby 'whosever will' is welcome in our mission.

What We Believe

 1. Of The Scriptures

 We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error, for its matter; that it reveals and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried (II Timothy 3:16,17; II Timothy 3:15; Proverbs 30:5,6; Romans 2:12; Philippians 3:16; I John 4:1).

 2. Of The True God

 We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; that in the unity of the Godhead, there are three persons, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption. (John 4:24; Exodus 15:11; Mark 12:30; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30; Ephesians 2:18).

 3. Of The Fall Of Men

We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but by choice; being by nature utterly void of the holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and, therefore, under just condemnation to eternal ruin, with-out defense or excuse. (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 3:6-24; Romans 5:19; Isaiah 53:6; Ephesians 2:1-3; Ezekiel 18:19, 20).

 4. Of The Way Of Salvation

 We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial office of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him our nature yet without our sin; honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead He is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, He is every way qualified to be a suitable a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior. (Ephesians 2:5; John 3:16; Philippians 2:6,7; Isaiah 42:21; Isaiah 53:4,5; Hebrews 1:8; Hebrews 7:25).

 5. Of The Justification

 We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is Justification; that Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principle of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood; by virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.  (John 1:16; Acts 13:39; Romans 5:9; Romans 5:17 Romans 4:4, 5; Romans 5:19; Romans 5:1-2).

 6. Of The Freeness Of Salvation

 We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but His own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation. (Isaiah 55:1; Romans 16:26; John 5:40; John 3:19).

 7. Of Grace In Regeneration

 We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; that it is effected, in a manner above our comprehension, by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life.   (John 3:3; II Corinthians 5:17; John 3:8; I Peter 1:22-25 Ephesians 5:9).

 8. Of Repentance and Faith

 We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God: whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of confession and supplication for mercy, at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on Him alone as the only all-sufficient Savior. (Mark 1:15; John 16:8; Luke 18:13; Romans 10:9-11).

9. Of God's Purpose Of Grace

 We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners: that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man.  It comprehends all the means in connection with the end: that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting, promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of His free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.  (II Timothy 1:8-9; Thessalonians 2:13, 14; Exodus 33:18, 19; I Corinthians 4:7; II Timothy 2:10; I Thessalonians 1:4-10; Romans 8:23-31; II Peter 1:10-11).

 10. Sanctification

 We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness, that it is a progressive work: that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter in the continual use of the appointed means, especially the Word of God, self-examination self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.  (I Thessalonians 4:3; Proverbs 4:18; I John 2:29; Philippians 2:12-13).

11.  Of The Perserverance Of The Saints

 We believe that such only are real believers as endure to the end, that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand end, that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. (John 8:31; I John 2:19; Romans 8:28; Philippians 1:6).

 12. Of The Harmony Of The Law And The Gospel

 We believe that the law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government: that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a mediator to unfeigned obedience to the Holy Law, is one great end of the gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible church. (Romans 3:21; Romans 7:12; Romans 8:7, 8; Romans 8:2, 4).

 13. Of A Gospel Church

 We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by His laws; and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His work; that its only Scriptural officers are Bishops, or Pastors, and Deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the epistles to Timothy of Titus. (I Corinthians: 1-13; Acts 2:41, 42; I Corinthians 11:2; Matthew 28:20; Ephesians 4:7; Philippians 1:1).

 14. Of Baptistm And The Lord's Supper

 We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper; in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; proceeded always by solemn self-examination. Baptism by the Holy Spirit along with indwelling occurs at salvation; the filling of the Holy Spirit continues to come with maturity. (Acts 2:41, 42; I Corinthians 11:26, I Corinthians 11:28).

 15. Of The Christian Sabbath

 We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord’s day or Christian Sabbath; and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all sinful recreations; by the devout observance of all means of grace, both private and public; and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for public; and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God. (Acts 20:7, Exodus 20:8, Isaiah 58:13,14, Psalms 118:15; Hebrews 10:24,25; Hebrews 4:3-1).

16. Of Civil Government

 We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience and the Prince of the kings of the earth. (Romans 13:1-7; Matthew 22:21; Acts 5:9; Matthew 23:10).

 17. Of The Righteous And The Wicked

 We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked: that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of God, are truly righteous in His esteem; while all are in His sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death. (Matthew 3:18; Romans 1:17; I John 5:19; Proverbs 14:32).

18. Of The World To Come

 We believe that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day, Christ will descend from heaven and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell on principles of righteousness. (I Peter 4:7, Acts 1:11; Acts 24:15; Matthew 13:49; Matthew 25:25-4; Romans 3:5, 6). 

Our History

       A modest church began with five people in a living room here in Bloomington in May of 1998.  This despite great doubt and speculation on a “start-up”.  We formalized our existence on May 15, 1999, with 37 members and became known as Mount Moriah Christian Church (MMCC). 

 MMCC continued to grow into every room of the Senior Pastor’s home.  We held classes for all age groups in the dining room, the kitchen, the living room, the den, and the basement.  The first water baptism was held in a bathtub.  Sunday morning worship outgrew the living room, den, breakfast-nook, and kitchen area.  The basement was remodeled to accommodate the 75 plus members that attended on a regular basis.

 In October 1999, we out grew the house for morning worship.  The Town of Normal was kind enough to rent us a room at One Normal Plaza, the former Illinois Soldiers and Sailors Children’s Home.  The room had a maximum capacity of 150 people.  It was full the first day we entered the facility.  Keep in mind that we were transporting chairs, musical equipment, and office equipment at least twice a week from home to the Center at One Normal Plaza.  Eventually, we moved to a larger room at the center that seated 250 people.  By our 1^st year anniversary in May of 2000, we had outgrown the larger room.  In March 2001, we moved to two services. 

 In February 2002, the numbers didn’t look right on paper, and the rumors said we were too small and too new of a church, but God supplied our every need.  We moved into our first home at 814 Jersey Avenue in Normal.  We were again out of room in a sanctuary that seats 275 people.  We were squeezing in more when guests and visitors are considered.  Wednesday Night Bible Study and the Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed (AWANA) Program completely consumed every room on site.

 2004 was a banner financial year as a result of God speaking to us through the sermon series on stewardship.  To further hone our skills, Dr. Mitchell of Antioch Progressive Baptist Church, Sacramento, California, came to us and gave us a thorough evaluation of our progress. 

Because of his counsel, we revisited our mission statement and embarked on monthly leadership meetings.  In order to marry accountability with authority, the Elders Ministry was formed at year-end 2004.

 God has been good to us! Our theme to give Excellence for the Eternal in 2005 continues to drive our ministry. Lives are being reclaimed and new mountains are available to climb.  On May 16, 2005, Mount Moriah Christian Church purchased 510 E. Washington Street in Bloomington.  The former Bloomington Junior High School was renamed “The Attractive Alternative”.  The opportunity to evangelize has never been greater.  God’s reality (our vision) moved forward by at least five years with this move alone.  Currently we have 22 rental tenants occupying parts of the building.  Eventually Mount Moriah intends to occupy the entire space.  The Attractive Alternative currently operates the facility from their main office located just inside the northwest entrance. 

 Since 2004, we had over 500 new members join; 150 of them were candidates for baptism.  With over 900 members; we also have 40 ministries and outreach ministries. 

 In July 2007, we embarked upon a God-driven move from 814 Jersey Avenue to 510 E. Washington Street, our current place of worship.  Our new home presents a wealth of opportunities for ministry and mission work. As we move forward with our renovation of 510 E. Washington Street, it is our concerted prayer that the surrounding community will truly see us as The Attractive Alternative.

 Through 2008, we continued to renovate the sanctuary, and add classroom spaces.   The tenants of the Attractive Alternative have changed to reflect Mount Moriah’s mission in the community.   We provide space for The Urban League, two alternative schools, The Central Illinois Organizing Project, The Immigration Project, and a credit union.    In addition, we still own our original home at 814 Jersey.  That is the home to another church, and another alternative school.

 Happy 11th year anniversary, Mount Moriah! “We are not what we shall become…” (1st John 3:2)!!