Greater Iowa City Church of the Nazarene Marks 100th Anniversary with Multicultural Outreach Celebration

The Greater Iowa City Church of the Nazarene marked its 100th anniversary as part of Johnson County’s Welcoming Week, celebrating its journey through a century of growth and transformation. The event featured a diverse array of food, reflecting the church’s recent efforts to engage with the multicultural community. The celebration took place on the evening of Sept. 12, highlighting the congregation’s commitment to inclusivity and community building.

The church originated as a midweek prayer group in 1925, evolving over time into a formal congregation. Its early years were marked by challenges, including a move from a repurposed Baptist church in downtown Iowa City to a new location in 1960. The congregation sold their old building and secured a favorable deal with the expanding Towncrest Medical Center, which Stecker described as a miracle given the uncertainty of their future at the time.

This period of transition was not the only time the church faced significant challenges. Just 24 years ago, the congregation was on the brink of closure due to an aging membership and a lack of new members. However, a group of committed individuals chose to take a step of faith, opening their doors to people from different cultural backgrounds.

Under the leadership of the previous pastor, Pastor Micheal Lynch, the church underwent a profound shift in its approach to community engagement. Lynch emphasized the importance of embracing cultural diversity, moving from a model of assimilation to one of mutual understanding and respect. This change was reflected in the church’s physical space, which was remodeled into a shared environment where congregants could personalize their worship experience.

Each Sunday, congregations were encouraged to bring their own props for worship, symbolizing the shared responsibility and communal spirit of the church. Lynch noted that the space was designed to be inclusive, with the rule that anything present was meant to be shared with all.

The church continues to foster a sense of unity through biannual services where all congregations come together, reinforcing the value of community and shared faith. This approach reflects a commitment to building a welcoming and inclusive environment, aligning with the broader mission of the Church of the Nazarene to serve and support diverse communities.

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