ABOUT US

Our Vision

We are a church that shows God's love in such a way that people exchange ordinary living for an extraordinary life through the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

Our Mission

Invite to an intimate, committed relationship with God.
Grow faith through sound Bible teaching, dynamic worship, and healthy relationships with other Christians.
Serve God through life-changing ministry at home, at church, and around the world.

Our History

The history of Kochenderfer Church dates back to 1872, when a group of believers left Salem UBC in the city of Lebanon to organize a church for the German-speaking residents living in North Lebanon Township.

John and Catherine Kochenderfer, who built a large room onto their home in order to hold services, led the group. They quickly outgrew this room and in 1874 built the "Little White Church" where the cemetary is now. The church, established as Zion's Bretheren in Christ Church in North Lebanon Township, was known as "Kochenderfer".

In 1932, a new brick church, across the street from the original white frame building, was dedicated. As the church grew, it became large enough to support its own pastor, and in 1940 the parsonage was built. In 1959, the Christian Education section was added.

In 1968, the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged with the Methodist Church and the church officially became known as Kochenderfer United Methodist Church.

On May 18, 2003, groundbreaking took place for our new Christian Life Center. After a year of construction, we celebrated the opening of the CLC on May 16, 2004. The Christian Life Center provides a larger space for the 9:00 AM contemporary worship, fellowship activities, concerts, and dramatic productions.