the full story
Who we are, where we come from, and
where we're headed as a church family
our history
& our future
Co-led by a black pastor and a white pastor, New City Church now has two locations in Iowa with the same mission. Two pastors who merged their Cedar Rapids churches in 2018 now co-pastor in Des Moines as well. We are uniquely positioned with our history to bring hope and unity at a time marked by so much division.
what this means for you
Most importantly, you're always welcome at New City. We're saving you a seat! Wherever you're at in life, you'll always be accepted and loved here.
If you're ready to plan your first visit or want to get in touch with someone on our team directly, simply choose a location below.
discipleship path
Everything we do IN and THROUGH New City is connected to our discipleship path. We believe there are four areas we all should be growing in and helping others to grow in as followers of Jesus.
Love God
worship
Connect with God by giving honor, respect, recognition, and adoration to Him.
Exodus 20:5
Matthew 4:10
Acts 2:42-47
disciples of jesus
worship through:
baptism
prayer
communion
Spend Time Together
connect
Christ-centered community that is commited & encouraging to one another.
john 15:12-13
acts 2:42-47
disciples of jesus
connect through:
groups
hospitality
mentorship
Help Others
serve
Point people to Jesus by meeting the needs of others through caring words & actions.
mark 10:45
acts 2:44-45
1 corinthians 9:22
disciples of jesus
help by:
serving inside the church
serving outside the church
giving
Know the Bible
learn
Grow in Biblical understanding and application.
acts 2:42
ephesians 4:11-16
disciples of jesus
learn through:
bible study
personal devotion
teaching/sharing
to check out all the opportunities to take a step in any of these areas, click on your location for more details
our values
Transparency
be open with each other
diversity
live in harmony with each other
unity
work hard to work together
humility
yield to one another
trust
choose to believe in each other
courage
be willing to say 'yes' and take big risks
What we believe
The Bible is God’s Word to us.
The Bible was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs about living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without error. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21)
The Trinity consists of God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
We believe God is One, the only God, eternally existing in three equal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each completely and fully God. (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; Eph. 4:4-6)
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe.
God the Father is fully God and His fatherhood is eternal and personal. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and of all who believe in Christ. (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 6:9; 2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 4:6)
Jesus is the Son of God.
He is coequal with the Father and Holy Spirit. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven and will return again someday to earth to reign as King. (Luke 1:30-35; John 1; Rom. 3:25-31; 2 Cor. 5:14; Heb. 1,10:5-14; Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Eph. 1:23; Phil. 2:6-8)
THE HOLY SPIRIT lives in each Christian from salvation.
The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He provides Christians with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer spiritual gifts when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His guidance daily. (Acts 1:8-2:4; Rom. 5:5, 8:9-11; Gal. 5:16-25)
People are the supreme object of God's creation.
People are the only elements of creation that was made in the image of God, to be like Him in character. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called "sin." Sin separates us from God and causes many problems in our life. (Genesis 1:27; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1-2; Psalm 139:13-16; Colossians 2:13-15)
Salvation is God's free gift to us, but we must accept it.
We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; Romans 5:1, 5:8, 10:9-10)
People will exist eternally with or without God.
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in Heaven. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence. (John 3:16, 14:17; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 25:31-34, Matthew 25:41)
Baptism is symbolic of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
Once we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, baptism is a way for us to publicly declare our new life in Christ. It is also a step of obedience based on God’s commands and allows us to follow the example of Jesus, who submitted himself to baptism to "fulfill all righteousness." (Matthew 3:16-17, 28:18-20; Acts 2:41, 8:12; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12)