From a humble beginning in a gothic chapel near the University of Chicago Holy Trinity Community Church blossomed. It all started in 1998 a dream for Chicago. Founding leaders prayed for a church larger than themselves. Inspired by churches in London and Cambridge they envisioned a city-wide impact. Pastors David R Helm and Jon M Dennis gathered 37 adults. They planted a small congregation in Hyde Park. Their goal was a gospel-centered church. This church would be a catalyst for lasting change in Chicago and beyond. God answered their prayers.
Within months the congregation grew to 100. They began to seek God’s guidance for the future. Between 2000 and 2001 the elders studied gospel movements worldwide. They learned from influential leaders like Tim Keller Dick Lucas and Phillip Jensen. In 2001 they established The Charles Simeon Trust. This ministry trains younger leaders in expositional preaching. Today the CST trains leaders globally.
In December 2002 Holy Trinity launched a second congregation downtown. This was inspired by Mayor Daley’s words “the soul of Chicago is in her neighborhoods”. The goal was to reach the heart of the city. This congregation started small in a classroom. It expanded to a ballroom and grew to over 100 people. Its growth continues to this day.
The year 2006 marked a significant shift. The church embraced the “Antioch concept” from Acts 13:1-3. Recognizing Chicago’s segregation the leaders sought a diverse leadership team. This multi-ethnic team fostered profound unity within the church. It became a catalyst for new lives and a diverse disciple-making congregation. The church drew members from over 27 neighborhoods.
Between 2007 and 2009 Holy Trinity expanded to four congregations. These were located across the North West South and Center of the city. This expansion built relationships across Chicago’s historically divided neighborhoods.
In 2008 Holy Trinity founded The Chicago Partnership for Church Planting. This collaboration with other churches has established over thirty churches. It continues to revitalize and renew churches in Chicago. Five years later Holy Trinity helped launch Neopolis. Neopolis is a global multi-ethnic network of churches. It focuses on preaching pastoring and planting churches for God’s glory.
The year 2016 saw more significant developments. Pastor Dennis and leaders from other cities helped found City to City North America. This organization catalyzes gospel movements across North America. In response to Chicago’s violence Pastor Dennis co-founded Together Chicago. Together Chicago is a ministry focused on long-term city transformation.
In 2020 Holy Trinity planted Christ Church Chicago. This new congregation established deeper roots on Chicago’s South Side. The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges but also opportunities. Holy Trinity adapted by offering virtual services for a year. In April 2022 the downtown congregation moved to a new location at 218 S Wabash Avenue. This move sparked growth in children’s youth men’s and women’s ministries.
Holy Trinity Community Church continues its mission. It strives to build a church for a diverse city. It embraces people from all backgrounds. They rely on God and partner with other churches. Their hope is to be part of a movement for church planting community renewal and ultimately God’s glory.