“Looking for a new church or just visiting Westmont?” That’s a question ChurchAngel.com poses. Right here stands Westmont Alliance Church. It is ready to welcome you. Let’s discover its story and significance in Westmont Illinois.
Westmont Alliance Church is part of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. This group emphasizes Jesus as Christ. They believe He is God in human form. He sacrificed himself for our eternal life. The Alliance’s teachings are based on the Bible. They compel members to serve God and others.
Once upon a time Westmont Alliance Bible Church closed. That was a little more than a year ago. The building owners planned a Christian space for the common good. Christian Missionary Alliance gave the property at 117 N Cass Ave to Peace of Christ Community Church. They were allowed to use the building.
Josh Lance is a CPA and Peace of Christ Community Church member. He explained the potential of the space. It had meeting rooms computers and a game room. There was also a kitchen a dining room and a large auditorium. It could seat over 300 people. Lance said their church couldn’t fully use the space. It did not make sense for the building to sit empty. Instead they created a community place.
After some improvements The Commons was founded. It aimed to be a Christian space for the common good. Lance oversees the operations. Volunteers from Peace of Christ Community Church help.
The Commons hosts various activities. There are concerts Bible studies and theater groups. They also have home school lessons and sign language classes. Even a children’s clothing swap takes place here.
Judah McNeil uses The Commons for therapy sessions. He works with young men who have autism or bipolar disorder. McNeil likes the space’s multi-functionality. It has resources for creative projects. They work on YouTube videos and art projects. There is also a game room for relaxation.
Lance mentioned future plans. They considered hosting more concerts and plays. They are working with the Progressive Village Performance Network.
There is a fee to use the facility. However it is negotiated with each group. The money covers upkeep. Lance emphasized their mission. They aim to give back to the people of Westmont not make money.
The Christian and Missionary Alliance has a rich history. In 1881 Albert Benjamin Simpson started an aggressive spiritual movement. It aimed to reach overlooked nonbelievers in New York City. Seven people attended the first meeting. Simpson formed the Gospel Tabernacle. It welcomed people of all backgrounds. He also opened the Missionary Training Institute.
By the late 1800s the society sent 180 workers overseas. Paul Rader led the Alliance after Simpson. Despite challenges the Alliance expanded its mission fields. Robert A Jaffray an Alliance missionary died in a Japanese prison camp.
In 1974 the C&MA became a denomination. A W Tozer pastored the Southside Alliance Church in Chicago. Louis L King promoted the indigenous church strategy. This helped overseas churches become self-sufficient.
Today the C&MA is multicultural. It plants churches and builds schools. They also run clinics hospitals and community centers. The Alliance partners to support families affected by crises. Local churches support the global mission. They do this through prayer and giving.
Westmont Alliance Church represents this legacy. It embodies community service and faith. It stands as a testament to the Alliance’s enduring mission.