Since November 13, 1960, we have been located just south of 32nd and Indiana serving God and the people of the Joplin area. Yet, it may be that your personal knowledge of our congregation is limited. Of course, the first impression of who we are as a church is often conveyed through the Sunday worship services in which we seek to glorify our Heavenly Father and preach the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. However, there is much more to the Park Plaza picture than just the Sunday snap shot. We hope you will be interested in a wider perspective.

HERITAGE

The Park Plaza congregation is rooted in a heritage dating to the early 1800’s known as the Restoration Movement. This movement was spawned by a number of Christian leaders, representing a variety of denominational backgrounds, who believed that unity in Christ could be restored by focusing only on the blueprint for the Lord’s church as found in the pages of the New Testament. The response to this simple plea was huge, and by the mid-1800’s, the Restoration Movement was the fastest growing religious movement in America.

Today, there are more than 5,000 congregations across our country that still embrace this heritage, including many which are mega-churches. These congregations are autonomous, led by the elders who are a part of that church family rather than by leaders from a denominational headquarters. Seeking to follow Biblical teaching and example, we practice baptism by immersion and share in the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. We do not think we are the only Christians, but we do seek to be Christians only. Most of all, at PPCC, we want our highest priority to be our love for God and for people. When all is said and done, nothing is more important. (Matthew 22:34-40; John 12:34-35)

PREFERENCE

Although we share many core beliefs and practices with other Restoration and Bible-based congregations, we find ourselves increasingly on a different path in one noticeable category. We prefer the traditional worship and music format.  This choice is not based on scripture or any judgment of right or wrong. It is simply our preference to mostly utilize and feature the traditional music of the church in our times of praise and worship. We have found that many Christians still cherish this approach and are looking for this option. At PPCC, our ongoing plan is to stay close to the traditional worship path.

FOUNDATIONAL BELIEFS