Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Welcome to South Elkhorn Christian Church
South Elkhorn Christian Church has served the Lexington, KY community since 1970 as an inclusive, welcoming congregation rooted in Christ's teachings. Our mission centers on inspiring a deeper way of love through extravagant welcome, spiritual resilience, and courageous conversations. We celebrate diversity in age, background, and belief while maintaining traditional worship elements alongside contemporary expressions.With weekly communion, immersive baptisms, and a commitment to scriptural exploration, we foster spiritual growth through Sunday worship, children's programs, and community outreach initiatives like our annual Fall Festival and Drive-Through Bethlehem. Our open-table philosophy ensures all feel embraced regardless of personal circumstances, creating a space for meaningful connections and transformative faith journeys.
Services
Sunday Worship
Preschool Programs
Community Events
Online Giving
Children's Ministry
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We practice open-table communion welcoming all participants
- Our inclusive community embraces diverse backgrounds and beliefs
- We offer age-specific children's programs and preschool education
- Our congregation combines traditional worship with contemporary elements
- We host impactful community events like Fall Festival and Drive-Through Bethlehem
Associations and certifications
- Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Services
Sunday Worship
Our weekly worship experience blends traditional elements with contemporary expressions. Services feature diverse musical styles from choir and organ to modern instrumentation, followed by a scripture-based message. Communion is celebrated weekly using grape juice and bread, with all visitors welcome to participate. The service lasts approximately 75 minutes and includes a children's moment before dismissal for age-specific programming.
Preschool Programs
Little Elks Preschool provides faith-based early childhood education for ages 2-5. Our curriculum combines play-based learning with spiritual development, operating September through May. Classes follow a structured schedule with enrichment activities, maintaining small student-teacher ratios for personalized attention. Registration is based on age as of August 1st, with limited spaces available each academic year.
Community Events
Annual community events include Fall Festival with 170+ craft booths and Drive-Through Bethlehem during the Christmas season. These family-friendly gatherings provide opportunities for connection and service, featuring seasonal activities and outreach programs. Events are designed to engage both church members and local residents in shared experiences of celebration and giving.
Children's Ministry
Our children's ministry offers age-appropriate spiritual development from nursery through grade 3. Sunday School sessions and Worship & Wonder programs use Montessori-inspired methods to explore scripture. Nursery care is available for infants and toddlers, while older children participate in interactive learning experiences that complement adult worship services.
Online Giving
Secure online giving options allow contributions through credit/debit cards, recurring gifts, or mobile payment apps. The Venmo and Give+ platforms support flexible donation scheduling while maintaining donor privacy. Designated giving options include annual pledges, building funds, and special projects, with complete transaction history accessible through our member portal.
People
Michael Swartzentruber
Senior Minister
Lead pastor with over 20 years of pastoral experience, guiding South Elkhorn's spiritual vision since 2015. Specializes in inclusive ministry and community engagement, holding a Master of Divinity degree from Lexington Theological Seminary.
Questions
What denominational affiliation does South Elkhorn Christian Church have?
We are part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination, maintaining covenant membership while practicing open communion and inclusive ministry.
Are children welcome during worship services?
Yes! Children participate in the initial worship portion, including a children's moment, before being dismissed for age-specific programming during the main service.
What preschool programs are available?
Little Elks Preschool offers classes for ages 2-5 with structured learning and spiritual development, operating September through May with limited enrollment spaces.
How can I contribute financially?
We accept online giving through credit cards, Venmo, and mobile apps, along with traditional check donations. Recurring gift options and designated fund contributions are available.
What community events do you host?
Our annual Fall Festival features 170+ craft booths, while Drive-Through Bethlehem offers a Christmas story experience. Both events welcome community participation.
Is there a dress code for services?
No formal dress code exists - wear whatever makes you comfortable. You'll find both casual and formal attire among our congregation.
Videos
