Who We Are
When you visit Central on Sunday for the first time, you will encounter a congregation that desires to be in the city for good. Worship features preaching that is both relevant to the big issues in our lives and world, and are biblically-based. Our music is excellent, featuring traditional organ and choir works, but also exceptional guest musicians including African musical ensembles, jazz pianists, and classical instrumentalists.
We are a growing church. But you will notice that our huge sanctuary (we can seat nearly 1100 people) has plenty of room for more people. We are open and affirming to all who enter our doors. You will notice a church that is made up of a great diversity of people, from different ethnic backgrounds and of different ages. Lots of people are new to downtown Saint Paul and enjoy walking to church. Others drive in from throughout the metro area.
We intend to be in the city for good. That tag line has multiple meanings. We see ourselves as an important part of our downtown neighborhood and are engaged in city issues. Central sits between the capitol and MPR, between Garrison Keillor's Lake Wobegone and the Union Gospel Mission. We are at the crossroads of real life in the city, and through our mission activities and our very presence we try to do good.
We also intend to be in the city for good. We are not planning to die, or move out to the suburbs! Like many, many downtown churches with large building facilities, Central has seen decades of significant decline in church membership and worship attendance as Saint Paul's suburbs grew. We are in an exciting period, a pivotal time to live or die. We will risk becoming the church God needs. We focus on reaching out to new people. We are committed to connecting people with God and with others. If you are looking for a church home, we are looking for you.