About Diakonia Christian Church
Rooted in Scripture. United in Love. Called to Serve.
A Legacy of Faith and Service
Diakonia Christian Church was founded in 1987 by a small group of twelve families who shared a common vision: to establish a Christ-centered community of faith rooted in the biblical principle of diakonia — the Greek word meaning "service" or "ministry." What began as a humble gathering in the living room of founding pastor Reverend Thomas A. Mitchell has grown into a vibrant, multi-generational congregation of over five hundred members.
In those early years, the church met in various locations throughout Springfield, Illinois — from rented storefronts to school gymnasiums — before acquiring its current property on Grace Avenue in 1994. The original building was a modest structure, but the passion of the congregation was anything but small. Through sacrificial giving and countless hours of volunteer labor, the church built a sanctuary that could seat three hundred, a fellowship hall, classrooms, and offices.
Throughout the 1990s and into the new millennium, Diakonia experienced steady growth — not merely in numbers, but in spiritual depth and community impact. The church launched its first international mission partnership in 1998, sending a team to serve in Honduras. This commitment to global outreach has since expanded to include partnerships in eight nations across Africa, Asia, and Central America.
In 2005, under the leadership of Pastor David Harmon, the church undertook a major expansion, adding a new worship center, a youth wing, and a community resource center that provides job training, English language classes, and after-school tutoring for underserved families. This expansion reflected the church's unwavering commitment to meeting both the spiritual and practical needs of those it serves.
Today, Diakonia Christian Church continues to fulfill its founding vision — proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, nurturing believers in their faith, and extending God's love to the community and the world. We remain committed to the truth of God's Word, the power of prayer, and the call to serve others with humility, compassion, and grace.
"The church does not exist for us. We are the church, and we exist for the world." — Reverend Thomas A. Mitchell, Founding Pastor
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ through the faithful preaching of His Word, the authentic worship of His name, the loving care of His people, and the compassionate service of our community and world.
We exist to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ — helping them discover their God-given purpose, develop their spiritual gifts, and deploy their lives in meaningful service to others.
Our Vision
To be a transformative community of faith that reflects the love, justice, and mercy of God in every aspect of life — a church where every member is equipped, empowered, and engaged in the mission of God.
We envision a church that faithfully holds to the authority of Scripture while boldly engaging the culture with the hope of the Gospel; a church that is known not only for what it believes, but for how it loves.
Our Core Values
Biblical Authority
We submit to the Bible as the inspired, inerrant Word of God and the final authority for all we believe and practice. Scripture shapes our theology, our worship, our decisions, and our daily lives.
Authentic Worship
We gather to worship God in spirit and in truth, offering Him our highest praise through music, prayer, the proclamation of His Word, and the observance of the sacraments He has ordained.
Sacrificial Service
Following the example of Christ who "came not to be served, but to serve," we are committed to meeting the needs of others — both within our congregation and throughout our community.
Intentional Discipleship
We are dedicated to helping every believer grow toward spiritual maturity through small groups, mentoring relationships, Bible study, and the practical application of God's truth.
Gospel-Centered Community
We cultivate deep, authentic relationships where people are known, loved, and supported. The Gospel transforms how we relate to one another — with grace, honesty, forgiveness, and mutual care.
Great Commission Focus
We are compelled by the love of Christ to share the Gospel locally and globally, partnering with missionaries and organizations to advance God's kingdom among all peoples and nations.
Our Pastoral Team
Our pastors and ministry leaders are devoted servants of God who shepherd the flock with wisdom, humility, and a deep love for the Word of God and His people.
Pastor David Harmon
Senior PastorPastor David has served as the senior pastor of Diakonia Christian Church since 2002. He holds a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. His passion is expository preaching and equipping believers for ministry. He and his wife, Sarah, have three children.
Pastor Rebecca Osei
Associate Pastor of DiscipleshipPastor Rebecca joined the Diakonia staff in 2014 and oversees our discipleship and small group ministries. She holds an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Wheaton College Graduate School. Her heart is to see every member of the church growing in their knowledge of God and living out their faith in everyday life.
Pastor James Whitfield
Youth & Family PastorPastor James has led our student ministry since 2017. He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and Dallas Theological Seminary. His energy and creativity have made a profound impact on the next generation of believers at Diakonia. He and his wife, Emily, have two young daughters.
Daniel Park
Worship DirectorDaniel has been leading the worship ministry at Diakonia since 2011. A classically trained musician with a degree in Music Ministry from Belmont University, he blends traditional hymns with contemporary worship in a way that unites our multi-generational congregation in heartfelt praise.
Maria Gonzalez
Director of Community OutreachMaria joined the Diakonia team in 2015 to lead our growing community outreach initiatives. With a background in social work and a deep love for serving the marginalized, she coordinates our food pantry, clothing ministry, job training programs, and partnerships with local nonprofits.
Elder Board
Governing BodyOur church is governed by a board of eight elders — men and women of proven character and spiritual maturity — who provide oversight, accountability, and spiritual direction for the congregation. They meet monthly for prayer, deliberation, and decision-making.
Plan Your Visit
We would love to welcome you this Sunday! Here is what you can expect when you visit Diakonia Christian Church for the first time.
When You Arrive
Our hospitality team will greet you at the front entrance, help you find your way around, and answer any questions. First-time visitors receive a welcome packet with information about our church and a small gift.
During the Service
Our worship services are approximately 75 minutes and include congregational singing, a time of prayer, Scripture reading, and a sermon from God's Word. We observe the Lord's Supper on the first Sunday of each month.
For Your Children
We offer a safe, engaging environment for children ages birth through 5th grade during both Sunday services. Our volunteers are background-checked and trained. A nursery is available for infants and toddlers.
A Timeline of God's Faithfulness
Church Founded
Reverend Thomas A. Mitchell and twelve founding families establish Diakonia Christian Church in Springfield, Illinois. The first services are held in the Mitchell family living room with an average attendance of thirty-five people.
First Permanent Location
The church rents a storefront on West Adams Street, giving the growing congregation its first dedicated worship space. Attendance reaches 75 people and the first Sunday School classes are launched for children and adults.
Grace Avenue Property Acquired
Through sacrificial giving and a generous land donation, the church acquires its current 5-acre property on Grace Avenue. Construction begins on a 300-seat sanctuary, fellowship hall, and educational wing. The congregation provides thousands of hours of volunteer labor.
New Building Dedication
The new building is completed and dedicated to the glory of God. Over 400 people attend the dedication service, including civic leaders and representatives from partner churches across the state.
First International Mission Trip
A team of fifteen church members travels to Honduras for a two-week mission trip, establishing a partnership with a local church and orphanage in Tegucigalpa that continues to this day.
Leadership Transition
Reverend Mitchell retires after fifteen years of faithful service. Pastor David Harmon, then serving as Associate Pastor, is called by the congregation to serve as Senior Pastor. Under his leadership, the church will enter a new season of growth and community impact.
Major Expansion Project
The church completes a $3.2 million expansion project, adding a new 600-seat worship center, a dedicated youth wing with gymnasium, a community resource center, and additional classrooms. Membership exceeds 300 families.
Community Resource Center Opens
The Diakonia Community Resource Center begins offering job training, GED preparation, ESL classes, and after-school tutoring. In its first year, the center serves over 200 individuals from the surrounding community.
Grace Pantry Established
The church launches the Grace Food Pantry to address growing food insecurity in Springfield. The pantry operates every Saturday morning and serves an average of 80 families per week through partnerships with local farms and food banks.
Online Ministry Launch
Diakonia begins live-streaming services and launches a podcast of weekly sermons. The church's online reach grows rapidly, with viewers in 14 states and 6 countries tuning in regularly to worship with the Diakonia family.
Resilience Through the Pandemic
During the global pandemic, the church pivots to fully online services while mobilizing volunteer teams to deliver groceries, medications, and encouragement to elderly and homebound members. Over 150 care packages are delivered in the first month alone.
Building Fund Campaign Launched
The congregation launches a $1.2 million Building Fund to renovate the Fellowship Hall, add four new classrooms, and upgrade building systems. As of early 2026, the fund has reached 78% of its goal.
Continuing the Mission
Today, Diakonia Christian Church is a vibrant community of over 500 members with 35 active ministries, 8 international mission partnerships, and a growing commitment to serving Springfield and the world with the love of Christ.
Church Facilities
Main Sanctuary
Our 600-seat worship center features cathedral ceilings, stained glass accents, a custom-built pipe organ, state-of-the-art audio and visual systems, and a spacious choir loft. The sanctuary is designed to create an atmosphere of reverent worship and intimate community.
Fellowship Hall
The heart of our community gatherings, the Fellowship Hall accommodates up to 250 people for meals, receptions, and special events. The adjacent commercial kitchen is staffed by volunteer teams that prepare meals for church dinners, funeral receptions, and community outreach events.
Children's Wing
Eight dedicated classrooms, a nursery with cribs and rocking chairs, a pre-school area with age-appropriate learning centers, and a large indoor play space. Every room is equipped with security cameras and check-in/check-out technology. Colorful murals and Bible story artwork make the children's wing a joyful space.
Youth Center & Gymnasium
A full-size gymnasium with basketball courts, the youth center also includes a game room with table tennis and foosball, a student lounge with comfortable seating, a small stage for youth worship, and a dedicated meeting room for small groups and Bible studies.
Community Resource Center
Two classrooms for ESL and job training courses, a computer lab with twelve workstations, a tutoring center with private study rooms, and a reception office. The Resource Center serves hundreds of community members each year regardless of their church affiliation.
Prayer Chapel
A quiet, beautifully appointed space seating 30, the prayer chapel is open daily for personal prayer and meditation. With soft lighting, cushioned kneelers, and a simple wooden cross, the chapel provides a sanctuary of peace for those seeking time alone with God.
Denominational & Partnership Affiliations
Diakonia Christian Church is an independent, nondenominational evangelical church. While we are not formally affiliated with any denomination, we maintain fraternal relationships with several respected organizations that share our commitment to biblical orthodoxy and global mission:
- National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) — We are a member church of the NAE, a network of over 45,000 churches across 40 denominations united in their commitment to the authority of Scripture and the proclamation of the Gospel.
- Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) — Diakonia holds ECFA membership, demonstrating our commitment to financial transparency, integrity, and accountability in all stewardship matters.
- Gospel Alliance International — We partner with Gospel Alliance International for our overseas mission efforts, receiving logistical support, training resources, and field coordination for our mission teams.
- Springfield Ministerial Alliance — We are an active member of the Springfield Ministerial Alliance, collaborating with over 60 local churches on community service projects, interfaith dialogue, and shared worship events such as the annual National Day of Prayer gathering and the community-wide Thanksgiving service.
- Illinois Bible College & Seminary — We maintain an educational partnership with Illinois Bible College, offering tuition assistance to members pursuing ministry training and hosting seminary extension courses on our campus each semester.
We believe that authentic Christian unity is built not on organizational affiliation but on shared devotion to the person and work of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures. We joyfully partner with all who confess Christ as Lord and seek to advance His kingdom in the world.
Community Partnerships
We believe the church exists not only for its members but for the community it serves. Through strategic partnerships with local and global organizations, we multiply our impact and extend Christ's love to those in need.
Springfield Rescue Mission
We provide monthly meal service, volunteer staffing, and donated clothing to Springfield's largest homeless shelter. Our teams serve breakfast to over 200 guests on the second Saturday of every month.
Habitat for Humanity
Diakonia has sponsored the construction of three Habitat homes over the past decade and provides volunteer crews for build days throughout the year. Church members have contributed over 3,000 volunteer hours to Habitat projects.
Central Illinois Food Bank
Our Grace Pantry operates in partnership with the Central Illinois Food Bank, receiving weekly deliveries of fresh produce, dairy, and shelf-stable goods to distribute to families in need every Saturday morning.
Springfield Public Schools
Through our "Adopt-a-School" initiative, we partner with Lincoln Elementary to provide school supplies, volunteer tutors, mentors for at-risk students, and financial support for field trips and classroom resources.
The Pregnancy Resource Center
We support the PRC with financial contributions, baby supply drives, and trained volunteers who provide counseling, parenting classes, and material assistance to families facing unplanned pregnancies.
Veterans Support Network
Our veterans' ministry partners with the Veterans Support Network to offer monthly fellowship dinners, pastoral counseling, and practical assistance — including home repairs and transportation — to local veterans and their families.
About Diakonia Christian Church
What does "Diakonia" mean?
Diakonia is a Greek word meaning "service" or "ministry." It appears throughout the New Testament to describe the selfless, Christ-like service that believers are called to render to one another and to the world. Our name reflects our core conviction that the church exists to serve — both God and neighbor.
Is Diakonia part of a denomination?
No, we are an independent, nondenominational evangelical church. However, we maintain partnerships with organizations like the National Association of Evangelicals and the Springfield Ministerial Alliance. We gladly cooperate with all Bible-believing churches for the advancement of the Gospel.
What Bible translation do you use?
Our pastors primarily teach from the New International Version (NIV) and the English Standard Version (ESV), though you are welcome to follow along in any faithful translation. We believe the Bible in its original manuscripts is the inspired, inerrant Word of God.
How can I become a member?
We offer a four-week "Discover Diakonia" class quarterly, which covers our beliefs, mission, values, and membership expectations. After completing the class, meeting with a pastor, and affirming our statement of faith, you are welcomed into membership during a Sunday service.
Do you offer counseling services?
Yes. Our pastoral staff provides confidential counseling for individuals, couples, and families dealing with spiritual questions, grief, marriage challenges, addiction, and other life issues. We also maintain a referral network of licensed Christian counselors in the Springfield area. Contact the church office to schedule an appointment.
How is the church governed?
Diakonia is governed by an Elder Board — a group of eight men and women elected by the congregation who meet the biblical qualifications of church leadership outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. The elders provide spiritual oversight, accountability, and strategic direction, while the pastoral staff manages day-to-day ministry operations.
Do you practice the sacraments?
We observe two ordinances instituted by Christ: Believer's Baptism by immersion and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is offered to all who profess faith in Christ. The Lord's Supper is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month and is open to all born-again believers, regardless of church membership.
Is the church accessible?
Yes. Our entire campus is wheelchair accessible, including the sanctuary, fellowship hall, restrooms, classrooms, and the community resource center. Handicapped parking spaces are located adjacent to the main entrance. We also provide assisted listening devices and large-print bulletins upon request.