Plan Your Visit
We are so glad you're considering a visit to Diakonia Christian Church. Here's everything you need to know to feel at home.
You Belong Here
Whether you're searching for a new church home, exploring the Christian faith for the first time, or simply looking for a meaningful community, we want you to know that there is a place for you at Diakonia. We are not a perfect church — but we are a church filled with imperfect people who have been transformed by the perfect love of God, and who are learning every day to extend that love to one another and to the world.
We understand that visiting a new church can feel intimidating, and we want to ease any anxiety you might have. This page is designed to answer your questions and help you feel prepared and comfortable for your first visit. If you have additional questions that aren't addressed here, please don't hesitate to contact us — we're happy to help.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Worship Service Times
Sunday Morning
9:00 AM — Traditional Worship
Our first service features a more traditional style of worship with hymns accompanied by organ and piano, a full choir, and an atmosphere of quiet reverence. This service is beloved by many of our long-time members while also welcoming newcomers who appreciate the richness of traditional church music and liturgy.
Sunday Morning
11:00 AM — Contemporary Worship
Our second service features a contemporary worship band leading modern praise songs alongside classic hymns set to new arrangements. The atmosphere is warm, energetic, and welcoming. Both services include the same sermon, Scripture reading, prayer, and communion (first Sunday of each month).
Wednesday Evening
7:00 PM — Bible Study & Prayer
Our midweek gathering is a more intimate setting for in-depth Bible study, discussion, and corporate prayer. Current study: the book of Romans. This is a wonderful way to go deeper in God's Word and build relationships with fellow believers. Childcare and youth programs available.
What to Expect Step by Step
Parking
We have a spacious free parking lot with over 200 spaces. Look for the designated "First-Time Visitor" parking spots near the main entrance — marked with gold signs. Handicapped parking is available adjacent to the front doors. If the main lot is full, overflow parking is available across the street with a crosswalk and parking attendants to assist you.
Arrival & Greeting
When you arrive, greeters wearing gold lanyards will be stationed at every entrance to welcome you, hand you a bulletin, and help you find your way. Don't be shy about asking questions — our greeters love meeting new faces! They can direct you to the sanctuary, restrooms, children's check-in, the Welcome Center, and more.
Welcome Center
Visit the Welcome Center in the main lobby to pick up a first-time visitor packet. The packet includes an overview of our church, a campus map, information about small groups and ministries, a pastor's letter, and a small gift. Our welcome team volunteers can answer any questions and help you find the right seat, classroom, or program for your family.
Children's Check-In
If you have children ages birth through 5th grade, head to the Children's Ministry desk near the Welcome Center. A friendly volunteer will walk you through our secure check-in process. Each child and parent receives a matching security tag for safe pickup. All children's volunteers are background-checked. Our nursery, preschool rooms, and elementary classrooms are clean, colorful, and staffed with trained, caring leaders.
Worship Service
Services are approximately 75 minutes. We begin with 20–25 minutes of congregational worship through music — a blend of hymns and contemporary praise songs. This is followed by announcements, a time of greeting, and corporate prayer. The sermon is typically 35–40 minutes and is rooted in expository teaching from the Bible. An offering is collected, but visitors are never expected to give.
Communion
On the first Sunday of each month, we observe the Lord's Supper (communion). This is a time of remembrance and celebration open to all born-again believers, regardless of church membership. If you are not yet a believer, you are welcome to observe this meaningful time. Communion elements (bread and juice) are distributed to the congregation in the pews.
After the Service
After worship, we invite you to stay for coffee and refreshments in the lobby — it's a great time to meet people, ask questions, and learn more about the church. Our pastors and elders make themselves available after every service and would love to meet you personally. There is no pressure to commit to anything — simply come, see, and experience the warmth of our church family.
Next Steps
If Diakonia feels like home, we'd love to help you get connected! Fill out a visitor card (found in the pew pocket or at the Welcome Center) and we'll follow up with you by email or phone — whichever you prefer. We also invite you to attend our four-session "Discover Diakonia" class, offered quarterly, which covers our beliefs, mission, and how to become a member.
Visitor FAQs
What should I wear?
Come as you are! Our congregation wears everything from jeans and sneakers to suits and ties. There is no dress code — we care more about your presence than your outfit. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.
How long are the services?
Approximately 75 minutes. Services begin promptly at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. We recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early to get settled in, especially on your first visit.
Is there a nursery?
Yes! We have a fully staffed nursery for infants and toddlers (birth through age 2) during both Sunday services and Wednesday evening Bible study. The nursery is located in the Children's Wing and is equipped with cribs, rocking chairs, and age-appropriate toys and activities. All nursery volunteers are background-checked.
What do you do for children?
Diakonia Kids offers age-appropriate programming for children ages 3 through 5th grade during both Sunday services. After worshiping together with the congregation for the opening songs and prayer, children are dismissed to their classrooms for a Bible lesson, worship, crafts, and activities. Check-in and check-out is managed through a secure tag system.
What about teenagers?
Students in grades 6–12 worship with the main congregation on Sunday mornings. Our primary youth gathering, Diakonia Students, meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:30–8:30 PM and features worship, teaching, small groups, and games. Youth are also welcome to serve on the greeting, tech, and worship teams on Sundays.
Do I need to bring a Bible?
Bibles are available in the pew pockets for your use during the service. Scripture references are also displayed on-screen during the sermon. You are welcome to follow along on your phone or tablet as well. Our pastors primarily teach from the NIV and ESV translations.
Will I be singled out as a visitor?
Absolutely not. We do not ask visitors to stand up or announce themselves during the service. We want you to feel comfortable and at ease. You will, however, receive a warm greeting from those sitting near you during our brief fellowship time.
Is the building wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Our entire campus — sanctuary, fellowship hall, restrooms, classrooms, and community resource center — is fully wheelchair accessible. Handicapped parking is located at the main entrance. Assisted listening devices and large-print bulletins are available upon request at the Welcome Center.
Is there parking for large vehicles?
Yes. We have designated spaces for vans and buses in our overflow parking area. If you're bringing a group, please contact the church office in advance so we can reserve parking and prepare additional welcome materials.
Can I watch the service online?
Yes! We live-stream both Sunday services on YouTube and Facebook. If you'd like to watch before visiting in person, you can find our live streams on our YouTube channel. Archived sermons are also available on our Sermons page and podcast.
Directions to Diakonia
Diakonia Christian Church
1450 Grace Avenue
Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: (217) 555-0142
Email: office@diakoniachurch.org
Driving Directions
From I-55 (North or South):
Take Exit 94B for IL-29/S 6th Street. Head south on S 6th Street for 1.2 miles. Turn right onto Grace Avenue. The church will be on your left after 0.4 miles. Look for the gold "Diakonia Christian Church" sign at the entrance.
From I-72 (East or West):
Take Exit 91B for Dirksen Parkway. Head north on Dirksen Parkway for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto Stanford Avenue, then right onto Grace Avenue. The church is 0.6 miles ahead on your right.
From Downtown Springfield:
Head south on S 5th Street for 0.8 miles. Turn right onto Cook Street, then left onto S MacArthur Blvd. After 1 mile, turn right onto Grace Avenue. The church is 0.3 miles on your left.
We Can't Wait to Meet You
Have questions before your visit? Want to let us know you're coming so we can roll out the welcome mat? Reach out to us — we'd love to hear from you.