Our History

Where Love Lives and Lives Change

“Then they said to [the priest], ‘Please inquire of God to learn whether our journey will be successful.’ The priest answered them, ‘Go assured. Your journey has the LORD’s approval. God is looking out for you all the way.’” – Judges 18:5-6

Community Church of Hendersonville has long been known as a fellowship where love lives and lives change. God has looked out for this family every step of the way. Here are some highlights from our church history. For a full history, download this PDF.

  • In August 1991 almost 200 adults and children gathered for the first worship service of what would become Community Church of Christ (CCC).
  • The first two years were marked by rapid growth as attendance quickly doubled. Allen Mann served as the first minister, followed by Dr. Ken Dye.
  • By the end of the first year, the church had called its first Elders (or Shepherds) to provide spiritual direction and care.
  • By 1994 the church began struggling with its identity. It had become a beacon for the hurting and an alternative place of worship for many who had known a more rigid and fundamental religious experience. A set of core beliefs and a vision statement emerged.
  • In 1996 Dr. Dan Dozier was called to be senior minister.
  • Additional ministries were established. Mission Outreach engaged more youth and adults than ever, as Mission Discovery became the church’s flagship ministry for international missions.
  • CCC opened its facilities to the city. Home Bound Meals began preparing and delivering meals out of the building. This ministry grew to provide almost 100 daily meals to the elderly. Athletic, civic and professional groups relied on the building as the church sought to be a “church for the community.”
  • During this time, CCC continued to struggle with its identity as attendance declined. In its desire to pursue a more open, engaging presence among the larger Christian community, it was inherently perceived as somewhat separate from the Church of Christ denomination.
  • In 1999 the church reexamined its practice, doctrines, theology and traditions.
  • Late in 1999 Dr. Doug Varnado was called to be senior pastor.
  • The Shepherds believed that God was leading CCC in an emerging direction that would formally dissolve its identity as a Church of Christ and establish it as an independent, transdenominational fellowship.
  • In 2000 the church became Community Church of Hendersonville (CCH). Worship style/practice and doctrinal positions were modified. The next several years held steady growth as CCH carved a unique identity and purpose and became more active in pastoral associations and ecumenical events.
  • In 2003 the Board of Ministry Directors and a Management Team were formed.
  • In 2004 the FRIENDS ministry formed. It would grow to engage 100+ members through 10 arms of service and care both as an inreach to the church family and an outreach to the community.
  • In 2005 CCH introduced a second Sunday morning service and expanded its Global Missions Outreach to Thailand, Russia, Hungary and Central America. As the student ministry continued to grow, the church added a second youth pastor.
  • In 2007 more than 300 families called Community home.
  • As of spring 2010 approximately 1,000 people from all walks of life call CCH “home.”