Lawndale Community Church

What Lawndale Community Church does

Lawndale Community Church is a non-denominational Christian church founded in 1978 by Wayne and Anne Gordon in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood, on Chicago's West Side. The church provides weekly Sunday worship services at Agape Chapel (3827 W. Ogden Ave) at 10:30 AM, with concurrent live streaming via Facebook and YouTube. It serves over 1,000 worshipping families and operates an extensive portfolio of ministries spanning youth (Quest/Open Gym, The Investment basketball mentoring, Kingdom Kids, Awana), adults (Kingdom Women, Kingdom Men, Bible Study Fellowship, Grief Share, 412 Ministry), recovery (Hope House, Nehemiah Discipleship House, Wait Until the Miracle Happens), global missions (East Asia, Uganda, Togo), and Africa pastoral training.

The church has built a comprehensive community ecosystem through affiliated 501(c)(3) organizations: Lawndale Christian Health Center (180,000+ annual patient visits), Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (400+ housing units rehabbed), Lawndale Christian Legal Center, and the Africa Pastoral Training Institute (136+ graduates). Its technology stack is modest: a SnapPages website builder, a mobile app for iOS and Android, social media channels, and online giving tools. Revenue derives entirely from donations — tithes, offerings, online giving, and supporting gifts from individuals — with no paid pricing for services. Marketing and community engagement run through in-person worship, community events such as One Lawndale, social media, and sermon streaming.

Lead Pastor Jonathan Brooks ('Pastah J') succeeded Pastor Emeritus Wayne Gordon ('Coach'), who co-founded the organization and helped formulate the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA). Headcount is stated at 11-50 staff, supported by extensive volunteer infrastructure. The church is privately held, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and serves the Chicago metropolitan area with a global reach through mission partnerships and the Africa Pastoral Training Institute.

Name

Lawndale Community Church

Legal name

Lawndale Christian Community Church

Website

https://lawndalechurch.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Lawndale Community Church is a non-denominational Christian church founded in 1978 in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood, serving over 1,000 worshipping families through Sunday worship, youth programs, recovery ministries, and an affiliated ecosystem including a health center, development corporation, and legal center.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious and Community Ministry Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131), Religious Organizations (813110), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues) (BPAGAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD), Faith-Based Healthcare Ministries (Hospitals, Clinics, Medical Missions) (BPAGAJAH), Faith-Based Missions & Evangelism Organizations (Domestic & International) (BPAGAJAE), Places of Worship & Religious Facilities Operations (Cemeteries, Retreat Centers, Pilgrimage Sites) (BPAGAJAL)

Keywords

• Religious worship services
• Community development programs
• Youth ministry programs
• Faith-based recovery services
• Pastoral training

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tithes and Offerings: Church collects tithes and offerings from congregation members during services and through online giving options. Members can give online, in person, or by mail.
2. Online Giving: Donors can give online through the church's website by entering amount, frequency, and selecting a fund.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Lawndale Community Church is a non-denominational Christian church that delivers weekly Sunday worship services (10:30 AM at Agape Chapel, with live streaming) and a comprehensive ecosystem of faith-based ministry programs. Offerings span youth and adult spiritual formation, residential recovery, athletic mentoring, pastoral training through the Africa Pastoral Training Institute, and global mission outreach, supported by affiliated community organizations providing healthcare, legal aid, and housing development.

Product overview

Lawndale Christian Community Church is a non-denominational Christian church offering a comprehensive portfolio of ministry programs and services. The core offering is Sunday worship services at 10:30 AM with live streaming. The church operates multiple interconnected programs including Youth Ministry (Quest/Open Gym, The Investment, Kingdom Kids), Adult Ministry (Kingdom Women, Kingdom Men, Bible Study Fellowship, Grief Share, 412 Ministry), Recovery Ministry (Hope House, Nehemiah Discipleship House, Wait Until the Miracle Happens), Africa Pastoral Training Institute, LCCC Missions, and One Lawndale community events. Additional services include an online giving platform, media library with sermon streaming, volunteer programs, and Dance & Music Ministry. The church utilizes digital platforms including SnapPages website builder and subsplash mobile app for community engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sunday Worship Services Weekly Sunday worship services held at 10:30 AM at Agape Chapel (3827 W. Ogden Ave, Chicago) with simultaneous live streaming on Facebook and YouTube; free and open to the public.
• Youth Ministry Programs Comprehensive youth programs including Quest/Open Gym for middle and high school students, The Investment basketball mentoring program, and Kingdom Kids Sunday school for kindergarten through 8th grade.
• Recovery Ministry Faith-based recovery programs including Hope House (residential program for men re-entering society after prison or recovery from substance abuse, established 1995), Nehemiah Discipleship House, and Wait Until the Miracle Happens addiction recovery group meeting Thursdays at Lawndale Christian Health Center.
• Adult Ministry Adult spiritual development programs including Kingdom Women (Saturdays 8:30 AM at Perkins Center), Kingdom Men (Thursdays 6:30 AM at Green Tomato Cafe), Bible Study Fellowship for Men and Women, Grief Share, Small Groups, and 412 Ministry for young adults ages 18-35.
• Africa Pastoral Training Institute Theological and leadership training program for African pastors and church leaders, offering courses in Biblical theology, practical theology, and Christian Community Development, in partnership with Northern Seminary. First class launched August 2013 with 94 pastors enrolled; 136+ graduates to date.
• Online Giving Platform Digital giving system allowing members to donate online, in person, or by mail, with options to designate specific funds and set recurring giving schedules.
• Media Library / Sermon Streaming Online archive of past sermons and teaching series available for streaming, organized by series, speakers, and scripture references, supporting on-demand engagement beyond Sunday services.
• One Lawndale Community Events Annual community celebration event featuring the Unity Service, Route 66 Car Show, Blood Drive, Firehouse Block Party, and Boxing Presentation, bringing together North Lawndale and Little Village communities.
• LCCC Missions Program Global mission outreach supporting missionaries worldwide, with active partnerships in East Asia, Uganda, and Togo through OMF, Serge (formerly World Harvest Mission), and TeachBeyond.
• Dance & Music Ministry Music and dance ministry featuring the Praise Team, Choir, Band, and Dance Team, focused on lifting up Jesus Christ through spirit-led, Christ-centered music and worship.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1000 worshipping families
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Green Tomato CafecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Green Tomato Cafe opened in Fall 2012 as part of Lawndale Christian Health Center ministry to encourage connected community. Offers affordable, healthful food in a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere promoting the LCHC mission of 'Loving God. Loving People'.
• Chicago's Classic Car Show (Route 66)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2008Route 66 Classic Car Show started in 2008 to bring community together celebrating history of America's most cherished highway. Partners with One Lawndale community events.
• New Life Community ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2005Pastor Francisco 'Paco' Amador leads New Life Little Village. Pastor Paco previously worked at Lawndale Christian Health Center before being called into full time ministry in 2005.
• Harmony Community ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1991Established in April 1991 under leadership of Rev James Brooks, located at 1702 W. 14th Place in Chicago.
• Farm on OgdencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiuse facility supporting and sustaining healthy urban community by bringing food, health, and jobs together. Windy City Harvest and Lawndale Christian Health Center partnership taking 'whole person' approach to community health and wellness.
• Lou Malnati'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerContributed to neighborhood's economic growth providing employment and supporting local suppliers. Became symbol of pride, unity, and catalyst for positive change in Lawndale.
• GriefSharecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGriefShare is a ministry of Church Initiative, a nondenominational nonprofit serving more than 20,000 churches worldwide. Provides video-based curricula to help churches minister to people experiencing life crises. Lawndale hosts GriefShare support groups.
• Firehouse Community Arts CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerServed as safe haven for young people for over a decade coordinating events and art programs dedicated to preventing youth violence. Birthed from youth and young adults in North Lawndale. Partners with One Lawndale events.
• Operation BrotherhoodminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPurpose is to provide utility and energy assistance services to low income families and promote volunteerism and service to the general community.
• Christ Church of Oak BrookminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVital, non-denominational, multisite church where children, students, and adults build life-changing relationships with God and one another.
• Old St. Patrick'sminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by Irish immigrants on Easter morning 1846, one of few buildings to survive Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Oldest public building in Chicago with membership of more than 3,000 households.
• Young DoctorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity-based, longitudinal, health sciences educational pipeline program developed to introduce students from 3rd-12th grade from medically underserved areas to health science curricula and careers.
• Chicagoland Prison OutreachminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaith-based organization ministering to men and women in Cook County Jail, state prisons, and at Career Center in Roseland. Offers Christian worship services, discipleship, counseling, vocational training, and Bible studies.
• Lawndale Christian Reformed ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWarm, friendly, compassionate group of diverse believers in Jesus. Called, gathered, and sent by God's Word and Spirit to live New Life of Jesus beyond boundaries, culture, and class.
• Northern SeminarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducates Christian leaders to be spiritually mature, biblically grounded, theologically competent. Lawndale has a campus of Northern Seminary and offers Masters program in Christian Community Development.
• La Villita Community ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWill share love of God with community by providing safe and healing space where all can experience restorative presence of God through community, teaching, and worship.
• I Am AbleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNot-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization serving Chicagoland communities for nearly three decades. Founded from strengths-based perspective addressing challenges faced by African American and Latino families dealing with substance abuse, family violence, and child welfare issues.
• OMF (Overseas Missionary Fellowship)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for mission work in East Asia. Grace has been working with Unruh family for past two years launching them for missionary service in Japan through OMF.
• Operation MobilizationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal missions organization. Unruh family spent two years on Operation Mobilization's ministry ship before feeling call to long-term missionary service with OMF.
• Serge (formerly World Harvest Mission)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSerge/World Harvest Mission Uganda supports Bible translation, church strengthening, women's business programs. Drs. Scott & Jennifer Myhre represent Serge in Bundibugyo, Uganda.
• TeachBeyondminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChristian mission organization. Sodjis family serves in Togo with TeachBeyond. Church members can contribute to support their ministry.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• North Point Community Church: Strategically-focused large community church led by Andy Stanley with emphasis on leadership development and missional outreach — comparable in operational maturity and training infrastructure.
• Saddleback Church: Large community-impact church with multiple campuses, recovery programs, and global church planting — comparable in the breadth of holistic ministry and pastoral training infrastructure.
• Willow Creek Community Church: One of the largest non-denominational community churches in the U.S. with a multisite model and global leadership development focus. Comparable in scale, missional sophistication, and community outreach ambition.

Direct peers

• Old St. Patrick's Church: Named partner with 3,000+ household membership — closely comparable large urban Chicago church with strong community identity and similar scale of worshipping families.
• New Life Community Church: Listed partner with explicit Lawndale alumni leadership lineage (Pastor Paco Amador came from Lawndale Christian Health Center). Direct community church comparable serving a similar Chicago demographic.
• Christ Church of Oak Brook: Explicitly listed partner of Lawndale — a non-denominational, multisite Chicago-area church with similar community-building model. Comparable in operational scale and missional outreach philosophy.
• La Villita Community Church: Listed partner with adjacent geographic mission (Little Village / North Lawndale). Direct peer in the same community-development ecosystem.
• Harmony Community Church: Explicit partner church in Chicago. Both are inner-city community-ministry churches emphasizing holistic neighborhood transformation.

Others

• Christian Community Development Association (CCDA): Direct affiliated organization of Lawndale and the broader network of community-development churches Wayne Gordon helped found. Functions as peer ecosystem and referral network for the same missional space.
• Chicago Lawndale Christian Health Center: Wholly-owned subsidiary of Lawndale Community Church; a federally qualified health center with 180,000+ patient visits annually. Direct peer/affiliate in faith-based healthcare ministry space.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@lawndalecommunitychurch
• Facebookfacebook.com/lawndalecommunitychurch
• Xx.com/LawndaleChurch
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lawndale-community-church

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lawndale Community Church