History

The Livingston Gospel Tabernacle had its beginning when Rev. M.D. Jeffers began services in a rented hall on Main Street in 1930.  In 1933 Rev. D. R. Miller became pastor, and it was under his ministry that the church was organized.  It became affiliated on November 27, 1933 with the General Council of the Assemblies of God.  Also under his leadership, a building was purchased at 504 E. Callender Street. This was the place of worship until 1954.  Rev. Miller was pastor for nearly 19 years.

Following the retirement of Rev. Miller in 1952, the congregation issued a call to Rev. L.A. Enloe to become their pastor.  In 1953 a parsonage was purchased.  The adjoining plot of land was also purchased at the corner of 8th and Geyser Streets.  A new church building was erected on the land.  Dedication services we held on June 9, 1954. 

Rev. Everette D. Nicholson served as pastor from July 1956 until 1971.  He was followed by Rev. David Schmidt (1971-1974), Rev. Doyt C. Allen (1974-1976), and Rev. Walter L. Serdahl (1976-1980).

In September 1980 Rev. F. Duane Huie was elected by the congregation to serve as pastor.  He moved his family (wife Joan; daughters Sharon and Lisa; and son Eric) from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Livingston and began his tenure as pastor on the last Sunday of October.  A 25-year celebration was held to honor Pastor Duane and Joan.  As of this writing, Dr. Huie continues to serve as senior pastor.

Under Pastor Huie’s tenure, in October of 1987, the congregation voted to purchase 5 acres of land for $84,000 and was able to pay it off in 1991.  The site of the future Livingston Christian Center (formerly Livingston Assembly of God) is one of the most strategically located and valuable pieces of property in Livingston.

A dedication service on the future church site was held on _______________.  It was on this date that the church leadership each took a shovel and broke ground.  God was given all the glory.  The first church service in the new building took place on Palm Sunday in April 2003.  A church addition was completed _________.  The addition added a smaller chapel and conference room.  Ministries we expanded and the congregation double in size after moving into the new facilities. 

The church has always been blessed with godly men who have served as deacons. The current board consists of: Jeff Mount, Mike Filkins, Glen Bring, Dave Haug, Mike Barlow and Dave Sowell.

Livingston Christian Center is a church that believes in ministering to people.  This is reflected in the growing number of ministries and opportunities for service. Worship is a highlight of our weekly ministries.  It is a time for corporate ministry unto the Lord.  In 2001, Ambika Oberquell was hired as worship pastor.  Under her direction the worship team has ministered by performing at various local and state events: Summer fest, Women’s Retreats, parades and the Livingston Farmer’s Market to name a few.  The passion place, Master Mender, directed by Mari and Mike Filkins, had its first performance during the Easter Season of 2005.

A primary focus of ministry and Livingston Christian Center is children and youth.  Rev. Jeff Hill was hired as youth pastor and served the Jr. High school and Sen. High school age group which was called the “Salt and Light Company”.  Jeff and Jeanne were youth pastors from ________ to __________.  JJ Jennings followed the Hills’ and Jennifer Jennings served as Christian Education Coordinator.  Nathan Seiler served as youth pastor from 1999 to 2001.  In January 2006, Clayton Oberquell joined the staff as youth pastor.  The youth group is called “Reality Check”.

In 2001, Livingston Christian Center added a children’s pastor to the staff.  Dave Skattum, who was already very involved in Royal Rangers, was called by God to serve.  The church has a very active children’s church, toddler church and nursery.  The children’s Christmas Program is always an anticipated event.  Vacation Bible School with themes such as “Mega Sports Camp” and “SonGames” is an effective community outreach.  Every October 31st (Since_____) the church has sponsored a “Harvest Festival” which has proven to be a very successful community alternative to trick-or-treating.

The church has active growing Royal Ranger and Mpact Girls Club (formerly called Missionettes) programs. These meet on Wednesday nights during the school year.  Each year a week before the programs start, there is a kickoff called “What’s Fun?”  Leadership mentoring programs are offered to the “older age” groups.

Other opportunities to grow in faith include small group Bible studies.  Celebrate Recovery takes place in the Chapel and Randy Ward is the current facilitator. 

An invaluable source of service to the church is Women’s Ministries.  These ladies are an indispensable asset to many of the church functions.  A Women’s Bible study is held weekly and Jan Nutting is the current facilitator.

Fun activities include: church raft trips, mountaintop trail rides and hayrides and the Freedom Festival.  The Freedom Festivals are held over the 4th of July and are built on the church tradition of the 4th of July picnics.

On _________ Livingston Christian Center purchased an adjoining piece of property that included a rental property for future staffing needs. 

History serves as a valuable reference but our eyes are on the future. 

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, and eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.  2 Corinthians 5:1