About

Started in 1961, the Columbia City Church of the Brethren is a growing body of believers in Christ.  We are one of 39 congregations of the Church of the Brethren in Northern Indiana.  The denomination is historically known for having “no creed but the New Testament”, being a historic peace church, and one that works for justice and social issues just as Jesus had done.  With over 150 members, we are a growing church with great age diversity and a family friendly atmosphere.  In 2022 we have set a record for the highest membership in the congregation’s history! Since celebrating our 50th Anniversary in 2011, we have renovated our sanctuary, upgraded our sound system and completed an addition in 2017 which doubled the size of our facility.   Many in our congregation are active at our district camp – Camp Mack, volunteer at our denominational retirement home – Timbercrest, and have many ties to our denominational university – Manchester University.  Worship is in a traditional style with some contemporary elements.  Come visit us anytime!

Leadership

Pastor Dennis Beckner

Lead Pastor

Pastor Dennis Beckner began his ministry at Columbia City in 1999.  He is a 2001 graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary and 1987 graduate of Manchester University.  Pastor Dennis is actively involved in all areas of ministry within the church.  He is an active youth leader, summer camp volunteer, and minister to all.  During the summer of 2014, Pastor Dennis journeyed to Greece, Turkey and Rome to study the Apostle Paul.

In recent denominational leadership… In 2022, he served as moderator for the Northern Indiana District of the Church of the Brethren, served as one of the advisors to the National Youth Cabinet of the Church of the Brethren for 2019 and 2020, was keynote speaker at Roundtable (the Regional Youth Conference for 6 Eastern districts of the United States) in March 2019, served as Senior High Youth Activities Coordinator for the Church of the Brethren in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2011 and 2017, and served as director for the Church of the Brethren Senior High Workcamp in Portland, Oregon in 2016 and 2017.  He served as one of the worship leaders at the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Tampa, Florida in 2015.  He also served on the board of directors for Camp Alexander Mack in Milford, Indiana from 1997-2002 and again from 2012-2019.

Community involvement includes serving as Spell Bowl Coach at Indian Springs Middle School and Columbia City High School and as a Community Mentor for a small group of freshman at Columbia City High School.  He also regularly participates with the Columbia City High School Health & Human Services Academy to provide input on area internships.  He was recognized both in 2019 and 2020 as the #1 pastor among churches in Whitley County according to a Reader’s Choice survey in the Post & Mail newspaper.

Regular office hours are:

Monday – 9:00-11:00 and 1:00-4:00

Tuesday – 9:00-11:00

Wednesday – 4:30-6:00 p.m. (Sept. – April)

Thursday – 9:00-11:00 and 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Pastors of Visitation

Bob Pfeiffer, Carol Pfeiffer and Jeff Copp serve as pastors of visitation, assisting Pastor Dennis with home, hospital and nursing home visits.

Jeff Copp

Carol Pfeiffer

Bob Pfeiffer