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Emporia Ministry Blog

Blogging about faith, ​spirituality and discipleship.

Latter-day Seekers in Emporia: A Welcoming Space for Spiritual Exploration

3/1/2026

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Author

 Elder Jim Fairchild

Emporia has long been a crossroads, a place where people from many backgrounds meet, learn and grow together. For those navigating questions of faith, identity, or belonging, Community of Christ Latter-day Seeker Ministry offers a gentle, open-hearted space to explore spirituality without pressure or expectation. 
Emporia CofChrist began as an emerging congregation or “church plant” sometimes referred to as a “House Church” in Emporia KS. We were meeting in group member’s homes for in-person activities but discontinued these activities due to COVID health concerns.  
Emporia Community of Christ does not currently have a church building. A church is not a building. It’s people!  We invite you to join our faith community online and through social media.  We remain dedicated to delivering meaningful ministry to this community and are excited about the prospect of returning to in-person activities in the future.
​Rooted in the values of Community of Christ, this ministry exists to support individuals, especially those transitioning from Latter-day Saint traditions, who are searching for a spiritual home that honors both their past and their unfolding journey.

 What Is the Latter-day Seeker Ministry?

Latter-day Seeker Ministry is an outreach of Community of Christ, created to welcome “seekers and spiritual refugees” who are exploring new expressions of faith. Its purpose is to offer sanctuary, dialogue and companionship to those who are navigating spiritual transition or simply curious about Community of Christ’s teachings and community life.
 
Rather than focusing on conversion, the ministry emphasizes:
 
Compassion for those in transition
 
Respect for personal spiritual journeys
 
Open dialogue and mutual learning
 
A safe space to rest, question, and explore
 
Our guiding message is simple: Come as you are. No pressure. No expectations.

 Dialogue, Not Proselytizing

​One of the most distinctive commitments of the Latter-day Seeker Ministry is its non-proselytizing approach. The website emphasizes that Community of Christ seeks dialogue and learning with all people, recognizing the value of diverse experiences and perspectives.
 
This means:
 
No pressure to convert
 
No expectations to adopt specific beliefs
 
No hidden agendas
 
Instead, the ministry offers:
 
Open conversation about faith, doubt, and life
 
Compassionate listening
 
A safe space to rest spiritually
 
An invitation to journey together, however long or short that journey may be
 
This approach reflects the church’s broader mission to “promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace,” where the welfare of one is tied to the welfare of all.

A Welcoming Presence in Emporia

For those in Emporia who are seeking a spiritual home, or simply a place to breath, our Latter-day Seeker Ministry can offer a refreshing alternative to traditional outreach. It’s a ministry built on hospitality, curiosity and compassion, where every person’s story is honored.
Whether you’re exploring new beliefs, healing from past religious experiences, or simply looking for community, you’re invited to “travel the way with us, or just sit and rest for a while.”

 Quick Start: How a Seeker Connects Locally in Emporia

​Subscribe to the Faith Unfiltered Podcast a raw, real, and radically inclusive space rooted in the mission and message of Community of Christ, where Christ-centered faith meets authentic conversation, and peace is something we practice, not just pray for.
We share a bold, inclusive vision of the gospel. This is a space for seekers, skeptics, long-time members, and spiritual wanderers alike. Whether you’ve walked with Christ your whole life, are reimagining your relationship with faith, or are exploring spirituality for the first time — there’s a place for you at the table.
Each episode brings you honest conversations at the intersection of spirituality, justice, peace, and life in community — all served with a side of caffeine and courage. Together, we hold space for both questions and convictions, sacred traditions and brave reimagining.
Faith Unfiltered Podcast
Attend a Community of Christ Sunday Worship Service (no pressure; come as you are). Emporia Community of Christ does not currently have a church building. We invite you to join our faith community online and through social media. 
 
Please visit our CofChrist website for a directory of On-line and In Person Worship Opportunities. 
CofChrist Ministry Directory
​Request a conversation with a member of our Emporia Ministry team to explore questions about belief, baptism, or community life, informal and confidential. At some point we would like to re-start in-person meetings in the Emporia KS area.
 
Leave a message for us on the CONTACT US page of this website.
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Reflecting God’s Love along our Discipleship Journey.

2/1/2026

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Author

 Elder Jim Fairchild

​Living a Christ-centered life in companionship with others is a transformative journey. It requires intentionality, vulnerability, and a willingness to embrace God’s grace. As we cultivate these relationships and embody the qualities of a Christ-centered community, we become beacons of hope and love in a world desperately in need of both. We can then walk as Christ did, serving others and glorifying God.
Jesus sets the tone for our discipleship journey with a simple yet profound command: “Love one another as I have loved you” John 13:34, NRSV. This isn’t merely an instruction; it’s an invitation to embody the sacrificial, patient, and generous love that Christ modeled. Christlike love becomes the foundation of authentic discipleship.
​The Bible emphasizes the importance of fellowship among believers. We are called to encourage one another, bear each other’s burdens, and celebrate each other’s victories. This interconnectedness strengthens our faith and provides a supportive network as we navigate life’s challenges.
Regular fellowship is vital for continued growth in the Christian faith.
The gospel of Jesus Christ emphasizes the importance of community and its role in the spiritual development of individuals. By sharing our lives with others, we create a space where we can be vulnerable and open to God's grace.  A Christ-centered community is characterized by qualities that reflect God’s love rather than the values of the world.  
​Remember that being a good neighbor involves more than just being friendly with those who live next door. It's about recognizing the worth of all persons and reaching out to those who may be different from us. By taking the time to minister with others outside our usual community or group, we can build stronger, more inclusive communities and make a positive impact in the world around us.
These qualities are not always easy to embody, but as we strive to live in companionship with Christ and with one another, we can grow in our ability to reflect God’s love to the world. Paul's words in Ephesians 4:2-3 offer encouragement: “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Walking the path of discipleship is far more than following a set of beliefs, it’s a lifelong transformation shaped by God’s love. As we grow in faith, we become living reflections of that love in a world longing for hope, compassion, and truth. Discipleship is not a destination but a journey where God continually forms us into the likeness of Christ.
 Love in action is the heartbeat of Christian witness. John writes, “Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action” 1 John 3:18 NRSV. Our discipleship becomes visible when love moves from intention to practice serving others, forgiving freely, and showing kindness even when it’s difficult.
Paul’s assurance that “nothing… will be able to separate us from the love of God” Romans 8:39 NRSV anchors our journey. We reflect God’s love because we are first held by it, steadfast, unchanging and abundant.
God’s unwavering love empowers us to love others courageously.
Love is the heartbeat of faith. To love fully with heart, soul, and mind is to let every part of life reflect devotion and gratitude. But love doesn’t stop there. It flows outward, reaching others with kindness, compassion, and grace.  When our love for God fills the heart, love for others becomes the natural response. 
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Reflecting God’s love along our discipleship journey is not about perfection, it’s about presence. It’s about showing up daily with a heart open to God’s shaping and a willingness to love others as Christ loves us. As we walk this path, we can become living testimonies of God’s love, reflected in his grace, mercy, and transforming power.
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What Gifts do You Bring?

1/1/2026

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Author

 Elder Jim Fairchild

​In the Christian tradition, Epiphany celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. It is the twelfth day after Christmas. While all Christian traditions do not celebrate Epiphany, it marks the end of the Advent Season and provides an opportunity for Christian disciples to reflect upon their moving forward in their own discipleship journey.
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​Scripture recognizes the journey of the Three Kings, Wisemen or Magi who followed a star to honor the newborn king with their treasure. As you pause to reflect on the journey of the Three Wisemen described in Matthew 2:1-12 NRSV; ask “What Gifts do You Bring?” as, it may apply to your own discipleship journey. 
​
Advent
Visit the Advent page on this website for additional information about Epiphany.
​“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
​Luke 6:38 NRS
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Sometimes our reluctance to look beyond the popular, the glamorous or what is trending in social media, prevents us from doing good works with the gifts and talents that God has given us.  We tell ourselves that what we have to offer is too small or insignificant.  Why make the effort?
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​In the parable of the talents, Matthew 25:14-30 NRSV, Jesus made it clear that the servants are made stewards over their master’s possessions, not owners. One servant was "given" five talents", another was given two, and the third was given one talent. This parable makes an interesting point; each of these amounts was given according to the abilities of the servant!  The abilities of the person and not the worth of the person.  So to whom much is given, much is expected.  Thus we are expected to give from our true capacity by sharing our time, talents, testimony and treasure to further the Mission of Jesus Christ.
“God calls whomever God calls from among committed disciples, according to their gifts, to serve and reach all humankind.”
D&C 165:4a
​We might take our cue from the wise men who were willing to leave their comfort zones in search of the king. It is amazing that the only ones who really got it right, who experienced a new vision of God, were foreigners. These wise men, as defined by Matthew, were not from the Roman or the Jewish worlds; they were from a place outside the known empire.
“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
​
  2 Corinthians 9:7 NRSV
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​Sometimes we overlook our importance to the Mission of Christ because we tend to believe that true missionary work is the responsibility of ministers and missionaries; and we have but a small and insignificant supporting role.  As Disciples, we are called by scripture to go places where we have never been, to do new things that we have never attempted and to be things we have never envisioned. 
 Christian discipleship requires whole-life stewardship modeled after the life, teaching, and ministry of Jesus Christ.  We cannot remain ‘Static” and must become “Active” in our faith. The scriptures tell us that “Faith without works is dead” James 2:17. ​
“You who are my disciples must be found continuing in the forefront of those organizations and movements which are recognizing the worth of persons and are committed to bringing the ministry of my Son to bear on their lives.”   
D&C 151:9-10
So “What Gifts do You Bring?
We invite you to share your comments below.
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    ​Please Note
    The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Community of Christ. We believe individuals should be allowed to have their own opinions and be at different places in their faith journey.

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Emporia Ministry
c/o Midlands Mission Center
7615 North Platte Purchase Drive
Kansas City, Missouri 64118
Phone: (816) 221-4450
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Copyright 2026 Midlands Mission Center
International Headquarters
Community of Christ

1001 West Walnut
Independence, Missouri 64050
Phone: (816) 833–1000 or (800) 825–2806
  • About Us
    • Enduring Principles
    • Mission Initiatives
    • Sacraments
    • Sharing in CofChrist
    • What is Church?
    • Who is Jesus Christ?
  • Worship
  • Activities
    • Abolish Poverty
    • Blessings of Community
    • Pursue Peace
    • Sacredness of Creation
  • Latter-day Seekers
  • Blog
  • Online Ministry
    • Advent
    • Lent
    • Pentecost
    • Spiritual Formation
    • Young Adult Ministry
    • Youth Ministry
  • Resources
    • CofChrist Planned Giving
  • Contact Us