Mission
People helping people grow generations of Christ-led influencers.
Values
- We live like God owns everything.
- We mentor across generations.
- We think like everyday missionaries.
- We tell life-changing faith stories.
- We create fun, refreshing experiences.
Our Story
Today, Sherwood Oaks Christian Church is one of the largest churches in southern Indiana, but it hasn’t always been that way. In fact, Sherwood Oaks had a rather small beginning with only five members. The tiny seed, planted in 1962, is growing into "oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified" (Isaiah 61:3).
Our founding minister, Herb Lentz, had a dream to see a vital, growing and maturing church where God and His Word were honored.
1962/1963
Second Christian Church was founded and met in a union hall on Howe Street, led by Minister Herb Lentz. In 1963, the church relocated to the corner of Walnut Street and Grimes Lane, changing their name to Walnut Street Christian Church.
Funds were tight for the church during this time. Everything done at and for the church was done by volunteers. About the early years, Martha (Clark) Hoover, a charter member, says, "We all worked hard. Sometimes it was a struggle. But it was worth it."
1973
The church relocated to Winslow Road and was renamed Sherwood Oaks Christian Church.
1981
Former Minister Tom Ellsworth began his ministry and the church began to grow again. (There were six ministers between the founding to now.)
"Everyone here is so sincere. You have integrity. You have real leaders. There has always been a lot of unity," says Elsie Ellsworth. Her dream is that Sherwood Oaks "remains faithful and united and that we continue to work together. We have to remain faithful to the Word, especially in today's world. We can continue to make an impact and reach more and more people that need to hear God's message."
1987
A new building project was completed, including a larger worship area. Additionally, the church purchased 20 acres on East Rogers Road (our current location for the Bloomington location).
1991
A fire destroyed part of the Winslow Road building.
1993
Services began in the new (current) church on Rogers Road.
2008
Sherwood Oaks opened The Pourhouse Cafe on Kirkwood Avenue.
2012
Sherwood Oaks celebrated our 50th Anniversary.
In a society where we hear “no” an awful lot (with so much negativity and criticism), Sherwood Oaks is different. Simply put, we are a people that say YES! For many years, we focused on saying yes to God’s love, and we say yes to loving and serving others.
2015-2016
Sherwood Oaks opened our second and third locations, Bloomington West and Bedford; began Iglesia Hispana (our Spanish-Language service); began socc.tv; and became a debt-free congregation.
2020
Tom retired as our lead Minister. Shawn Green began as our lead Minister. Tim Thompson began as our lead Minister of the Bedford campus.
The Covid-19 pandemic moved Sherwood Oaks services online exclusively for 17 weeks, uniting all our campuses into one church experience. We launched the Acts245 fund in response to Covid-19, giving away over $230,000 in Covid-relief.
2022
Sherwood Oaks Bloomington West transitioned to their own autonomous congregation, Westside Community Church, on July 1, 2022.