Commonway Church began as a Saturday night young-adult worship gathering in 2005 at Union Chapel in Muncie, Indiana. What started as a weekly rhythm slowly became a community—people worshiping, serving, and learning to follow Jesus together. Over eight formative years on Union Chapel’s campus,
that core grew and matured as God clarified our heart for the city.
In July 2011, we launched as an independent church in downtown Muncie, meeting on Sundays at the Horizon Convention Center. Those mobile-church years were full and fruitful. We built children’s and student ministries, equipped small groups, mobilized volunteers, and formed partnerships with local outreaches and with Food for the Hungry in Nicaragua. There were plenty of milestone moments, each one reinforcing a simple conviction: love God, love our neighbors, and be a faithful presence in Muncie.
In 2018, we leased and renovated a 40,000-square-foot former J.C. Penney building a few blocks from the convention center—known in recent years as Charles Court. Having a permanent home created room for ministries to grow and for people to connect throughout the week. In 2021, we purchased the
building and continued to share it with two organizations that serve our neighbors: a government agency assisting people with disabilities, and Recovery Café, a growing addiction-recovery community that meets several times a week on our lower level. Opening our doors this way lets the building serve the city every day, not just on Sundays.
Like many churches, we’ve navigated change in recent years, including our founding pastor, Matt Carder stepping back in 2023 due to illness. We’re deeply grateful for Matt’s leadership over the years and for his vision that helped start Commonway Church. In August 2024, we began a new chapter as a church when Steve Gill became the next Lead Pastor of Commonway. Steve brings his ministry experience, a passion for reaching the unchurched locally and globally, and a desire to help others experience the hope that is found in Jesus.
Through it all, the heart of Commonway remains strong: clear in vision and identity, led by a committed staff and capable volunteer leaders that are focused on serving our city and beyond. We’re grateful for the story God is writing in Muncie, and we’re excited for what’s next.
