Church History
Senior Pastor Terry Kirk
Co-Pastor Larry Kirk
Our Mission Statement
Our Core Values

Church History
In the spring of 1983, a decision was made to plant a new church in the White Marsh area of Baltimore County. Founded by Pastor Terry Kirk, his wife Carol, and a small group of believers, Central Christian began on July 10, 1983. Shady Spring Elementary School was home for the first five years but with steady growth the need came for a permanent facility. In June 1988 Central moved to Rossville Blvd.

Armed with a desire to reach the world and make a difference in the local community, Pastor Kirk set out to connect with missions and missionaries across the globe. We believe that missions is the heartbeat of God. There is no greater need in a person's life than to know that God loves them and Jesus gave His life so they could have their sins forgiven and have a personal relationship with Him.

Many years have passed but our focus remains the same, to share the good news of Jesus Christ to anyone, anywhere, at anytime. We have traveled the world through missions support and outreaches and touched many local communities through small groups but there is still a great need.

Our target today is a generation of young believers, not looking for church as usual but for something that will bring relevance to their very existence. It's a big challenge but we serve a big God.

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Terry & Carol Kirk (Senior Pastor)

Terry Kirk, his wife Carol and family came to Baltimore in 1980. Natives of West Virginia, Terry admits that he didn't like Baltimore, having lived here for a short period of time, however, he knew that this was the direction God was leading him. He laughs now when he recalls not wanting to come back to Baltimore because over the years it has become home to his family. He truly loves the area, the food and the people, though he remains a loyal Cleveland Indians and Browns fan.

Since founding Central Christian in 1983, he has put his heart into connecting with people, helping them to move past preconceived notions about Jesus to find the reality of a Jesus that can change their life. Whether leading new converts or mature believers, Pastor Kirk is always the optimist, believing that if Jesus could change him, there is hope for everyone.

Two things have sustained Pastor Kirk through more than thirty years of ministry, his love for Jesus and his love for people. His desire to help people is a passion that has not faded with time – it has increased. Though the methods have changed, the message remains the same – Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever – and all are welcome to come (as you are) to find this Jesus, the hope of past, present, and future generations.

Terry Kirk has been the Senior Pastor of Central since it's beginning in 1983 and is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He recently had an Honorary Doctorate of Ministry bestowed upon him by Freedom Bible College & Seminary for his many years of ministry. Pastor Kirk and Carol reside in White Marsh and have two children, Larry and Carrie, daughter-in-law Pearl, and three grandchildren, Garrett, Gabriella, and Brycen.

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Larry & Pearl Kirk (Co-Pastor)

Larry Kirk, Pastor Kirk's son and Co-pastor of Central Christian, attended Jimmy Swaggart Bible College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he met and later married his wife, Pearl. Larry was raised in a Pastor's home, so he understands ministry from both sides. After a year with Masters Commission he joined the staff of Central in January 1995 and has ministered in many areas of the church.

Larry's heart is to reach a generation seeking more than empty religion, more than tradition and he desires to make Central a place his peers want to attend. As a voice for future generations, Larry believes we must meet the needs of families if we are to impact this generation with the message of Jesus.

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Our Mission Statement
Leading people to discover and fulfill their purpose in Christ.

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Our Core Values

• The Word of God is the absolute authority on life.
  God has spoken through His Word on all issues of life.
• Evangelism is relational.
  The gift of salvation is most effectively shared one on one with your circle of influence.
• People thrive best in communities.
  Small groups are a place of acceptance, caring and accountability.
• Discipleship should be functional.
  Teaching people to serve God where they are.
• Worship comes from an intimate knowledge of Christ.
  Intimacy is reserved for those who take the time to seek His face through prayer.
• Stewardship is a privilege of belonging.
  Biblical stewardship is the responsibility of every member of the family of God.
• World Missions is not a choice, it is a mandate to the church.
  We are committed to reaching beyond our family and friends to the nations of the world.

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