Who We Are

Peachtree Christian Church is a Cathedral for the City, a Disciples of Christ congregation in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. For over a hundred years our calling has been to seek and sharing the heart of Christ in the heart of the city. Everything here, our worship, our welcome, our work in Atlanta, grows from that.

What we believe, and how we hold it

We practice belonging before believing. You do not need to have your faith figured out, or your questions answered, to have a seat at this table. You are welcome first, exactly as you are.

We hold a humble theology. We do not all think the same way about every question, and we have decided that is not a problem to solve but a sign of a living church. Conviction and humility can share a pew.

We believe in gospel transformation, that broken things can be made whole, and that the work of Christ is not abstract but real in the lives of real people. And we believe worship is not the end of the morning but the beginning of the week. We move from table to service, letting what we receive in the sanctuary send us back into the city to love our neighbors.

Our story

Founded in 1925, Peachtree Christian Church dedicated its historic sanctuary in 1928 with a pledge of radical hospitality. Our founders built this sanctuary in the Gothic Revival style, with stained glass and soaring space, on Peachtree Street. The building has since been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. But the most important thing they built was not the architecture. It was a promise. They dedicated this church with these words:

"No unkind word will ever be said here of anybody's race or religion. No uncharitable judgment will ever be passed here upon any fellow human being. We want you to feel that this Church belongs to you, whether or not you definitely belong to it, and that nowhere else in all the world could you be more welcome than you are here."

That was a radical thing to say in 1928, in this city, in that decade. It is still the standard we hold ourselves to. The cathedral was always meant to be a place of belonging before believing, and the promise made at its dedication is the same promise we make to you today.

Where we are going

We are entering our second century. We are rooted in the faithfulness that built this place, and alive with what God is doing next. The next hundred years will look different from the last, but the calling does not change. We will keep seeking and sharing the heart of Christ in the heart of the city, deepening discipleship, widening service, and being a spiritual center whose influence reaches far beyond our walls.

Who leads us

Our ministers and staff serve this calling alongside a congregation of lay leaders, volunteers, and members who make it real week to week. You can meet the people who lead worship, formation, music, and outreach on our Ministers and Staff page.

Come and see

The clearest way to know who we are is to be here. We worship every Sunday at 9 and 11 am, and all are welcome. Plan your visit, or simply come.

Where We are going in OUR NEXT CENTURY.

A Letter from Our Leadership

Dear Peachtree Family,

We stand on the precipice of a new age—our second century of ministry in an era where church attendance is not a given. Yet, we are anchored in a profound historic mission.

In 1928, when racial hatred divided our nation and spiritualism was the fastest-growing faith, our founders knew how to meet their moment. They built a Cathedral for the Whole City, declaring: "No unkind word will ever be said here of anybody's race or religion... we want you to feel that this Church belongs to you, whether or not you definitely belong to it."

They met their moment with bold hospitality. Now it's our turn to meet ours.

A century ago, it was a time of great division and political polarization—and strange, uncanny spiritualities were on the landscape. Today’s challenges are different, but the moment feels just as urgent.

But we carry a legacy of dreaming big and sharing the heart of Christ right here in the heart of the city.

This strategic plan, developed over many months through the shared work of staff, lay leadership, and our congregation, charts our course for the first five years of our next century. We believe this Christian community is life-giving and has something meaningful to offer. Together, we are called to invite more people into this way of life—to worship, to serve, and to belong.

As Jay Padgett, our Board Chair, wrote: "We have seen the vision, faith, and leadership of those who came before, those who built a Cathedral for the city that has stood for 100 years. Now that responsibility has passed to us."

Join us as we meet this moment together.

In faith and anticipation,

Rev. Dr. Jarrod Longbons, Senior Pastor
Jay Padgett, Board Chair
The Strategic Planning Committee

OUR MISSION

To Seek and Share the Heart of Christ in the Heart of the City

OUR VISION

We are a growing, diverse community finding unity in Christ and around His table, where all can bring their authentic selves, grow, and connect with Christ and each other.

Rooted in a life-giving theology of unity, liberty, and charity, we are committed to hospitality and the flourishing of all as we pursue justice, mercy, and peace—inviting the world from Midtown and beyond into God's Kingdom.

Our VALUES

  • A place to belong for a lifetime of faith

    • We invite you to belong and experience Christ at His table

    • Our church fits into your life; you don't have to fit into ours

    • We know that finding a place to belong helps seekers come to faithful belief

  • Building relationships that honor diverse thought

    • In essentials, unity; in opinions, liberty; in all things, charity

    • We welcome a diversity of thought with Christ as our key

    • We make room even when we disagree, as Christ has made room for us

  • Worship that drives compassionate action

    • We experience God first in worship and prayer

    • Our worship drives our service to neighbors

    • What starts at Christ's table extends to the streets

  • New life leading to healing and growth

    • New life is found in Jesus Christ

    • Continued growth and healing of broken relationships

    • Lives change by following the way of Jesus

STRATEGIC GOALS FOR 2025-2030

Believing that our Christian community is life-giving and has something truly meaningful to offer, we commit to GROWTH across four key areas:

1. GROW WORSHIP & MEMBERSHIP

Creating a culture of joy, gratitude, and flourishing

2. GROW DISCIPLESHIP DEPTH

Building spiritual formation across generations

3. GROW SERVICE IMPACT

Expanding our love for Atlanta and beyond

4. GROW INFLUENCE WITH THE BROADER CHURCH

Multiplying ministry and partnerships

IMMEDIATE WAYS TO ENGAGE:

  • Join a Small Group

    Peachtree’s Small Groups are year-long small groups that meet regularly for fellowship, study, and spiritual formation. These groups use church-sponsored content and meet in homes or around the city. Click here to email us and let us know you’re interested in a Small Group. Share your name and where you live, and we’ll follow up as groups take shape across the city.

    Join a Small Group

  • Serve Our Neighbors

    Partner with our Outreach ministries locally and globally — whether volunteering with a food partner, supporting community care, or serving through one of our mission partners.
    Click here to email us to express interest in Outreach. Include your name and the types of service you’re interested in, and we’ll connect you with upcoming opportunities.

    Serve Our Neighbors

  • Support the Vision

    Make Peachtree your priority in charitable giving,

    Support the Vision

  • Invite Someone

    Invite someone you care about to worship or to learn more about Peachtree.
    Click here to email us and we’ll send you a shareable invitation with service times, directions, and helpful details.

    Invite Someone