The History of Christian Life Center

People. Ministry is about people, and the history of Christian Life Center reflects our commitment to building relationships rooted in Christ. The congregation began in September of 1968 and met at Belle Haven School on Free Pike. Under the leadership of Pastor Roger Hillegas, the church continued to meet at that location until a new building could be completed.

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Northwest Assembly & Pastor Ridge

By March of 1970, our church family had grown and expanded enough to establish our first building, then known as the Northwest Assembly of God. It was built on three acres of property located on Denlinger Road.

In July of 1971, Pastor David Ridge began his ministry, along with his wife Jan and their daughter. By the late 70’s the church had experienced significant and steady growth, expanding to over 500 people. For 19 years Pastor Ridge successfully ministered at what became known as Christian Life Center, reaching our community and strengthening believers in their spiritual walk.  


In 1981 Christian Life Center (formally Northwest Assembly of God) permanently relocated to our address at 3489 Little York Road.  This move allowed CLC to continue to grow and to reach more people in our community.


Little York in the late 70s


Little York currently


Ground breaking for the 1000 seat sanctuary and educational facility was held on February 10, 1980 with construction starting the next day.

After Pastor Ridge’s departure in the summer of 1990, CLC was in search of a new leader who would continue to develop a God-sized vision for our growing congregation of about 1,000 people.  Pastor Stan Tharp and his wife Joyce had served CLC for seven years.  Pastor Stan was the Ministry Administrator.


Under construction - 1980

He was overwhelmingly approved by a special vote of the Church Council to be Christian Life Center’s Senior Pastor on August 26, 1990.  He and his wife Joyce and their two children have served in this position since that time.

In the mid-1990’s the Lord led Pastor Stan and our church leadership to develop a standard of Excellence in Ministry that defined CLC’s values and vision.  This effort birthed several partnerships with inner city churches and ministries to our urban community.

 Pastor Stan

/files/Pics/Facilities/History/Ministry-Center.jpg To accommodate our continued growth, Christian Life Center added a 35,000 square foot expansion to its original Little York Road facilities.  This addition added a gymnasium, classroom and office space that was greatly needed and is used extensively by the variety of ministries at Christian Life Center.  It was our commitment to build this building and not incur any long-term debt.  With the faithful giving of our congregation, this was made possible.

At the turn of the millennia (2000-2001) we found it necessary to provide a helpful place for our growing youth ministry to meet.  With the faithful giving of our congregation, and significant volunteer help, we were able to add our 10,000 sq. foot Student Life Center to CLC’s campus…again without incurring any long-term debt.  The “Student Life Center” is a tremendous tool for our students in particular, as well as a variety of the ministries of our church.

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Student Life Center  

Recently, CLC became “one church in several locations.”  In February of 2004, “CLC Fairfield” was launched at the Regal Cinemas behind the Mall at Fairfield Commons. Then, in April of 2010, "CLC Piqua" was launched in the new Cinemark Theater. These new extensions of the CLC family offer dynamic worship services in a non-traditional environment, and are attracting a new generation of people longing for a relationship with God in an authentic community of believers.

Near the end of 2011, we completed an exciting new addition to the Little York campus. The 27,000 square foot Connection Center added some exciting and much needed spaces to our facility, including a dedicated Cafe, 6 new discipleship classrooms, a 250 seat auditorium, and tons of relational, relaxing "hang out" space.

Finding new and innovative ways to share the message of God’s love and grace is the legacy of Christian Life Center.  As we continue to touch lives in our community, we invite you to become a part of our history!