Congregational
Church
Central
WELCOME
HONORING THE PAST, FACING THE FUTURE
Central Church faces its future with strengthened relationships and a mission
to bring God's Realm of justice and mercy into clearer focus.
While our illustrious and varied history provides a foundation on which to build, we know that God's work in our world will not be accomplished by clinging to outdated traditions that no longer serve a purpose. For instance, we moved out of a large and historic but dilapidated building and now share space with a small nonprofit group (the Woman's Club of Topeka). In this partnership, both organizations can reduce our reliance on Creation's resources and support each
other in new and interesting ways. We do draw on our history when it helps to illuminate our path into the future. Our deep roots in what is known as the "social gospel" continue to help our justice work flourish. We constantly are seeking new ways of being church in our community and in the world. It is an exciting time to be a part of Central Church!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Gage Church
ABOUT OUR PASTOR
The Rev. Gage Church was born and reared in Fremont, Nebraska, the second of three children to his parents, Mark and Donna Church.
​
Gage attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in journalism and mass communication.
​
He worked for more than 20 years as an editor and manager at newspapers, including The New York Times, USA Today and the St. Petersburg Times. He finished his journalism career in 2006 as the deputy managing editor of the Des Moines Register.
​
Gage met his husband, Tim Sharp, while they worked at the St. Petersburg Times in Florida. They have been together for 28 years and were married in Ogden, Utah, in 2013. Tim is a retired journalist.
​
Gage is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. He answered a long and lingering call to ministry, attending seminary at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in New Brighton, Minnesota. At his graduation ceremony, he was honored to receive awards for his social justice studies and preaching.
​
His church internship was with Associated Church in Owatonna, Minnesota. He served in a one-year position as chaplain resident at the Mayo Clinics and Hospitals in Rochester, Minnesota, where he ministered to patients in general medical, cancer, transplant, psychiatry and addiction units, as well as to clients in Mayo’s hospice program.
​
He was the pastor at Congregational United Church of Christ in Ogden, Utah, from 2011 to 2018. During that time, he also served on the board of directors of the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Church of Christ.
