05-19-2024 Harford Magazine - Flipbook - Page 10
S P OT L I G H T
BY MARY CAROLE MCCAULEY Harford Magazine
Mountain Christian Church performs contemporary services for an average of 7,000 worshippers each week at its four campuses. PHOTOS BY KENNETH K. LAM
Marking 200 years
Mountain Christian Church celebrates milestone serving God, community and the world
On a recent Thursday night at Mountain Christian Church,
congregants chatted happily before the religious service while
enjoying a $5 fried chicken meal.
Later, more than 200 people filed into the worship area,
munching on free bags of popcorn. This particular service was
part of the church’s six-week movie series, and pastor Ben Cachiaras expounded on lessons he found in the 2022 film, “A Man
Named Otto” — lessons about finding meaning in your life in the
face of tragedy, about finding solace by serving others, about the
healing powers of community.
More than one listener teared up during Cachiaras’ presentation. It’s all part of how his church remains relevant in 2024 as it
celebrates its 200th anniversary.
“In a way, we’re a church for people who don’t go to church,”
Cacharias said. “We’re a church for people who maybe don’t like
church. We try to teach basic Christianity: Love God, love people
and serve the world.”
Perhaps that explains why Mountain Christian Church has
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| Summer 2024 | harfordmagazine.com
Pastor Ben Cachiaras, right, greets churchgoers at Mountain Christian
Church.
