Antioch Christian Fellowship originated two decades ago as a humble Bible study in Pastor Aaron's home. What started with a handful of attendees quickly transformed the pastor's living room into a spiritual haven, welcoming people from diverse backgrounds. Homeless individuals, drug addicts, and even Muslims found acceptance, creating a unique and inclusive atmosphere. As the Bible study outgrew the pastor's home, it transitioned to a thrift store and eventually blossomed into a thriving community with a mission to impact the city.

 

Antioch extended its outreach to the streets, organizing free fish fries, carnivals, and basketball tournaments, becoming renowned as the "fish-fry church." Miraculously, when the need arose to purchase a permanent building, a stranger unexpectedly donated the exact amount required. Antioch continued its growth, conducting missions across the Western Hemisphere and setting a model for urban outreach. The church hosted renowned Christian apologist Dr. Ravi Zacharias, organized large-scale evangelistic events, and established an urban garden project.

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Why the name "Antioch"?

Located in ancient Syria, Antioch was a flourishing city of the 1st Century. At the time, it was the 3rd largest city in the world. With a booming economy, it was dubbed “Antioch the Beautiful” and was one of the few cities to have elegant street lights illuminating its magnificent buildings. As a major trade city, it drew people of all classes and sorts from every land— from the intellectual elite, to the crazed criminals. So as beautiful as it was, it was also one of the most profane cities of the Greeks and Romans.

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The Antiochians were known for using their wit to coin lasting nicknames. In fact, they were the ones who first began calling the followers of Jesus, "Christians" (Acts 11:26). And as Paul began preaching the word of God in this spiritually dark city, "a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” (Acts 11:21) Revival had come, a church was born, and Antioch became the missionary headquarters for Paul as he ventured into the rest of the world.

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Today, we at Antioch Christian Fellowship find ourselves in University City/West Philadelphia—a place so strikingly similar to the ancient city of Antioch. Like ancient Antioch, University City is one of the most magnificent sections of the city; and like ancient Antioch, University City also draws people from all over the world, and is the place that births ground-breaking inventions while hosting hosting some of the most heinous crimes. It is in this “Modern Antioch,” that we labor to follow Paul’s example in our obedience to The Great Commission.