Downtown

Located at323 E. Locust StDes Moines, IA 50309Get Directions
Meeting onSundays at 8am, 9:15am, 10:45amWhat to Expect
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Easter

Join us for our Easter series beginning March 17th
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Featured Events

Community Group Leaders Class

Our next Community Group leaders class will begin on April 7th, 2024. This four week class is designed for men who would like to learn more about what it means to be a Community Group Leader at Walnut Creek Church.

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Membership Class

Interested in becoming a member? Our next Membership Class will be hosted for four consecutive Sunday mornings, beginning April 7th at the 301 Ministry Center of Walnut Creek Downtown from 9:15 to 10:30.

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Coming Soon: Mission to the City

Each year we partner with local non-profits and reach out to our neighbors and spend a few days serving our city. This years dates will be May 24th and 25th. Stay tuned for more!

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Looking for more?

Check out our sign-ups page to learn more and register for any and all of our ministries and upcoming events!

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Community Groups

Community Groups are vital in helping relationships flourish in the life of the church. In community we are known, loved, cared for, encouraged, and challenged to be more like Christ.
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Want to go deeper?

Want to get Baptized?

Considering baptism? We believe baptism is a foundational step of faith for every follower of Christ. If you would like to get baptized please fill out our Baptism Interest Form and we’ll get in contact with you about next steps.

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Want to serve?

Our church wouldn't function without our incredible serving teams. Whether they're welcoming guests or running events, fixing faucets or calming babies, playing worship music or ministering to middle schoolers, our teams are the backbone of our church. Discover which team is the best fit for your skills and gifts.

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Want to stay in the loop?

Sign up for our weekly email and stay up to date on whats going on at Walnut Creek Downtown!

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Beyond the Pulpit

Check out our podcast to learn even more about Walnut Creek Downtown. Have a question we could address on the podcast? Send it to us via text or email by clicking the buttons below.

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Kids' and Student Ministry

Kids' Class

On Sunday mornings we offer classes for kids pre-K through 5th grade during our services. The time includes games, crafts, and a lesson.

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Kids' Club

Walnut Creek Kids' Club is a fun, weekly event teaching children from age 3 through 5th grade to learn about God, love God, and grow in friendship with one another through learning the Bible, singing, and playing games.

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Walnut Creek Students

Our middle and high school ministry is designed to help students grow their faith, character, and relationships. Students hear the gospel and connect with God, other students, and committed leaders who want to help them follow Jesus.

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Global Ministries

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Walnut Creek Global

The mission of Walnut Creek Global is to mobilize, train, send, and support long-term cross cultural workers around the world, while making disciples of unreached peoples in Des Moines.

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The 1040 Initiative

The 1040 Initiative is an opportunity to gift $10.40 per month to the ongoing monthly support of Walnut Creek Church Goers. Partners in The 1040 Initiative will receive a quarterly newsletter. This newsletter will contain specific prayer requests for all our Goers, information on upcoming global events, helpful missions resources, and more.

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Campus Fellowship

Grow in your walk with Christ and connect to other students through Bible studies, hangouts, and other activities on campus.

Care Ministries

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Premarital Counseling

Our premarital counseling team at Walnut Creek Church is here to help you and your partner build a strong foundation for a marriage rooted in love and faith. Whether you're already engaged or seriously dating, we offer a warm and supportive space to grow together.

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re|engage

re|engage brings couples together to learn about God’s design for marriage and apply biblical principles for building a healthy relationship.

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Set Free

Set Free Groups are designed to equip and help those who are struggling with maintaining sexual purity. Set Free Groups offer an empowering space for dedicated accountability, learning, and spiritual growth.

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GriefShare

GriefShare is a 13-week program to support and help those who have lost a loved one.

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Upcoming Events

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Mar21

Midweek | Campus Fellowship

Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 5:30 PM
Mar24

WCD Weekend Services

Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 8:00 AM
Mar28

Midweek | Campus Fellowship

Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 5:30 PM
Mar29

Fatherhood Forum

Friday, March 29, 2024 at 6:00 AM
Mar29

Moms' Circle 23/24

Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9:45 AM
Mar31

WCD Weekend Services

Sunday, March 31, 2024 at 8:00 AM

Live Stream

The best way to experience church is in person, but stream it here if you can't make it!

Live Stream
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Sunday Worship Music

Listen along to all the songs we're singing at our services!

I'm new here. What should I expect?

What is it like to attend a church service?

Our services tend to last an hour. Since you may find yourself meeting a few new people and wanting to chat, plan for an hour and a half. Our teaching is Gospel-focused, biblical exposition that is culturally relevant and worthy of note-taking. We have study guides at our Welcome Center for each sermon series, and we recommend you check out our Media page to get a sense for what to expect.

Is there an option to watch the service online?

We livestream all of our services through YouTube for those who are not able to join us in person.

We also post all of our sermons online, so you can refer back to them or share them with a friend or family member. Check out our Media page!

What should I wear?

Our services are casual, so wear what you’re comfortable in and you’ll fit right in.

What type of music do you sing?

Our bands play a variety of modern worship music and updated hymns. We try to make our time of singing together truly Christ-focused and powerful. Music has always been an important part of our church, and we think you’ll be encouraged by what our team puts together each week.

Where do I park?

Church Parking Lot
We have free off-street parking available on the south side of our building (on the corner of E. 4th & Walnut Street). There are also parking spots along the alley that is adjacent to the west side of our building. Both areas can be accessed from Walnut Street. Our main entrance faces Walnut Street.

Lot & Garage Parking
Beginning Saturday, April 3, 2021, a new parking lot will be available for weekend services just west of the church in the previously vacant lot. Please do not park in the LifeServe Blood Center lot east of the church unless you have a red Walnut Creek sticker. If you have any questions, please stop by the Welcome Center for more information.

You can also view an interactive map with the nearest parking garages and their rates & current capacity here.

Street Parking
Street parking is free during our Sunday services. Spots are often available on E. 4th between Walnut Street & Court Avenue.

On other days, meter parking is $1.25 per hour (up to 4 hours) near the church and $0.25 per hour (up to 12 hours) a block south of the church along Court Avenue. Meter parking is free on the Court Ave, Locust St., & Grand Ave. bridges.

Is there anything for my kids?

We want to provide your child a safe, fun, Christ-centered place to learn and grow during our weekend services. You are free to check your child in and drop them off at class Each of our services begin with a few worship songs. You are free to bring your child with you to the beginning of the service and then after opening music take your child to Kids Class. Signage will guide you to where you’ll check-in your child. We offer classes for children 3 years old through 5th grade.

How do I check-in my child for nursery or Kids' Class?

For the safety of your child and your own peace of mind, we use a child check-in system for our nursery and Kids' Classes. You'll find a volunteer standing near the check-in stations to assist you if you have questions. Our check-in system will print a name tag sticker for your child and you’ll receive a unique security label that you’ll use to pick up your child after the service has concluded.

Is there childcare available for my baby?

If you have a child who is 2 years old or younger, you can check them into our nursery. Our volunteers are all well-trained regular attenders of Walnut Creek who have passed a background check. In the nursery there is a changing table, diaper bag storage, diapers, wipes, and pretty much anything else you could need for your little one. If you have any questions, simply ask to speak to a nursery supervisor.

Are there accomodations for nursing moms?

Yes, you'll find a quiet and comfortable nursing mom's room located next to our nursery and kids' classes. We understand taking an infant to church can be a challenge and we want to make it as easy as possible. Feel free to use this room where you can watch the service and care for your baby.

What is the health policy for nursery/kids' classes?

To ensure the health of every child in our nursery, we ask that you keep your child with you during the service if you suspect them to have a serious communicable illness or disease.

A few things to consider:

  • Have they had a fever in the past 24 hours?
  • Have they vomited or had diarrhea in the past 24 hours?
  • Do they have a severe cold or cough?
  • Do they have green or yellow mucus?
  • Are there any unexplained rashes or inflammations of the skin?
  • Is there any redness or discharge from the eyes?

The Team at Downtown

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Bob Joy

Pastor
Photo of Bruce Crane

Bruce Crane

Pastor
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Dan Rude

Pastor
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Derek Wadle

Pastor
Photo of Jess Richey

Jess Richey

Pastor
Photo of Joel Swanson

Joel Swanson

Pastor