09/06/2026
Happy Sunday 🌴✝️ Today we are spotlighting Christ Central Church off Mount Sterling Avenue in Titusville. Originally known as Central Baptist Church of Indian River City, today they operate the longstanding Liberty Lodge Ministries, helping men overcome addiction through Christ alongside the operations of the historic congregation.
Christ Central was founded in 1955 when a Sunday school began meeting in the local community house through the vision of Dr. W.S. Hardin, then pastor of First Baptist Church of Titusville. The congregation was formally constituted as Central Baptist Church in 1958 with 43 charter members and Rev. M.H. Carter as its first pastor. By the time the Titusville centennial history was published in 1967, the rapidly growing church reported 616 members and a Sunday school enrollment of 645. They maintain affiliation with the Southern and Florida Baptist Conventions today.
David Cox is the pastor here and also serves as executive director of Liberty Lodge Ministries. His own ministry grew out of his experience overcoming alcoholism and drug addiction nearly 30 years ago. Cox committed his life to helping other men struggling with drugs and alcohol, eventually becoming a certified addictions counselor and ordained pastor. Today he preached a message from Matthew 6:26 titled “Is God Big Enough?” on faith and the problem of perpetual unbelief. “God takes care of the birds, he takes care of the sparrows. You being God's son or daughter, why would he not take care of you?” Pastor Cox said.
Liberty Lodge is a residential Christian recovery program operating alongside the church. The ministry traces its roots to the Overcomers Ministry founded at Christ Central by Ron and Janis Ross in 1983 to help individuals and families affected by addiction and dysfunctional upbringings. Liberty Lodge followed in 1985, initially providing aftercare before developing what the ministry calls a “regeneration” program, drawing from the promise of becoming a new creation in 2 Corinthians 5:17. During today's service, the congregation celebrated Aaron's graduation from the eight-month first phase of the program.
Christ Central is a mission-minded congregation, participating each year in children's programs, pastors conferences, mission trips, camp training and construction projects. Much of its international mission work is centered in Palacagüina, Nicaragua, where the congregation works alongside a local church.
Christ Central Church meets at 10am on Sunday mornings.
