God called the Ragers to the Circle City to help make it new.
New Circle Church was born from a vision placed in the hearts of the Rager family. In 2013, they moved from Western Kentucky to the Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood of Indianapolis with a dream: to establish a diverse, welcoming church that embraced people of all ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, and spiritual journeys.
Their vision was for New Circle Church to reflect the power of the gospel — breaking barriers, welcoming all, and bringing healing to brokenness — ultimately contributing to the renewal of Indianapolis, affectionately known as the "Circle City."
Mapleton-Fall Creek was the ideal starting point. A historically African-American neighborhood experiencing an influx of young families, it was also dotted with abandoned homes in need of repair — a community rich in diversity and full of opportunities to serve neighbors in tangible ways.
The Ragers began having gospel conversations with neighbors and strangers alike, often over coffee at the local Starbucks. Partner churches sent mission teams to improve streets, homes, and parks, while block parties helped foster connection and hospitality throughout the area.
As interest grew, small groups began forming. People came to faith and embraced the church's vision. One of the most remarkable early developments was a small group on the IUPUI campus downtown that grew from three members to nearly 30 within just a few months — laying the foundation to formally launch New Circle.
In the spring of 2014, New Circle held its first Sunday evening worship gatherings at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Mapleton-Fall Creek. Recognizing the need for a Sunday morning service, the team secured a gathering space at The Oaks Academy, just a few blocks south. In September 2014, New Circle Church officially launched as a congregation.
Even in those early days, members used their God-given talents to establish mercy ministries: a fitness program for low-income neighbors, a recovery ministry for women in addiction, outreach to the homeless, a community garden, and a homework help club.
By God's grace and the commitment of its members, New Circle Church has continued to grow — spreading love throughout Indianapolis, hosting Community Groups across the city, and partnering with local nonprofits to make a tangible difference in people's lives.
Though much has changed since those early days, the mission remains the same. New Circle exists to see Indianapolis transformed and renewed — to unite people, celebrate the city's strengths, and work toward restoration. Above all, the church wants every person in Indianapolis to know that God loves them and that they are always welcome at New Circle Church.
Their vision was for New Circle Church to reflect the power of the gospel — breaking barriers, welcoming all, and bringing healing to brokenness — ultimately contributing to the renewal of Indianapolis, affectionately known as the "Circle City."
Mapleton-Fall Creek was the ideal starting point. A historically African-American neighborhood experiencing an influx of young families, it was also dotted with abandoned homes in need of repair — a community rich in diversity and full of opportunities to serve neighbors in tangible ways.
The Ragers began having gospel conversations with neighbors and strangers alike, often over coffee at the local Starbucks. Partner churches sent mission teams to improve streets, homes, and parks, while block parties helped foster connection and hospitality throughout the area.
As interest grew, small groups began forming. People came to faith and embraced the church's vision. One of the most remarkable early developments was a small group on the IUPUI campus downtown that grew from three members to nearly 30 within just a few months — laying the foundation to formally launch New Circle.
In the spring of 2014, New Circle held its first Sunday evening worship gatherings at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Mapleton-Fall Creek. Recognizing the need for a Sunday morning service, the team secured a gathering space at The Oaks Academy, just a few blocks south. In September 2014, New Circle Church officially launched as a congregation.
Even in those early days, members used their God-given talents to establish mercy ministries: a fitness program for low-income neighbors, a recovery ministry for women in addiction, outreach to the homeless, a community garden, and a homework help club.
By God's grace and the commitment of its members, New Circle Church has continued to grow — spreading love throughout Indianapolis, hosting Community Groups across the city, and partnering with local nonprofits to make a tangible difference in people's lives.
Though much has changed since those early days, the mission remains the same. New Circle exists to see Indianapolis transformed and renewed — to unite people, celebrate the city's strengths, and work toward restoration. Above all, the church wants every person in Indianapolis to know that God loves them and that they are always welcome at New Circle Church.
We want New Circle Church to be a vital part of the story of Indianapolis,
and we want you to be a part of that story too!
