Our Story

C3 Church opened its doors on Long Island in the winter of 1989 – the first C3 Church in North America. Former Senior Pastors Mark and Bernadette Kelsey came to America from Oxford Falls, Australia, home of C3 Church Global, a global movement of approximately 300 churches. Under the leadership of Mark and Bernie, C3 Church grew rapidly with a membership that extended well beyond the local community.

Today, C3 Church is led by Senior Pastors Phil and Denise Buechler. Pastor Phil is a leadership consultant, founder of Phil Buechler Ministries and a gifted teacher of God’s word. He has planted and coached the planting of churches in spiritually difficult parts of the world, including the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Phil has spoken to leadership groups in all walks of life, has appeared before audiences at the Pentagon, has addressed White House staff prayer meetings, and has spoken on radio and television shows in the United States and abroad.

Under Phil and Denise’s leadership, C3 Church is embarking on an exciting new phase of growth. Their vision is to see people connected to God, to each other, and to the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit. They know that’s the best way to help people step into God’s plan for their lives, find their place helping others, and live their best lives possible.