10/03/2026
The CCHF community grieves the passing of Rev. Allen A. Goetcheus, while also giving thanks for his life (April 5, 1941 – Sept. 24, 2026). Allen was a pastor, servant-leader, and visionary whose life showed that no one is beyond the reach of compassion, community, or hope.
In 1976, while awaiting visas to serve as missionaries in Pakistan, Allen and his late wife, Dr. Janelle Goetcheus, encountered the people of Washington, D.C.'s marginalized communities — and stayed. Together with the Church of the Saviour community, they helped create Christ House , which opened its doors on Christmas Eve 1985. Allen served as its first president for 30 years.
He also brought to life the Kairos Program, a permanent supportive housing community for men who had experienced homelessness and were living with chronic health needs. There, men found stability, purpose, and belonging, and many came to know him simply as Pastor Allen.
Allen believed healing happens not only through medicine and housing, but through relationship: sharing a meal, listening to someone's story, praying, and laughing together. He understood ministry as accompaniment — not standing above, but walking beside.
We give thanks for his faithful life and hold his family and the Christ House community in prayer. Learn more here: https://christhouse.org/remembering-rev-allen-goetcheus
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:21
