Meeting community needs in Missouri
FEC ministry in Missouri churches is as varied as the state itself. Whether our congregations are reaching out to long-established, rural communities or more urban centers, FEC pastors share their heart to meet the needs around them. For some, such as Bethel Mennonite Church in Fortuna, Dave Zapf, pastor, ministry means developing deep and lasting personal relationships with their friends and neighbors. Here, members cut firewood for widows, prepare meals for those in need, and run an after-school Kids Klub once a week during the school year.
Others, like Harrisonville Community Church, are in transition as they seek to build ministry environments that are safe, strategic, and significant for the next generation. According to Mark Goeglein, pastor, that means new systems, strategies, and facilities that not only make people feel welcome but also inspire disciples to love Jesus and love others. They’ve recently revamped their children’s ministry format to make sure ministry extends beyond the Sunday morning experience, and they’ve trained 30-plus leaders in GROUPS@HCC, which launched in February. And don’t forget the new Grief Share group that offers care and support to people who have lost someone they loved.
Bottom line: FEC churches are equipping their members to reach their community, whether those neighbors drive a horse and buggy or a four-wheel drive. For a complete listing of FEC Missouri churches, including links to their websites, visit fecministries.org/churches.
