Flanagan, Illinois, is a lot like many small Midwest towns, where the population is shifting, economics are diminishing, and church attendance is in rapid decline. But where others might see despair, Salem Church in Gridley, Illinois, sees hope. One of FEC’s oldest churches, Salem Church has been considering how it might effectively minister to the next generation for some time now. After 60 days of prayer, several conversations with Rocky Rocholl, FEC president, and some deep soul searching, the answer was clear. They needed to plant a church. What wasn’t clear was how to do it.

Enter Dan Mays, a seminary student who grew up in Flanagan and has a heart for renewal in his hometown. “I really felt that God was pushing me to plant a church,” says Dan. “The fact that FEC wanted to plant a church in my hometown was pretty providential.” The rest, as they say, is history. “People of our church have always enthusiastically supported individuals who have entered full-time Christian service, with missionaries all over the world,” says Mike Friend, longtime Flanagan resident and board chair at Salem Church. “Now, we can invest even more, since the mission is only five miles away.”

The new course of action blends the wisdom, maturity, and resources of a long-established church with the energy, interest, and vitality that a new church plant brings to a community. The response from Salem members has been overwhelmingly positive. “These are people who know and love Dan and his wife, Lauren,” says Mike. Offering financial support and pledging childcare workers is just the beginning. Some have even painted Dan and Lauren’s living room. “We see this as an opportunity to make a great impact for the kingdom of God,” says Stuart Rex, Salem Church pastor. The new church launches January 29, 2017, so please be in prayer, and stay tuned!