A group of Illinois pastors from different denominations have been working together to plant new churches in rural communities. Three of those churches joined together to plant Redeemer Community Church in Minonk, Illinois. Now, at two years old, Redeemer Community Church has endured a pandemic and moved into the historic downtown in Minonk. Redeemer Community [...]
The global pandemic and the quarantine have changed many aspects of our lives, but it has not changed the human need to connect and feel a sense of belonging. Through 2020, Caleb Barrows and Paul and Ashley Brandes found their new church, King’s Cross, Lyons, Kansas, still drew people into a community despite the quarantines. [...]
In November, the people who planted Kingdom Collective came together to celebrate what God has been doing this year. Volunteers and staff dressed up and shared a catered meal to highlight the occasion. Launched on November 7, 2020, Kingdom Collective, Fort Wayne, desires to reach people who aren’t currently being reached by a church. Their [...]
We recently sat down with Robert Rodriguez, lead pastor of Solid Rock church in West Unity, Ohio. We talked about life, ministry, diversity, and melting pots. But mostly we talked about the centrality of the Gospel and being a part of Jesus' family.
A Lifeway research study conducted in 2019 found that fewer churches were started in 2019 than the number of protestant churches that closed their doors for good. However, the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches (FEC) lives by the calling to “establish reproducing churches worldwide” and adds new churches every year. Currently, 10 active church plants are [...]
Twice each year, FEC welcomes pastors and church staff who are newer to the fellowship by hosting a two-day event called “Welcome to FEC: The Leaders Orientation.” In October, 25 new staff heard about the history, beliefs, vision, and heart of FEC. Ryan Woldman attended the recent Leaders Orientation after joining the staff at Pine [...]
Pastors face unique financial challenges. In 2016, the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) published a study that focused on financial health for pastors in the United States. According to their research: 90% of pastors are experiencing financial stress (which has increased since COVID-19). 60% of pastors receive no retirement, healthcare or employee benefits. 30% of [...]
We recently sat down with Marc Buwalda - Lead Pastor of Pine Hills Kendallville. As the church is about to turn seven years old. We talked about what he has learned along the way.
Most pastors work long hours and regularly deal with difficult issues. The pandemic shutdown, racial strife, and political division of 2020 added more challenges. The statistics on pastor burnout reveal that “75% of pastors report feeling ‘extremely stressed’” (soulshepherding.org). This summer, two FEC churches, Pine Hills Kendallville and Evermore Community, invested in their pastors by [...]
A new church is reaching out to the Galesburg, Illinois, community: The Ascent Church. The campus was established by Northwoods Church, Peoria, in 2011, and today, it is still reaching the same community with the same values: Lifting up Jesus, teaching God’s Word, being led by the Holy Spirit. In 2018, Northwoods encouraged the site [...]
It is our pleasure to invite you to the Credentialed Workers Appreciation Dinner held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. (EDT) at Ceruti’s Diamond Room, 6601 Innovation Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46818 (view Google map). Our hope is that this evening will be a time of fellowship and encouragement for you and your spouse.
Sue and I are looking forward to a great evening together!
Here are the details:
Date and Time: Wednesday, July 24, 6:00 – 8:00 PM Eastern (salad service begins at 6:30 pm).
Location: Ceruti’s Diamond Room, 6601 Innovation Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46818 (view Google map)
Cost: FREE for credentialed individuals and spouse ($30 per individual if not FEC credentialed).
Menu: Choose between four meal options (including gluten-free and vegetarian choices).
Dinner Choices:
Greek Chicken (GF)
Honey Dijon Mixed Greens (GF)
Parmesan Yukon Baby Potatoes (GF)
Marinated Grilled Asparagus (GF)
Bistro Filet
Honey Dijon Mixed Greens (GF)
Parmesan Yukon Baby Potatoes (GF)
Marinated Grilled Asparagus (GF)
Black & Blue Salmon (GF)
Honey Dijon Mixed Greens (GF)
Parmesan Yukon Baby Potatoes (GF)
Marinated Grilled Asparagus (GF)
Vegetarian option: Squash Bowl (GF)
Honey Dijon Mixed Greens (GF)
Marinated Grilled Asparagus (GF)
Dessert table includes:
Coffee Cake Assortment
Chocolate Drizzle Cheesecake
Chocolate Peanut Butter Mouse (GF)
Coffee, iced tea, & water included with all options.
