A new church plant is beginning to take shape in Northeast Fort Wayne, Indiana. Johnathan (JB) and Sara Baldwin are stepping out in faith as the lead planters of Story Church, being sent out by Pine Hills Church in Fort Wayne to start a new community built around a simple but powerful idea: every life tells a story, and when our stories are surrendered to God, they become part of His greater story.
The name Story Church reflects that vision. The Bible tells the greatest story ever written. God’s story of redemption and restoration. At the same time, every person carries their own story of joys, struggles, and questions. Story Church hopes to help people see how their personal story fits into God’s bigger narrative.
The name also connects naturally to a ministry already making an impact in the community. JB and Sara helped launch Story House Counseling, a nonprofit counseling center that has developed meaningful relationships throughout the area. Through this ministry, they have seen firsthand the deep need for spaces where people can experience healing, belonging, and hope.
The calling to plant Story Church grew during a season of transition. After more than 15 years serving in youth ministry, JB stepped into leadership at Story House Counseling. During that time, God began stirring a growing passion to plant a church. Through prayer, conversations with trusted leaders, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, it became clear that God was inviting them to step into this new work.
Story Church hopes to become a church home that truly feels like home—especially for those who do not know Christ yet, or feel “church-homeless”. The vision is to create a welcoming community where people can encounter the love of Jesus and begin to explore faith at their own pace.
Families are also central to the vision. JB and Sara desire to build a community where children grow up learning to know God, love others well, and share their faith with the people around them.
The church will likely launch in the Leo or Northeast Fort Wayne area, where the Baldwins have lived for more than six years and built strong relationships in the community. Looking ahead, they hope to see a vibrant church family raising up leaders and serving the community through creative avenues—possibly including a coffee shop, childcare ministries, and other innovative outreach efforts.
Their prayer is simple: that Story Church becomes a place where people discover that their story matters—and that God is still writing it.
