Our Mission Show What We Are Doing
The mission of Jesus Christ’s followers has never changed. The message is the same, but the methods are new. The call is consistent, but the context is ever-changing. Our mission statement succinctly describes our heart and our reason for being here.
To Develop Christ Followers
Our Values Show What Principles guide our decisions.
God Loves People - And So Do We – Lost people mater to God and therefore matter to the church. We must be willing to do whatever it takes to reach others, regardless of their ethnic, political, economic, or social status. All people have value. (Luke 5:30-32, Luke 15, Matthew 18:14)
Excellence –Excellence is an expectation of God which brings Him honor. We must do our very best with the resources God has given us. Proverb 27:17; Malachi 1:6-14; Colossians 3:17.
Integrity –Integrity is the result of hearts and lives that are submitted to the will of God. Romans 12:2; Ephesians 5:8-17; Philippians 4:8.
Servant Leadership –The church should be led by men and women who understand and demonstrate a servant attitude. Nehemiah 1-2; Romans 12:8; Acts 6:2-5.
Teamwork –The church should operate as a unified community of believers, each exercising their spiritual gifts and talents in a spirit of teamwork. 1 Corinthians 12, 14; Romans 12, Ephesians 4.
Culturally Relevant –The church should be culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure. Our methods must change and adapt to best minister to those in our culture. (1 Cor. 9:19-23)
Bible – We believe that God’s Word is the source of authority for living and is the catalyst for the transformation of individuals’ lives and the church. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; James 1:23-25.
Continuous Growth – We believe that following after Christ is a process of continuous growth based upon authentic relationships with God and others. Ephesians 4:25-26; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 12:1.
Our Beliefs Show What We Place Our Faith In.
- About Scriptures - We believe the Bible to be the center of true Christianity and the supreme standard by which all activities must be measured.
- About God - We believe God is the creator and Ruler of everything that exists. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.
- About Jesus Christ - We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and co-equal with God the Father. Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He lived an absolutely perfect life, setting the example for all mankind. In a blood-shed death upon the cross, Christ paid for the sins of the world. Following His burial, He bodily rose from the grave and is presently in heaven interceding for those who are committed to Him.
- About The Holy Spirit - We believe the Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every believer from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of truth, and guidance in doing what is right.
- About Humanity - We believe humanity was created to exist forever. Every person will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is heaven. Heaven and Hell are places of eternal existence.
- About Salvation - We believe Salvation is a gift from God to all people. No one can ever make up for their sin by self-improvement or good works. Only through faith in the Person and work of Christ can a person be saved from sin's penalty. We believe that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus are born again by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God and thereby become the children of God forever and are eternally secure.
- About The Christian Life - We believe those who personally receive Christ are called to grow in their relationship with God and others. This continuous growth is evidence through a life of passion for God and love for others.
- About The Church - We believe the Church to be God's agent for carrying out His mission in this age. Therefore, recognize the essential part of the Church in each individual Christian's life and we seek to unite every Christian in a covenant relationship with a local body of disciples.
- Matt Walker - Senior Pastor
- Jeremy Balch, Worship Coordinator
- Laurie Riegler, Ministry Coordinator
- Sean Gilbertson, Student Ministries
- Steve Maves, Technologies Support
Deacons:
Stephen Maves
Ron Colquitt
Larry Garrison
Dave Bartell
Joe Ferguson
Jeremy Balch
Elders:
Lenny Willan
Brian Gordon
Chris Riegler
Robert Riddle
Matt grew up in northern Indiana and graduated from Purdue University with a degree
in Mechanical Engineering. Even though Matt was heading for an engineering career,
God had other plans for his life. After graduating from Purdue he stayed in Lafayette
to work in a Campus Pastor Internship for a local church. It was through this service
and the solid teaching of the local church that God changed Matt's heart
from pursuing an engineering career to vocational Christian ministry.
He soon made plans to move to the "Big D" (Dallas, Texas) to attend Dallas Theological
Seminary where he earned his Master of Theology degree. He has served as both an
associate and senior pastor of churches in Texas, Iowa, and Indiana. Matt is married
to Anna who is also a Purdue graduate. They have a son named Grant and a daughter named Grace.
Matt's passion in ministry is to reach the surrounding community with the Gospel of Jesus. He
is also a dynamic teacher and communicator of God's Word who strives to equip believers
and train leaders so that they may, in turn, teach others to be rooted and built up in Him.
Music has been part of Jeremy’s entire life.
He was playing guitar by the age of 6 and has made leading worship his focus for the past 10 years.
Along with writing songs and leading worship, he also enjoys family time with Tristan, Joshua and Anabelle, as well as working on the many projects around the house.
Among his favorite movies are Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Incredibles and Cars.
Jeremy’s day gig is leading a team of 300 employees at 20 locations across the Ohio Valley for a global corporation.
Coordinating everything is Laurie’s talent and that is just what she does.
Trained as a nurse and a mother of 3, Laurie is gifted to helping others with compassion and love.
Whether it’s scheduling a ministry or organizing a fellowship, Laurie is on the frontlines providing leadership and encouragement.
Laurie enjoys long talks over coffee, long walks with her husband, Chris and a good "girls flick."