Living jesus everywhere
We are a diverse family of ordinary people following Jesus and finding hope.
Join us Sundays at 9:00 and 10:45am.
Be. Make. Multiply.
The good news of Jesus is transforming our lives! As it does, we are sent by Jesus to be good news in our city and our world. Together we are learning to be, make, and multiply disciples of Jesus in our own homes, neighborhoods, and networks to God’s glory and the world’s good.
Who We Are
The Fellowship Story
Fellowship Missionary Church began in 1982 with a handful of pioneers, none of whom was older than 40, but all of whom were committed to bringing the light of the gospel to southeast Fort Wayne. This dedicated, inexperienced bunch of dreamers stepped out in faith… and God blessed.
Over the years, the southeast part of our city – our neighborhood – began to change. Factories shut down and business moved. The local shopping mall closed. The tax-base was compromised and schools struggled. Thousands fled to the suburbs. The FMC leadership began to ask, “Should we move too?”
But God made it clear: “I planted you in this part of your city to love these people, to bring my light and life to all who live here.” So we stayed… and God has blessed.
Intentionally embracing the beauty of the diversity of our neighborhood, today Fellowship is a multi-cultural, multi-generational, missional family that is seeking to love God, love others and live Jesus everywhere we go.
We are excited to step into our future together under the visionary leadership of Senior Pastor Joe Johns. After over 34 years of faithful, fruitful ministry, founding Pastor Dave DeSelm passed the baton to Pastor Joe in January 2017, becoming only the second Senior Pastor in Fellowship’s journey. We look forward to the next chapter in the story of the Fellowship Family!
Visit UsWhere We're Going
You have a mission. We can equip you for it.
We believe when Jesus gave His Great Commission to “Go and make disciples of all nations" (Mt. 28:19), it wasn’t just meant for elite followers and not others. It was a calling for every Christian! Everyday, ordinary people can be, make, and multiply disciples of Jesus! It’s our mission.
More specifically, we believe all disciples have a unique role to play and a context into which God has sent them to be good news. It’s their mission!
As we move forward as a family of faith, we are increasingly committed to seeing everyday, ordinary disciples discover their mission and be equipped to fulfill it. We are seeking to encourage people to orient their lives around the things Jesus did: His relationship with the Father, His relationship with His spiritual family, and His relationship with a broken and hurting world.
As more and more everyday, ordinary people start living Jesus everywhere, we will see a little bit of heaven right here on earth.
Our Vision & Values Local Missions Global Missions
EVENTS
There are a lot of ways to engage at Fellowship – from classes, to gatherings, to opportunities to grow and serve.
Download the latest Ministry Calendar.
Featured
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Become a Member
October 20, 9am
Learn what membership at Fellowship is all about at the Fall Membership Seminar! MORE >
UPWARD Sports
Grades 1-6 • Registration Open
UPWARD is a place where young basketball players and cheerleaders can chart their own athletic journeys through multiple levels of programming – all while being developed into total athletes mentally, athletically, spiritually, and socially. > MORE
Volley-Up!
Adults • Sundays at 5pm
Volley Up is a five-week, co-ed, interchurch volleyball league hosted by FMC. Join us for some competitive fun, and make some new friends while you're at it! MORE >
View a current teaching or browse our library of past weekend teachings. After you watch, share!
Recent Series
All In
Encounters with Jesus
Forgive
Connect
Life isn't meant to be lived alone! At Fellowship you'll find lots of opportunities for meaningful connection with others on your journey.
Children
Introducing Kids to Jesus
We believe even the youngest among us can learn to love and obey Jesus. That’s why at Fellowship, we want to partner with parents in laying a strong foundation of faith in our kids.
Volunteer!
TotTown
TotTown
Birth - 4 Years • Sundays at 9:00 & 10:45
Fellowship's Children's Ministries are not just childcare! Sunday mornings in TotTown are designed to help children get to know God through activities, songs, crafts, and Bible stories, all under the leadership of committed adults who are passionate about showing the love of Jesus to little ones. Children who attend TotTown engage with each other in fun environments designed specifically for their own age groups. Come see what it's all about!
For more information about TotTown, contact Wendy.
VolunteerCrosstown
Crosstown
Pre K - 4th Grade • Sundays at 9:00 & 10:45
Crosstown is Sunday morning church for elementary-aged kids. Each classroom is led by a team of volunteers who have a heart for Jesus and kids. Children learn practical truths about God, the Bible, and life, and get the opportunity to build relationships with others.
Contact Robbie Sondag for more information.
VolunteerIn the Beginning Daycare
In the Beginning Daycare & Learning Academy
6 Weeks - 5 Years • Weekdays 7:00am - 6:00pm
In the Beginning Daycare & Learning Academy offers quality, affordable childcare in a Christian environment. Housed in FMC's TotTown wing, In the Beginning is commited to a strong educational focus with a spiritual foundation. We want to make learning about Jesus as fundamental as the ABC's!
Employment Opportunities:
Do you love working with children and have a passion for teaching? In The Beginning is looking for you! Part-time positions are available. Submit your resumé below.
Contact Facebook Twitter Submit Your ResumeUPWARD
UPWARD
Registration Now Open
Grades 1-6 • Basketball & Cheerleading
UPWARD is a place where young basketball players and cheerleaders can chart their own athletic journeys through multiple levels of programming – all while being developed into total athletes mentally, athletically, spiritually, and socially. Sign up today for the 2018-2019 season, or click below to find out more info. Schedule and specific dates to come!
This annual program is an important part of Fellowship's ministry, and it couldn't happen without the amazing volunteers who coach our teams and invest in the lives of children. If you're interested in playing such a role on this essential team, sign up below.
More Info Sign Up to Play Sign Up to CoachFamily Movie Night
Family Movie Night
2nd Friday of the Month • 6:30pm in Room 100
Sometimes you just need to relax and have a fun evening out with your family. Family Movie Night is a safe, fun, and free place for families to enjoy time together in an environment made for kids and adults of all ages. Admission is FREE and includes popcorn and water bottles. Hot dogs and pop are available for purchase.
Playing November 9: The Incredibles 2
Everyone’s favorite family of superheroes is back in “Incredibles 2” – but this time Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is in the spotlight, leaving Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell) and Dash (voice of Huck Milner) to navigate the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life. It’s a tough transistion for everyone, made tougher by the fact that the family is still unaware of baby Jack-Jack’s emerging superpowers. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) must find a way to work together again—which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible.
Fall Mini Camp
Fall Mini Camp
Grades 4-6 • Oct 12-14 • Camp Quaker Haven
Fall Mini Camp is a fun-filled, action-packed, once-a-year weekend getaway for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade boys and girls of FMC.
Kids will enjoy boating, hiking, campfires, crafts, treasure hunts and more; all with the purpose of making new friends, interacting with leaders, and deepening relationships with God.
Sign up today!
Questions Sign UpAWANA
AWANA
Age 4 - 9th Grade • Tuesdays at 6:30pm
AWANA (which stands for "Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed") reaches kids for Christ through fun, Scripture-rich experiences that lead them to know, love and serve Him. Join us for an energy-filled time of activities that build character, encourage friendship, and strengthen spiritual foundations.
For more info about the worldwide AWANA program, click HERE.
Is your AWANA group sold out? Click below to be put on our wait list.
More Info Wait ListChild Dedications
Child Dedications
To dedicate means “to set apart for God” or “to give to God.”
We believe Scripture shows God’s concern for the well-being of children and for their commitment to God. We, therefore, heartily encourage the formal dedication of children in a public gathering of the church. During the gathering, the church body witnesses and agrees to support the parents and child in their commitment.
This dedication does not save a child from sin, but is a setting-apart of the child for a life of Christian character. As parents assume responsibility, the child will be much better prepared to accept and follow Christ.
If you choose to dedicate your child, you will meet personally with an FMC pastor to discuss the importance and implications of this commitment. During the service you, your child and the pastor will stand before the congregation to dedicate your child to the Lord. Other families and pastors will also be dedicating children in the gatherings.
We believe this is a highly important, personal and exciting event! We hope that your extended family will attend and share in this special moment.
To schedule your dedication, click below, or dial the church office at 260-447-3578.
Call to ScheduleYouth and Young Adults
The Next Generation
We value the next generation here at Fellowship. Because of that, we long to see our youth grow in their identity and mission as disciples of Jesus.
Whether you're just entering middle school or just graduating college, there's a community for you at FMC. Come engage with us as we stretch and strengthen our faith together.
Now Hiring
We're looking for Fellowship's next full-time Associate Director of Youth Ministries. If you think that person may be you, please send a resumé to Karen Crawford at the link below. Check out the job description for more info.
Apply Job Description
UpTown
UpTown
Grades 5-8 • Sundays at 10:45am • Room 213
On Sundays at 10:45am, kids in grades 5, 6, and 7 gather upstairs in the West wing of our building for a time of worship, spiritual growth and fellowship. They are led by a team of mature and committed adults who teach and model the Word of God. Come see what it's all about!
Facebook412
412 Young Adults
Ages 18-29 • Sundays at Noon • Wednesdays at 7:00pm
412 Young Adults is a diverse community committed to reaching the lost, equipping and empowering others, and discerning the voice of God. Come check us out to see how you can get plugged in!
Contact Jordan Oloomi for more details.
1 Timothy 4:12 - Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.
Contact FacebookLife Groups
Life Groups
Life is Better Together
Grades 8-12 • Wednesdays at 7pm
Life Groups are designed as a place for students in grades 8-12 to find answers to life's important questions. Every Wednesday evening, youth will engage in Big Group and Small Group activities that will help them grow in godly community, a lifestyle of worship and a commitment to the Word of God, all with a focus of becoming more and more like Jesus.
Come on a Wednesday evening, or contact Pastor Mark to find out more.
Adults
Community for Everyone
Life isn’t meant to be lived alone, nor are we meant to go on our faith journey by ourselves. There are a variety of ministry opportunities for the adult community to participate in here at Fellowship. Whether you want to learn, grow, or serve – there’s a spot for you. Below you will find the current ministry areas where you can connect with others through weekly gatherings, special events, classes, or serving opportunities.
Authentic Manhood
Authentic Manhood
Tuesdays at 6:30pm • Men of All Ages
Authentic Manhood is a weekly gathering designed to bring men together in a non-threatening environment for connection, teaching, and accountability, all while growing in their walk with Christ. It is an excellent opportunity to meet a few new guys and learn in a relaxed environment, regardless of your religious beliefs.
Contact
Generations
Generations
4th Friday of Every Month • 6:00pm • Room 100
Generations is a monthly ministry designed to help women of all ages connect with each other through prayer, devotions, and a whole lot of fun! Come to relax, talk, eat great food, learn a dance or two, and make lasting relationships.
More Info
FMC Parenting
FMC Parenting
FMC Parenting is a community of Fellowship Missionary Church parents who are committed to a transparent dialogue about parenting. We agree to strengthen, equip, encourage, and disciple parents to live their one and only life to the full.
We're a community designed for anyone who’s a parent, grandparent, family member, or guardian. Participants can enter the class at anytime, and feel no obligation to come each week, unless that’s a felt need. Come join us!
ONE
ONE
At Fellowship Missionary Church, we believe that the Savior’s desire for unity includes the reconciliation of His people across cultural and racial lines. Jesus knew that such uncommon unity would be a powerful witness to a lostand broken world.
But this kind of oneness is hard in our culture of hate, fear, prejudice and division. It requires the willingness to set aside our assumptions and actively listen to one another. It necessitates the humility to admit our thinking may be wrong and the courage to go on a journey with people who are different than us – a journey that will lead us to personal transformation and the advancement of the Kingdom.
ONE, the diversity reconciliation minstry of FMC, is designed to help equip the people of God to model His heart for multicultural and multiethnic unity. We invite you to join us in our pursuit of making Jesus’ prayer a reality on earth as it is in heaven, through classes and communities such as RENEWED (beginning October 2018) or JOURNEY FMC (beginning January 14, 2019).
Learn more about these and other opportunities by contacting us through the link below.
Renewed QuestionsMembership
Membership at Fellowship
Next Membership Seminar: Oct 20 at 9am
Is it really necessary to formally join the church if you’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, followed Christ’s example in baptism and seek to follow His ways and obey His commands? Certainly, we don’t need to be members to be saved or even be a part of the body of Christ. At Fellowship, we can serve and be part of this family without the formal document. Membership basically says one thing to everyone involved: “I am committed.”
The Bible says Jesus committed Himself to the Church by giving His life for her. (Eph. 5:25). Membership shows our commitment to the Church of Jesus Christ through the local congregation. For the person who is personally committed to Jesus, church membership can be a very positive “next step” in the living out of one’s faith, much like receiving baptism or partaking in Communion.
If you're a born-again follower of Jesus who has been baptized, come to the next Membership Seminar and see what it's all about!
QuestionsThe Choir
The Choir
Wednesdays at 6pm in the Chapel
Make a joyful noise! The choir is open to everyone at Fellowship, even if you're new. No audition is required; just a willing spirit and a desire to honor God through worship.
If you join us, you'll find more than a place to sing; you'll find a close-knit community of others on journeys just like you!
Questions?The Planting
The Planting
Thursdays at 7pm • Room 100
Is God revealing some area of brokenness in your life that needs His healing? Or are you hungering for more of Him? Then please join us on Thursday nights beginning March 8th for “The Planting”! In community, we’ll worship, be invited to apply God’s Word to our hurting hearts or hang ups, and process what we’re learning. Childcare will be provided.
Join us the first Thursday of every month at 6:30pm for a family dinner!
Contact
Common Ground
Common Ground
Sundays at 10:45am • Room 106
Common Ground is designed to help followers of Jesus dig into the issues and challenges they encounter on their journey through a variety of biblically-based topics. It's a multi-generational, multi-cultural gathering open to anyone interested in pursuing Jesus with other people!
Questions?Divorce Care
Divorce Care
Wednesdays at 7pm • Room 108
Divorce Care is a place to find support, encouragement and healing when going through the heartbreak of separation and divorce. Being with others who understand helps you know you are not alone. Come join us, and find hope and healing!
Questions?Journeying Together
Journeying Together
Begins Sept 18
3rd Tuesday of the Month • The Mix
Journeying Together is a place for widows to find community, support and encouragement as they travel the very unique path that comes from losing their husbands. Sign up below:
Sign Up Questions?Renewed
Renewed
Diversity & Reconciliation • Oct 7-Nov 18
RENEWED is an inclusive 7-week educational cycle intended to heighten personal understanding of the Father’s heart for reconciliation. We will explore the Word of God to learn more about our need for ethnic and cultural reconciliation, and how to begin the journey.
Renewed is part of a larger Diversity and Reconciliation Ministry at FMC called ONE. It's designed to help equip the people of God to model His heart for multicultural and multiethnic unity. Stay tuned for more events presented by ONE.
Sign Up Questions
Care Ministries
Care Ministries
Now Hiring
Fellowship is looking for someone to assist our Director of Care and Social Services in the provision of care and counseling to those in Fellowship's community. If you think this might be you, click below to view the job description and apply with a resumé.
An important part of belonging to a family is caring for one another during times of sickness or need. Our Fellowship family is blessed with several Care Ministries that seek to provide support to those in need, as well as offering an opportunity for people to live their faith by serving others. Through presence, friendship and practical support, FMC Care Ministers seek to do as Galatians 6:2 instructs: “Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
FMC’s Care Ministries are available to those who call Fellowship home (you don’t have to be a member). If you or someone you love are interested in being a recipient, please contact us below.
Contact Us Job Description Apply with a Resume
Baptism
Baptism at Fellowship
At Fellowship we believe the decision to get baptized is an important one, and absolutely the right “next step” as you become a disciple that looks more and more like Jesus Himself.
If you'd like to take this next step in your faith journey, sign up for an interview with a pastor by contacting us below.
Following Jesus through baptism is a spiritually powerful experience. We look forward sharing it with you!
More InfoMarriage
Marriage at Fellowship
God holds marriage in high regard, and so do we!
Our heavenly Father created us in His image and desired that every aspect of our lives look like His—including our marriages. We believe marriage is one of the primary ways God shapes us to look and act more like Jesus.
We also believe a healthy marriage is a powerful catalyst for changing our world! That’s why we’re committed to helping couples start out strong before they ever say “I do" (through premarital mentoring), and grow in their ability to navigate the many distractions and challenges that threaten to derail the marital relationship (through classes and counseling).
If you're thinking of getting married at Fellowship, or have questions about marital counseling, contact Debbie Closson for more information.
ContactMarriage Conference
Marriage Conference
Registration Closed
September 21-22 • Wyndham Garden Hotel
Married Couples! Are you wanting a boost in your marriage? Looking for a weekend away to focus on the importance of the commitment you made and the ongoing communication that’s needed to keep a marriage healthy? Then join 30 other couples for a one night, two day conference here in Fort Wayne at the Wyndham Garden Hotel where you can experience exactly that.
This Marriage Conference, sponsored by Fellowship Missionary Church, will begin Friday evening with an introductory session and opportunity to disconnect from the week behind and focus on the importance of a healthy marriage. Cost includes a hotel room with queen size bed, complimentary breakfast, and three sessions including the Friday evening event. Couples attending can expect to have lunch on their own on Saturday and leave the conference by 4:30pm that day. Our facilitating couple will be announced very soon! Register soon - space is limited!
Cost is $99 per couple.
Crafting Time
Crafting Time
3rd Friday of the Month • 7:00pm in Room 104
Ladies, join us for a time of fun and fellowship through making crafts and supporting one another through prayer!
Contact Debbie Closson for more details.
ContactSafety and Security Team
Safety and Security Team
Be a Part of Our New Safety and Security Team!
We’re seeking passionate, loving people to join our Safety & Security Team to provide campus oversight and promote a safe environment. We are developing a complete Safety and Security Team that will be participating in extensive training in areas of asset and personal safety and security matters. You will serve others by providing the highest quality safety monitoring and patrolling at our church campus. If you are passionate helping to protect fellow believers at Fellowship Missionary Church facilities, staff and members, this may be the service opportunity for you!
Apply ContactBible Study Fellowship
Bible Study Fellowship
Women of All Ages • Mondays at 6:30 • Room 104
Bible Study Fellowship International has been a trusted resource of bible study for many and it's coming to the south side of Fort Wayne! Beginning October 8th, join women from the community at FMC to study God's word—specifically regarding People of the Promised Land—during this semester.
Whether new to the Bible or a seasoned reader, we'd love you to join this group! Sign up below.
Questions? Sign UpGo and Make Disciples
Fellowship is a missionary church. We take seriously our role as everyday missionaries to be and make disciples locally and globally. We partner with those who share our heart to see Good News shown and shared across the street and around the world.
Local Missions
Living Jesus in Our Neighborhoods
Fellowship’s local partnerships combine both disciple-making and sustainable community development practices. We want to love our Fort Wayne neighbors and invite them to meet and follow Jesus. But when those neighbors and communities are impacted by poverty, it requires a deeper and smarter kind of love that avoids diminishing the dignified image of God resident in each neighbor. The following partnerships represents some of the ways we go about doing that.
Steps4Healing
A New Trauma Healing Initiative
Join us as we take steps on behalf of those taking steps towards healing in eastern DRC!
Steps4Healing is a brand new effort to support our long-standing partnership with World Relief in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our goals are to support those individuals currently receiving help in the area of trauma healing by praying specifically for them, raise money to fund more training, and to promote all aspects of health within the Fellowship body.
We will be individually counting steps for 14 weeks over the summer, with a goal of 100 million steps as a community! Then we will gather on September 9 to engage in a 5K walk together on the south side of Fort Wayne as a witness that we believe healing is possible.
Once you sign up, stop at the global missions counter at Fellowship to get a prayer guide and the name of a Congolese person who is going through the trauma healing program. Pray for this person over the summer. You can also buy a S4H shirt and pick up a FREE pedometer if you need one.
Log your steps each week and record them at the link below, or at the global missions counter over the 14 weeks.
Then join us to walk!
Walk Info:
• 5K walk on September 9, 2018.
• Start out at 4:00 pm from Fellowship (2536 E Tillman Rd).
• Festival in the parking lot after the walk complete with food trucks, music, and more!
If you'd like to donate to Steps4Healing, you can do so here:
Sign Up Log Your Steps Prayer Guide Fundraising Toolkit
Bridge of Grace
Bridge of Grace Compassionate Ministries Center
Bridge of Grace is a community outreach organization housed within Many Nations Church, located just a few blocks from Fellowship. Their goal is to encourage confidence and self-sufficiency by empowering individuals and families through a Christ-centered approach that endeavors to meet the spiritual, academic, physical, and emotional needs of the community.
Bridge of Grace endeavors to expand the horizons of people who find themselves hopeless and overwhelmed with the circumstances of life and lacking skills to move forward. They do this through strategies of crime prevention, childhood and adult education, and life skills training.
Web Contact Many Nations Church
NeighborLink
NeighborLink Fort Wayne
NeighborLink Fort Wayne is a local grassroots organization dedicated to pairing neighbors in need with neighbors who love. Through their innovative website, you can instantly be connected to a neighbor to love, serve and begin a friendship. Choose from hundreds of neighbors with needs ranging from basic home maintenance and repair to moving and cleaning. This is an excellent way to serve in a group, meet new people and share good news.
Web ContactGrub 'n Go
Grub 'n Go
Grub 'n Go is a group for retired, semi-retired or "between-jobs” men that meets twice weekly to share breakfast and serve neighbors together. Contact at the link below or see representatives at the Local Mission counter on a Sunday.
ContactGO Day
GO Day
3rd Saturday of the Month • Varies by Location
It's Time to Get Outside and Serve!
GO Day is a monthly community service initiative that allows FMCers to collectively serve the needs of others in our community. Through GO Day, we not only serve those who are in need, but we also bear witness to the love of Jesus as we make relational connection to those we serve.
Most of the work is outdoor and physical in nature, but we're looking for people of all skill levels who have a heart to serve through a variety of projects.
Contact us below to find out how you can help!
ContactHomes for the Holidays
Homes for the Holidays
In 2016, Fellowship entered into a partnership with Many Nations Church—titled Homes for the Holidays—with the purpose to purchase and renovate homes in the Mount Vernon Park neighborhood in Southeast Fort Wayne. On Christmas Eve, Fellowship raised enough funds to renovate several homes, and construction is currently underway!
If you'd like to be involved in this opportunity to Live Jesus Everywhere, there are a variety of weekly projects that could use your help. Click below to learn more!
Here's the original video that aired on December 24, 2016 (fundraising through Fellowship is currently closed):
learn moreTutoring/Mentoring
Change a Life: Become a Tutor!
You can have a part of transforming our corner of Fort Wayne by becoming a tutor for a young student. Project READS, Hands On Homework and MK5 are tutoring/mentoring programs offered through Fellowship's partnership with Many Nations Church to impact the lives of students and families at Levan Scott Elementary.
Times are available on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and run from September 1st through May 10th. To sign up, or to learn more, click below:
Sign UpGlobal Missions
To the Ends of the Earth
Fellowship has many mission partners being and making disciples around the world. Several are long-term families, originally sent out from Fellowship over two decades ago to be good news to the contexts around the world to which God has called them. Through their organizations, these men and women lead the way in engaging God’s global mission as every day disciple-makers. As some minister in insecure and dangerous locations, their names are withheld from the web.
Please pick up a prayer card at Fellowship’s Global Mission area in the Atrium to see and be in prayer for these families on mission!
World Partners
World Partners
World Partners exists to impact the world for Christ by equipping and empowering individuals to launch disciple making movements.
Fellowship is in partnership with nine different families being and making disciples across the globe with World Partners. Through our teaming with them, we are connected to their current disciple-making efforts in places that include Sudan, Egypt, Iraq, Sierra Leone, Cyprus, and others.
Web Facebook Twitter
World Relief
World Relief
Stand with the Vulnerable
Fellowship has a close, longstanding relationship with World Relief, specifically with their chapter in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
World Relief's mission is to empower the local church to serve the most vulnerable. With initiatives that focus on disaster response, health and child development, refugee and immigration services, economic development and peacebuilding, they work holistically with the local church to stand for the sick, the widowed, the orphaned, the alienated, the displaced, the devastated, the marginalized and the disenfranchised.
Their expertise gained in over 70 years of aid and development work gives them the ability to not only meet the immediate needs of the vulnerable, but implement programs that lead to sustainable growth and development, transforming once vulnerable regions into thriving communities.
Web Twitter Facebook InstagramHope for Healing
Trauma Healing in Congo
Amazing Results
We celebrate what God has done through our prayerful investment in peace-building with World Relief Congo. Village Peace Committees (VPCs) are growing along with more stability on the grassroots level. Over 2000 trained peace-builders have been raised up and the concept is spreading. This year, World Relief began implementing VPCs in Pakistan, South Sudan, and Syria! Praise God!
The Missing Piece of Peace
But with all of the positive momentum, there is one challenge that has yet to be addressed. It is the challenge of Trauma Healing. Villages across the region have experienced or witnessed first-hand the devastating violence of war. Displacement. Sexual assualt. Killings. A recent study found that trauma levels among women, children, and pastors were particularly high. Every day, people with unaddressed trauma are “triggered” to remember past events causing fear, anxiety, sleeplessness, sickness, etc. Only when a measure of stability comes to communities impacted by war, can the post-traumatic stress of those violent events begin to be addressed.
A Trauma Healing Program
The good news is that we can do something about it! World Relief has asked Fellowship to partner with them in developing a Trauma Healing program as a part of their overall peace-building efforts. The team has designed a biblical, Christ-focused, culturally appropriate and accessible program to address trauma at the grassroots level. It is a “train the trainer” format, so those who receive the training and experience healing will then train others to do the same. This model allows the program to spread quickly and cost-effectively. World Relief Congo wants to pilot this program in early 2018. But they need prayers and funding to launch this timely effort.
How to Help
Giving is currently closed, but your prayers are always needed! Look for updates in the future on the developments in Congo.
Give Now Questions? BrochureCrossover
Crossover Communications International
Crossover is a globally integrated church planting movement, that intensely desires to see God glorified among all the peoples of the world. Founded in 1987, today Crossover serves on six continents and has planted hundreds of churches among the unreached peoples of the world.
Through Crossover, Fellowship partners with a family creatively making disciples in several Middle East regions. They invite your prayers for them as their heart is to see a disciple-making movement of people throughout Central Asia. They have many key relationships in which they are investing and equipping toward that end.
Web facebook twitterWycliffe
Wycliffe Bible Translators
For more than 70 years, Wycliffe has helped people around the world translate the Bible into their own languages, while also assisting with language development, literacy and other spiritual and physical needs.
In partnership with Wycliff, our relationship with an FMC family spans decades of dedicated translation work in Papua New Guinea. In 2016 they celebrated an amazing milestone in this endeavor: a completed translation of the New Testament in the Kasua language! The written Word of God in one’s own mother tongue is a blessed and critical thing, and Fellowship is blessed and proud to have partnered in that mission.
web facebook twitterStudents International
Students International
Students International brings students and the impoverished together cross-culturally to encounter God, share the Good News, and serve others in occupational ministries. Their vision is to see students and the poor discover their true calling as disciples of Christ.
Fellowship is proud to sponsor a family who moved to Guatemala to serve as trainers for college students learning to make disciples within their communities.
web facebook twitter instagramYFC Military
Youth for Christ Military
Since 1980 YFC Military has been bringing youth ministry to military installations around the world. Their desire is to see that every military student has the opportunity to hear and experience the gospel from a trusted and trustworthy adult or student leader.
YFC's history with Fellowship dates back to our founding in 1982. As time went by the calling to a particular mission grew. Now, the ministry consists of caring for and coaching the front-line discipling leaders among deployed military families in the YFC structure.
websiteCrossworld
Crossworld
Crossworld is a cross-cultural mission agency serving in more than thirty countries. They desire to see disciple-makers from all professions bring God's love to life in the world's least-reached marketplaces.
In connection with Crossworld, Fellowship partners with a family living in Spain who utilizes endurance sport and other platforms to make disciples among the least reached. This family is also leading workers in disciple making efforts in 11 countries in Europe and advancing similar efforts in North Africa.
web facebook twitterRipe for Harvest
Ripe for Harvest World Outreach
Ripe For Harvest World Outreach is an inter-denominational mission sending agency, one of a limited number of mission and church organizations that extend to an individual missionary the opportunity to participate in his or her mission placement. Their vision is to put into practice Ephesians 4:12, “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Through Ripe for Harvest, Fellowship assists and equips a midwestern family serving in the West African countries of Sierra Leone and Senegal. This family has a long connection to mission work in West Africa and their heart is to be faithful to that disciple-making work in their generation.
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Fellowship has been a part of God’s work in Fort Wayne for over three decades in a very unique way. We have a God-centered, Kingdom-focused mission we invite you to join us in, and a staff that looks forward to equipping you for it.
Vision & Values
Living Jesus Everywhere
Fellowship Missionary Church exists to glorify God and extend His Kingdom by making disciples in the way of Jesus through the power of the Spirit.
We believe God has called us to become a multi-cultural, mutli-generational, mission-minded community deeply involved in our neighborhoods, the city of Fort Wayne, and across the globe. We are convinced this will happen only through the power of the Holy Spirit and by holding true to these five values:
Truth
We believe the Bible to be the inspired record of God's redemptive story and we are part of that story. Through the accounts, poems and letters contained in the Word of God, we can know where we came from, what we're to value, how we're to live, and where we're going. The Bible is both our guide and our measuring stick for life.
Celebration
We take great joy in coming together to praise God, worshiping Him not only for what He has done for us, but for who He is to us. We believe the Lord delights in bringing His grace to bear upon His gathered people as they assemble, and therefore, we anticipate His powerful movement in our midst.
Journey
We believe every person is on a spiritual journey and that God meets people wherever they are. While each journey is individually unique, we believe that a transformational encounter with Jesus powerfully redeems and fulfills that journey. Embracing Jesus by faith is not the end of the journey, but a catalytic moment through which the journey takes on all new potential, purpose, and power.
Community
Mission
We believe that just as Jesus came to earth as God in human form, the Church is the "second incarnation" – His body in this world. Jesus did not come to offer His people an escape from the evil of the world, as much as to empower them to be a compelling force for good in the world. We believe that the Church is at its best when it serves, sacrifices, and loves, caring about that which God cares about.
Our Beliefs
We believe and teach the following basic statements of faith:
God: There is but one eternal, all powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere-present Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; 1 Timothy 2:5)
Jesus Christ: He is God incarnate, yet human, lived a sinless life, died to make atonement for the sins of all mankind, was bodily resurrected, and is now Mediator at the right hand of the Father, is assuredly coming in power and glory for His believing followers, and is the only Savior of men. (John 1:1, 14; Titus 2:11-14)
Holy Spirit: He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment; regenerates all who repent of their sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ; and sanctifies, empowers, teaches, guides, and comforts the believers. (John 16:7-8, 12-15)
Bible: To us, the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God and thus authoritative in all matters of Christian faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21)
Salvation: Salvation is genuine repentance of sin and faith in the atoning work of Christ. It brings forgiveness to the penitent, makes him a partaker of the divine nature, and gives peace with God. We call this new birth. (Titus 3:5; 2 Peter 1:3-5)
Church: We believe in the invisible and universal Church as an organism, composed of all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who have been vitally united by faith to Christ, its living head and sovereign Lord. (Matthew 16:18; Hebrews 12:22-24)
Leadership
We believe God longs for every believer to be a leader in His church in his/her own way. To help resource and equip the church body as they discover their unique role and move out in mission, Fellowship has a dedicated, gifted team of men and women.
Joe has served at Fellowship for over sixteen years, starting out as the Director of Missional Living. He recently has been given the role of Senior Pastor, having been passed the baton by Pastor Dave DeSelm in an historic and exciting moment in Fellowship's existence.
Joe was born and raised on the south side of Fort Wayne. He and his wife, Stephanie, were high school sweethearts and have been married for 23 years. They have three sons who proudly attended South Side High School. In 2006, the Johns family moved to a 100 year-old home in south central Fort Wayne to be on mission together as a family.
Joe is an avid cyclist who enjoys long distance destination rides. In 2014, he completed a solo ride from Florida to California in 30 days! Joe's other happy places include international travel, mountains vistas, and geeking out on scholarly theological journals.
Geoff is responsible for determining Fellowship's overall vision and direction, working closely with Pastor Joe in that regard. His main goal is to ensure that all staff leaders are equipped to pursue this vision, both personally and collectively.
Geoff is an accomplished speaker and author, with a talent for leadership development and mentoring. He feels passionate about supporting and encouraging others in personal and professional growth, things which flow from his gifting as a teacher and shepherd.
Geoff joined the Fellowship team after being called to step away from his Executive Director position at Athletes With Purpose, a large sports training company that focuses on helping athletes find their "Purpose Beyond Athletics."
Geoff is no stranger to FMC, having attended the church since childhood. He is married to Erika—a preschool teacher—with whom he has two young daughters and a baby boy.
Serving as FMC’s Operations Director, Karen oversees an amazing team responsible for Fellowship’s Finances, Facility, Communication, and Administration, including Human Resources. Karen began working at Fellowship in 2013 as the Ministry Assistant to the Creative Arts Team and Administrative Assistant to Pastor Dave and Pastor Wayne, giving her a tremendous opportunity to learn the inner-workings of life and ministry at FMC.
Prior to coming to Fellowship, Karen worked at Parkview Hospital for eighteen years, first as Director of Rehab for Behavioral Health, then as Coordinator of Community Outreach. After Parkview and prior to coming to Fellowship, she owned and managed three different businesses. Karen’s administrative gifts and experience as a business owner make her uniquely qualified to serve Fellowship in this role.
Karen has been married to her husband Semaj for 8 years. Together they have nine children (all grown) and thirteen grandchildren. Karen and Semaj enjoy spending time together, especially taking road trips that include fishing and hunting for him and kayaking for her.
Izzy was born and raised in New York City before coming to Fellowship in 2005. He joined the FMC staff as a custodian, where he served fiathfully for years before obeying a call from the Lord to become a pastor. In 2013 Izzy joined Fellowship's Youth Ministries team, leading the high school youth devotedly for five years.
In 2018 God called Izzy to move into his current role as Director of Discipling, in which he is responsible for helping individuals and communities grow and be united in their own respective spiritual callings.
Izzy has a passion for hip-hop, jazz, books, and helping people become the best verions of themselves. He and his wife, Sammantha, have three beautiful daughters.
Dave is Fellowship's founding pastor, having recently passed the baton of Senior Pastor to Joe Johns after 34 years. He is a gifted teacher, and has a passion for training and equipping others to become leaders in their own areas.
When he finds some free moments, Dave loves fishing, reading, and relaxing outside. Dave and Gwen are proud parents and grandparents, and love spending time together as a family.
As Director of Worship & Creative Arts, Gordon oversees all of the worship ministries at Fellowship, including music, multimedia, and technical arts. He also leads the Creative Team, whose main purpose is to plan the Sunday morning gatherings and create an environment conducive to worship.
Gordon is highly trained as a musician and a pastor, possessing a Bachelor's degree in Music Education, a Master's degree in Choral Conducting and Voice, and official Pastor's licensing from the Missionary Church. He was also a music educator for ten years, teaching at middle school, high school, and collegiate levels.
Gordon is wonderfully blessed to have been married to his wife Tonya for 24 years, with whom he has three children: Kienan, Kiana, and Korban.
Mark serves as FMC's Youth Ministries Director. He oversees all youth from 5th grade through high school.
Mark and his wife, Amy, have three children. He is an avid runner and loves outdoor adventures with his family and friends.
As Early Childhood Director, Wendy is responsible for the care of children in TotTown, ranging from infant to four years old. She also oversees Fellowship's daycare and learning academy, In the Beginning. She is dedicated to partnering with parents in the development of their children's relationship with Christ.
Wendy enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, and loves any chance she gets to travel with her husband, Ronnie.
Pastor Robbie works with leaders and hundreds of volunteers in overseeing Crosstown and Upward Basketball. He also hosts a weekly men’s ministry called Authentic Manhood.
When not working, Robbie enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, following Cardinal baseball, making others laugh, winning contests, and working on creative projects.
As Director of Care and Social Service Ministries, Becky's focus is to help meet the tangible and emotional needs of those in our community. With the help of her large group of volunteer leaders, she advocates for the grieving, mobilizes first responders, organizes benevolence, and walks in compassion with those recovering from addictions of all kinds. Her heart is to equip and empower members of the FMC body to step out in compassion for those who need it.
Becky loves to laugh, and when she does it becomes infectious! Most of all she loves spending time with close friends, whom she calls her "surrogate family," and whom she loves dearly.
Through her leadership of Nehemiah Partners (Fellowship's free lay counseling ministry) and the marriage mentoring team, Richele serves to provide therapy to individuals, couples, children, and families as they seek to find God's healing and freedom. She views it as a privilege to walk with others as they pursue wholeness and witness God's transformational power in their lives.
Richele has attended Fellowship since 2010, and loves taveling, running, and spending time with good friends over a cup of coffee. She and her husband, Ben, have two children (with another on the way!).
Jordan has attended FMC since his youth days. He was hired on staff in 2015 as an intern, and now serves in a permanent position with 412, FMC's college-age ministry.
In addition to Young Adult Ministries, Jordan is the Cross-Cultural Missions Leader, which involves building bridges, creating relationships, and developing ministries to serve internationals and refugees on the southeast side of Fort Wayne.
Jordan is a talented guitar player, and he uses that skill to lead worship at Fellowship, both in Sunday morning gatherings and in the East End of the building in DownTown.
Kirk serves as Fellowship's Technical Arts Director. You can find him most Sunday mornings hanging out with the tech volunteers in the booth above the Activity Center. He makes sure the staging, lights, sound and other technical matters are in tip-top shape on Sunday mornings and for any other big events in the church.
Kirk and his wife, Shawn, have one teenage daughter, Alyssa.
As Communications Director, Gwen's responsibilities include designing, writing, and editing Fellowship's various publications and promotional materials. She also leads the team that creates and manages our multi-media and online communication.
Gwen is also a talented musician, serving on the worship team as keyboardist, vocalist, and worship leader. She is committed to using these gifts and others to help build a culture of disciples here at Fellowship and beyond.
Gwen has been married to Pastor Dave for over 40 years and has three married children and seven grandchildren.
Brennan handles the electronic communication and design at Fellowship, including the website, mobile app, social media, and blogs.
Brennan is also a musician who enjoys teaching piano and playing in the FMC worship band. He is married to Cassie—his high school sweetheart—with whom he has two small children: Daphne and Levi.
Skip serves as Financial Manager at Fellowship, making sure the church's resources are well taken care of. But his real "super power" is playing the saxophone. You can find him most Sunday mornings playing in the band at Fellowship.
He and his wife, Tina, have four grown daughters and three grandchildren.
Ken oversees the entire facility. He and his team ensure our building is clean, safe and running well. From repairs to groundskeeping to improvements and remodeling, Ken is the man with the plan.
He and his wife Patricia have three grown children.
Mike has had over thirty years of experience on the mission field in Ecuador, South America. His ministry with Fellowship is to foster connection between the church and the missionaries it supports through prayer and finances.
His heart's desire is to bring an awareness of how we can all become missionaries in our neighborhoods, our city, our country, and around the world.
Debbie has an eye for detail, making sure the folks around the office have everything they need to do their jobs well. She keeps an eye on all their administrative needs, which is a big job.
She is married to Scott.
Karen wears many hats at Fellowship, providing administrative support to the staff, as well as volunteering as an usher and singing in the choir.
Karen is a former high school teacher who has a master's degree in Education & School Counseling. She is a mother of two, a grandmother of four, and a proud parent of her "fur baby," a Miniature Schnauzer named Cricket.
Brennan is one of the most helpful people you'll find at Fellowship! As Custodian Supervisor, his job is to provide facilities support FMC's various ministries, which involves scheduling custodian teams, setting up for events, and ensuring the availability and security of the facility and its assets.
Brennan enjoys a good bicycle ride, often commuting to work by bike when the weather permits. He and his wife, Shauna, are enjoying their first child.
Renee takes care of the phones and the front desk at Fellowship. She enjoys being the first point of contact at the church because she gets to meet a lot of people and learn about them!
Renee has a son, six grandchildren, and one great grandson, all of whom she finds great joy in. When she's not working she spends her time crocheting, taking road trips, and putting together jigsaw puzzles.
Bev has been working at FMC for over sixteen years now, first as a full-time staff person and now as a part-time receptionist. Bev’s husband, Herm, serves Fellowship on the Elder Board. They have attended FMC since 1990.
Bev and Herm are heavily involved in the lives of their eight grandchildren, and they love to take trips to Florida.
Visit
Come visit us on Sunday!
We understand that visiting a new church can be intimidating, so here's some information you may find helpful as you plan your visit to Fellowship.
We have two identical services on Sundays at 9:00 and 10:45am. Our worship gatherings are very much a reflection of who we are as an increasingly diverse family. We are casual in dress, contemporary in musical style, and welcoming in atmosphere. You'll hear a message that is biblical and relevant, and find high-quality ministries for adults, kids, and teens.
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome at Fellowship!
Give
By sharing your gifts and resources, you are providing for powerful impact in our community and around the world.
Why Give ?
We give because we believe God owns it all and we are called to use the resources He has given us to advance His Kingdom purposes. As disciples of Jesus, the Bible makes it clear we are to practice regular, joyful, material generosity.
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)
We also believe generosity begins with a tithe (10%) of one’s household income, and that one’s first and best contributions should be given to the church as a way of providing for needs and participating in the mission.
"Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year." (Deuteronomy 14:22)
"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops..." (Proverbs 3:9)
2536 Tillman Road Fort Wayne, IN 46816 - 260·447·3578 | info@fmcfw.org
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