Living jesus everywhere
We are a diverse family of ordinary people following Jesus and finding hope.
Join us Sundays at 8:45 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.
engage
There are a lot of ways to engage at Fellowship – from classes, to gatherings, to opportunities to grow and serve.
Featured
fellowship communities
Step Out of the Row...
...and into community! Fellowship Communities are a great first step beyond Sunday morning attendance to help you move forward in your journey toward greater discipleship and mission. More HERE
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how to pray
Begins Oct 15 • 8:45am
Join us for a six-week learning experience that unpacks the Lord's Prayer and breaks it down as a practical, powerful model for experiencing the same kind of prayer life Jesus lived. MORE
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life groups
Grades 8-12 • Wednesdays at 7pm
LIFE Groups are designed as a place for students in grades 8-12 to find answers to some of life's tough questions in a safe, group environment. Learn MORE
View a current teaching or browse our library of past weekend teachings. After you watch, share!
Recent Series
Pray First
Me to We
Fellowship Family Sunday
Abiding in Joy
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.
Fellowship Communities
Take a Step Into Community!
Do you come to church to hear about the promise of the rich and robust life of following Jesus, but find that an hour on Sunday is just not enough to help you actually live it out? Then...
Step out of your Sunday morning row...and take a first step into community!
Engaging in a community where belonging can be found and following Jesus is modeled and encouraged is often the missing piece in most people’s discipleship. Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo endeavor. It was always meant to be done with others.
Fellowship Communities are a great first step beyond Sunday morning attendance to help you move forward in your journey toward greater discipleship and mission. These small-to-medium-sized groups meet in homes throughout the week for a shared meal, shared worship, shared burdens, and shared mission.
Sign up today for a Fellowship Community and step into the pathway toward a more Jesus-shaped life!
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.
TotTown
TotTown
Birth - 4 Years • Sundays at 8:45 or 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 8:45 or 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.
ContactIn 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 ResumeAWANA
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.
Registration for the 2016-2017 season is currently closed.
More InfoUpward
Upward Basketball & Cheerleading
1st - 6th Grade • Registration NOW OPEN!
Upward exists to introduce children to Jesus by creating opportunities to serve through sports. It's a sports ministry for 1st-6th grade boys & girls where every child plays, every child learns, and every child is a winner!
Upward is more than a game. Children have fun learning or improving their basketball or cheerleading skills, and participation gives them a chance to experience good sportsmanship, both on and off the court. In addition, every child receives special recognition awards and the opportunity to develop new friendships.
Click below to register your child, or to apply to be an Upward Basketball or Cheerleading Coach:
More Info Child Registration Coach Registration
Family 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 10: Smurfs: The Lost Village
Best friends Smurfette (Demi Lovato), Brainy (Danny Pudi), Clumsy (Jack McBrayer) and Hefty (Joe Manganiello) use a special map that guides them through the Forbidden Forest, an enchanted wonderland that's filled with magical creatures. Their adventure leads them on a course to discover the biggest secret in Smurf history as they race against time and the evil wizard Gargamel (Rainn Wilson) to find a mysterious village.
FacebookChild 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.
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 is Better Together
Grades 8-12 • Wednesdays at 7pm • Room 100
Young people have lots of questions about life. Questions about...
Love
Who will care for me?
Influence
Who will help me navigate life choices?
Family
Who will be my community?
Equip
Who will guide me in becoming Christ-like?
LIFE Groups are designed as a place for students in grades 8-12 to find answers to these 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 join us!
Questions?LIFE Groups Lock-In
LIFE Groups Lock-In
Grades 8-12 • Oct 28-29
Fellowship teens are invited to spend the evening and night at Fellowship. Enjoy lasertag, food, a bonfire, a movie, and simply hanging out together. Bring a friend for free!
Bring a sleeping bag and pillow, your tooth brush and deodorant, and a change of clothes for Sunday morning church.
Register below:
Register Questions?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.
FMC Parenting
FMC Parenting
Sundays at 10:45am • The Mix
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!
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!
remind me!Authentic Manhood
Authentic Manhood
Men of All Ages • Tuesdays at 6:30
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
Women of All Ages
Last 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
How to Pray
How to Pray
Sundays at 8:45 • Room 102
Join us for a six-week learning experience that unpacks the Lord's Prayer and breaks it down as a practical, powerful model for experiencing the same kind of prayer life Jesus lived.
Register below!
RegisterOut of Hiding
Out of Hiding: Understanding Your Identity in Christ
Women's Study • Sundays at 8:45 • Begins Oct 15
The most essential question of life is: who am I?
Where we look for the answer to that question will make the difference between living a life freedom, confidence and joy, and an existence of bondage, fear and anxiety.
Join Tammy Gerber and Gwen DeSelm for a 6-week class for women. Through teaching, video stories and small group discussion, we'll look to the Scriptures to discover our identity in Christ and move toward healing from the wounds of the past that have marred that identity.
Space is limited. Sign up below:
Sign Up More InfoCare Ministries
Care Ministries
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 brochure
The Choir
The Choir
6th Grade - Adult • Wednesdays at 6pm
The FMC Choir is a great place to connect and be part of a community of believers who are passionate about worship and music. It's open to all who want to sing and make a joyful noise to the Lord (no audition or previous experience necessary)! Come join us for worship, fellowship, and connection.
ContactTech Team
The Tech Team
Join Us!
The Tech Team at Fellowship is made up of hard-working people who love to be creative and serve the body with their skills. It's an area full of variety and excitement, as there are so many different ways to serve!
We're looking for creative people who want to learn a skill or apply their existing gifts in lights, camera, computer and staging. No experience necessary!
Send us an email for more info: More InfoCrafting 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.
ContactBaptism
Baptism at Fellowship
Next Baptism TBA
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 clicking below and follow the guided steps.
Following Jesus through baptism is a spiritually powerful experience. We look forward sharing it with you!
Click below for more information, or to take the next step:
More InformationMembership
Membership at Fellowship
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 congre- gation. 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!
QuestionsMarriage
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.
ContactDivorce 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?Go 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.
Race4Peace: Congo
Race4Peace: Congo
This annual running event is the local engagement of a global partnership in the Democratic Republic of Congo with World Relief. Each September for the last five years, hundreds of Fellowship families have acted as a prophetic witness of solidarity for peace in Congo, by participating in the Fort4Fitness running and walking races. The event is preceded by months of physical and spiritual training, including consistent prayer for more peace to break through World Relief’s peace-building efforts there.
R4P Facebook @r4pcongo Create4Peace
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 ContactGO Day
GO Day
Get Outside and Serve!
Serve neighbors (through a partership with NeighborLink) every third Saturday of the month through projects like yardwork, housework, and others. The only requirement is a willingness to serve! For more information, click the link below or stop by the Local Missions counter in the Atrium on a Sunday morning.
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.
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 UpHouston Hurricane Relief
Houston Missionary Churches Need Our Help!
Eighteen churches from our own denomination have been hit hard by Hurricane Harvey flooding. Both pastors’ properties and church properties have suffered significant damage. The Missionary Church, USA is now receiving funds to help get these churches back on their feet so they can help their flood-impacted communities get back onto theirs. Let’s help them help their communities!
How to Help:
1. Pray
As the stories come in, it appears that the Lord miraculously spared many Pastors from more catastrophic loss. Read these stories HERE and pray for these Missionary Church pastors by name, asking the Lord to use them to be light and hope in their flood-impacted neighborhoods.
2. Give
Option A: Give online directly to MCUSA HERE.
Option B: Give a check or cash directly to Fellowship in an envelope marked “Harvey.”
100% of your donations will support these 18 churches to serve the post-flood needs of their communities. Click below to help.
Global 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 InstagramCrossover
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 regions within Turkey. They invite your prayers for them as their heart is to see a disciple-making movement of Turkic 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.
web facebookExtreme Response
Extreme Response International
Extreme Response is involved in extreme poverty situations world-wide, working to bring love, help, and hope to people living in such situations. Through them, Fellowship partners with a longstanding family that provides leadership and a place of connections to those wanting to serve and love those within the Extreme Response family.
web facebook twitter instagramDiscover
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."
Although Geoff is the newest Fellowship staff member, he's 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 on the way.
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.
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.
Izzy joined the Youth Ministries team as an intern in early 2013. Soon after he was hired on as the Associate Director of Youth Ministries, mostly working with high school students in FMC's DownTown.
Izzy and his wife, Samantha, have three beautiful daughters.
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.
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 Adult Discipleship, Kelly oversees Fellowship’s strategy for multiplying communities of disciples and leaders who will lead the way in seeing God’s Kingdom change our community.
Kelly has been in ministry since he was old enough to vote and has been in executive coaching since his knees started begging for Advil. He's been married to Suze for thirty years and has three amazing adult children who love Jesus.
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.
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.
Joe has been the "video guy" on staff at Fellowship since 2000. He and his team of volunteers are responsible for everything you see on the screens, from My Journey videos to lyric slides and everything in between. He is also heavily involved with the Creative Team in planning and directing the Sunday morning gatherings.
He and his wife, Robin, love to travel.
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 website, social media, and eBulletin. He also provides audio/visual support for events and ministries around the building and keeps the technology up and running.
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 8:45 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)
Ways To Give.
There are several safe and secure ways to give to the work God is doing through Fellowship:
Give Online: Clicking on the link below allows you to make a donation by credit card or through PayPal. It’s a fast, easy and secure way to contribute to the ministry of FMC.
Online Bill Pay: Making Fellowship Missionary Church a payee on your financial institution’s online bill paying service allows you to deduct a specific dollar amount from your checking or savings account. This is a great way to set up recurring gifts, helping individuals and families remain faithful in their giving even when they are out of town or unable to attend on Sunday.
Sunday Gatherings: When you visit us, you may simply place cash or checks in the offering bag during collection part of our service. To receive tax credit for cash gifts, be sure to use a Giving Envelope, filling in your name and address as requested.
Give Online Give Online2536 Tillman Road Fort Wayne, IN 46816 - 260·447·3578 | info@fmcfw.org
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