Here at Faith Evangelical Free Church, we see real people meeting the real God. But how did this come to be? Faith Evangelical Free Church’s story began in 1963. Twenty-three people gathered to consider starting a church in Grand Forks.
Fifteen charter members began holding services in September of that year. In 1964, the church was officially named Faith Evangelical Free Church. Since then, the church has gathered in three different locations. Over a dozen pastors have served the congregation. Pastor Vic Luiken served Faith for over 35 years. He led the church from 1972 to 2008.
In July 2017, God brought Pastor Jason Holm to serve as senior pastor. He leads the church staff and teaches on Sunday mornings. God blessed the congregation again in January 2020. Pastor Anton Van Straaten began serving as discipleship pastor. In February 2022, Web Gehring was named an associate pastor. He had faithfully served as a ministry associate since 2016.
The Evangelical Free Church of America has a rich history. It formed in 1950. The merger of the Swedish Evangelical Free Church and the Norwegian-Danish Evangelical Free Church Association created it. The EFCA shares ties with those who formed the Swedish Evangelical Covenant Church. Both came from Mission Friends groups. The EFCA has been a member of the National Association of Evangelicals since 1943.
The Evangelical Free Church of America affirms the Bible’s authority. It believes in the Trinity and atonement through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. It also believes in original sin. Christ is the head of the church. The local church has the right to self-government. Christ’s return is personal and imminent. The church recognizes water baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
The word “Free” in Faith Evangelical Free Church refers to its congregational polity. Each member church is autonomous. It also refers to its history. The free churches were free from state control.
In its early days, the EFCA had origins within Lutheranism. It also had an influx of former Methodists and Presbyterians. Specific beliefs can vary. This is due to the congregational governance system. It gives autonomy to local EFCA churches.
Today, Faith Evangelical Free Church declares the Word of God. It disciples believers into mature followers of Jesus. The church’s mission is to be real people meeting the real God. This mission plays out in all areas of life. It includes worship services, Bible studies, shared meals and small group meetings. The goal is always to declare God’s Word. The goal is always to disciple believers. The ultimate goal is that real people would meet the real God.