Who We Are
We are a church that is all about good news. We know that life can be nuts. So we help people find stability and hope in this crazy world by sharing good news every week. It’s our vision that this good news — the gospel of Jesus Christ — will transform the people of the city in every way. Are you interested in learning to follow the way of Jesus? We’d love for you to join us!
What We Do
Our Story
Appleton Gospel Church began in 2010 as a small group of 35 people led by David and Holly Parks. Meeting in the upper rooms of the former Harmony Cafe, they dreamed of a church that would love and serve the city of Appleton in Jesus’ name; a church where people could follow Jesus and help others do the same; a church that would be all about good news.
On Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011, we launched publicly at the downtown Appleton YMCA where we would stay a “mobile church” (setting up and tearing down) for eight years. Almost exactly two years after launching, on April 12, 2013, we were welcomed into the EFCA as a full-member church. Over the years, we helped start several other churches around the Fox Valley and have supported gospel ministry worldwide. Funded by the REACH Campaign, we remodeled and moved into our current building facility in February 2020 (one month before the Covid shutdown). God was faithful, and we endured.
Today, we’re passionate about our mission, hopeful for the work of the gospel in the Fox Valley, and we can’t wait to see what God will do in the future!
What is our church governance? Christ is the head of the church. Under the direction of His Spirit and Word, the church is governed by a board of elders in partnership with a congregation of members. Day-to-day ministry matters are handled by staff and many volunteer leaders (see below). If you are interested in becoming a member, join us for our next Discovering Membership class.
Meet Our Team
- Justun Hart - Worship Team Leader
- Laura Rieckhoff - Admin
- Ted Selker - Elder Board
- Allissa Tess - Building Cleaner
- Rev. David Parks - Lead Pastor, Elder Board
- Dan Dolezal - Elder Board
Not pictured:
- Larry Lonadier – Elder Board
- All our volunteer leaders who run our Kid’s Team, Hospitality Team, Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Facilities Team, Care Team, Youth Group, and Community Groups.