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
WORSHIP
COMMUNITY
MINISTRY
MISSION
Our Story
Appleton Gospel Church began in 2010 as a small group of 35 people led by Rev. 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 Evangelical Free Church of America (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). But God was faithful, and we endured.
Today, we’re a growing church led by founding pastor David Parks. We’re passionate about our mission, vision, and values. We love modern worship, expository preaching, kid’s ministry, community groups, serving people in need, and church planting. We’re 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 church staff and many volunteer leaders. If you want to become a voting member, join us for our next Discovering Membership Lunch. Have questions? Need something? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you.
2030 Vision: Make Room
In 2024, the elder board initiated a process of prayer and discussion to develop a long-term ministry plan. The resulting 2030 Vision is all about making room. Making room for what? As followers of Jesus, we always need to make room in our hearts and lives to grow in our love for God and for other people. As a growing church, we also need to make room in our church for more people who need Jesus. We examined the Biblical foundations for our 2030 Vision in the series called Make Room. Watch/listen here.
