A Pastor’s Reflection: Finding Our Place in a Demonination

As the pastor of Radiant Fellowship, a smaller Assembly of God church located right here in town—where the district office is also situated, and just down the street from a much larger, long-established Assembly of God congregation—I often find myself reflecting on our place within this community.

When new Assembly of God folks come to town—whether they arrive for a staff position at the district office or simply move here to live—there is a clear pattern. Nearly everyone gravitates toward the more established church. Of course, they are always welcome to join us at Radiant Fellowship, but I have to ask: why don’t they lock in here?

I understand the draw of familiarity; it’s comforting to be in a community where faces, traditions, and ministries are well known. But it also makes me wonder—does my church get seen as legitimate? Why not meet some new people and consider planting yourself in a church like Radiant Fellowship? A church where you could potentially serve, or at the very least, where your spouse might find a meaningful community while you’re out speaking at other churches on Sundays?

This feeling of being overlooked is disheartening. I grew up outside of this city with a dream that if I ever did get the chance to pastor a church in the very city where the district office sits, it would feel special—like a true homecoming. On many levels, pastoring Radiant Fellowship has been incredibly rewarding. But on the "business side"—hoping for friendships, inclusion in gatherings with fellow Assembly of God folks, or even just a simple invite from district officials—it has often been disappointing. Invitations are rare, maybe coming once a year.

Despite this, I am committed to my calling. I will keep my eyes on the prize and continue pastoring this church with passion and purpose, even if it sometimes feels like we are on the fringes of our own denomination’s community.

Radiant Fellowship is more than just a smaller church—it’s a family eager to welcome, serve, and grow. We believe that new connections and deeper involvement enrich not only our congregation but the entire Assembly of God family here in town.

If you’re new to the area, or if you’ve simply never considered us before, I invite you to come be a part of what God is doing at Radiant Fellowship. You might just find a place where you truly belong.