If you have a family member with ANY disability, do you want to be seen, be valued, be heard, and be loved by your church in an actual church service?
Welcome to Front Porch Church where there are no distractions, only interactions within our community.
My name is Rick Bolle and with the help and support of Community Christian Church (The Yellow Box), we have started a church service for individuals at any age with any disability, AND their families. This church service is not only limited to the disability community, but all are welcome to worship with us at any time.
I feel God led me to start this church back in November 2021. James Meeks was the closing speaker at Exponential and his challenge to everyone was “…. are you available?” James mentioned that God didn’t need the right board of directors, any funds, or any buildings to start a church. God needed someone here on earth who was available to start a church. I was available. I rushed home and told my wife that God was calling me to start a church, and He was bringing my vision into focus.
You see, 30 years ago. God placed me and my wife in a small group and a dear couple in our small group soon had a baby boy with special needs. This little boy and his family quickly grew into a family that we would begin to love more deeply and walk closely through life with.
About 15 years ago, I started to work with our local YoungLife Capernaum organization. It was at YL Capernaum camp that God showed me what Heaven looked like. Heaven included our special needs community, as well as our typical community, as we worshiped and experienced “life” that week. Again, God continues to show me a more focused vision and what Front Porch Church looks like.
This is not a drop off event, but a time for families to worship together with other families. Connections are made, and relationships begin.
Our service is not as loud or flashy as most services. We encourage participation throughout the service. We sing worship songs, show Otis & Friends pictures, give “Yay-God” moments, celebrate birthdays, share resources and upcoming events, have different folks give a shorter sermon, sing an ending song, then gather in a circle and sing our last song together. This last song is a great big circle where everyone is included, and no one is left out.
I am forever grateful for our worship director who had the idea to circle up the group. Folks can participate as much or as little as they feel comfortable. God’s love is on FULL display for sure. There is no age limit. ALL are welcome.
One of our teachers is a young man with a Down Syndrome who wants to be a pastor. During his message, you can hear a pin drop as everyone is focused on his message. I remember his first message and his opening lines were “Look, it’s all about me. Right? NO…. it’s about Jesus!” God is using him in amazing ways. He is on fire for the Lord!
The gym where the service is held is well lit and the seats are spread out. I host the service and will also mention “there are no distractions, only interactions.” We have occasional shout-outs, movements, dancing in the aisles, hugs, and high fives during the service. Again, no distractions, only interactions. ALL are welcome.
In April 2022, my wife and I were introduced to several acres of land (now called the FISH property) that we plan to build Front Porch Church on, as well as a barn and greenhouse. The property owners are beautiful and faithful people who love the Lord with all they have. I received a picture of a page in her Bible with the words…” God, how can we use this land to grow your Kingdom?” She wrote this in her bible October 2021. God……Really?
The FISH property is beautiful! The 17 acres that we plan to build on has a 3-acre Christian fish symbol mowed into the field and outlined with evergreen trees. From the sky, you can always see this symbol. During the summer months, the fresh mowed symbol is contrasted by wildflowers and grasses. During the winter, the fish is blanketed by white snow and outlined by the ever-green bushes. I encourage you to go to Google maps and search 2232 Simons Road, Oswego, Ill., click on satellite view, and see the FISH yourself.
I can honestly feel God moving under our new church and under this community. This community is being seen, heard from, valued, and loved at Front Porch Church. To build this vision and make it a reality is a huge mountain to move. But like I told a very close small group brother years ago, God can move mountains! God IS moving mountains for this community and for Front Porch Church.
Feel free to go to our Front Porch Church Facebook page and check us out. We will also share any changes to our Sunday night schedules should there be one. Join us Sunday nights at 6 p.m. at Community Christian Church in Naperville, Ill.
Our mission is helping people of all abilities find their way back to God.
