Stories
To equip us to go, tell and show the love of God. To help us see the world with new eyes. To inform, inspire, unite and engage. This is the purpose of stories.
‘God doesn’t always call the qualified, but he qualifies the called’
A conversation with Eli Bartlett, Middle School & Young Adults Coordinator
Q&R with Pastor Luke: Part 2
In part 2 of our conversation with Lead Pastor Luke Uran, we talk about being an outwardly focused church, and the June plan for a full month of serving opportunities.
Q&R with Pastor Luke: Part 1
With summer nearing, we spoke with Lead Pastor Luke Uran about upcoming worship services, and the continuing sermon series in the Gospel of John.
First Free’s unique calling
‘God is calling all of us at some level to engage. Not certainly all to go, but all to engage.’ Here’s Part 2 of our conversation with Jim Snyder of ReachGlobal.
A change of seasons for two veteran missionaries
ReachGlobal’s Keith and Judy Anderson reflect on their long career together in missions and how the global church has grown.
First Free’s Congo connection
A conversation with Reach Global’s Jim Snyder about the continuing opportunities for our church to engage with ministry in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
A new summer day camp for a new era
First Free Rockford has retired Summerama for 2025. Instead, Kids Ministries plans a one-week camp called VBS XL. We spoke with Kari Heckler, First Free Kids Director, about what’s anticipated.
10 good quotes about fasting
As we wrap up our church’s call for 21 days of fasting and prayer, it’s with the hope that those intertwined spiritual disciplines habits become part of our lives more regularly. Here’s some inspiration.
The good kind of pressure
A season of fasting and prayer is helping Sophia Vale redirect the pressure she naturally applies to life.
What Dr Pepper taught me about fasting
First Free has called for 21 days fasting and prayer. Over that time, several people from our church family are writing about those experiences. First up: Kristi Countryman.
Not a singular problem
Churches focus much of their attention and programming on marriage and family. That can leave singles feeling misunderstood or unseen. We can do better.
Seeing Jesus in our quarterback
How my 9-year-old football player gave me a better view of Jesus
