Stories
‘The mission field moved to Rockford’
Missionary Joyce Lievano talks about a local ministry opportunity, and the story behind the international resources that can support it.
‘Success looks different here’
During our church’s donation drive for Rock House Kids, we spoke with a staff member about the center’s ministry and needs.
Nate Carter: Embracing the Ridiculous
Bigfoot. Baboons. Thwarting terror plots. We promise, you have never read a church staff profile quite like Nate Carter’s.
Meet the Currys
Eric Curry starts soon as First Free’s Director of Contemporary Worship. We spoke with him and his wife, Tarah, about their upcoming move from Greenwood, Indiana, and what they look forward to here in Rockford.
Rife with Wisdom
Pastor Chuck Rife is retiring Dec. 31 after nearly 60 years in ministry. We spoke with him about his life and career.
Step by step
For John and Linda Brennan, life together is about serving, and being thankful for every new day.
A legacy of mission
Don Oleson looks back on 30 years of ministry service, particularly in Slovakia
From this day forward
Godly advice. Memorable photographers. Fun backstories. To help celebrate Valentine’s Day, couples recall their weddings at First Free.
‘A window of opportunity’
In retirement, Paul and Diane Geddes are finding joy and adventure by serving others in unexpected places.
‘Foster care is not for the faint of heart’
Two First Free families share their stories of obeying God’s call and stepping into the darkness of the foster care system.
Meet Dean Senglaub
Dean Senglaub began in September as our church’s executive minister, replacing the retiring Steve Ralph. In this wide-ranging conversation, he talks about faith, risky decisions, the Packers and spending time on water.
‘God doesn’t always call the qualified, but he qualifies the called’
A conversation with Eli Bartlett, Middle School & Young Adults Coordinator
A conversation with Dave Creek
Second in a two-part article to help get our church acquainted, or reacquainted, with Dave Creek. Dave is the candidate for Associate Pastor of Family Ministries.
The Clean Team
Throw away every stereotype you have about custodians and meet First Free’s unlikely team of humble servants.
Katie’s Story
Katie Larsen’s faith looks different today, after going through two life-threatening health scares. Most of all, she says: “I had to learn how to be honest with God. And even angry. It turned my life around.”
Sophia Vale: Life takes a flip turn
Sophia started in November as First Free Rockford’s Communications Coordinator. It’s the latest chapter in a family story carried by an unpredictable, trustworthy current.
Meet Toni Rowley
For Toni Rowley, her role at First Free Rockford is the latest milestone on a road filled with new adventures.
Leslie’s story: ‘I didn’t want to be broken forever’
Leslie James’ faith, and her church family, played a central role in her amazing physical transformation.
‘We are for these women.’
We spoke with the director of Rockford’s Pregnancy Care Center about its long partnership with First Free and how the local church can support women and children today.
Global Ministry, Local Venue
First Free’s English classes offer the chance to serve international friends
Serving War-Weary People
Amid daily air-raid sirens, First Free missionaries Jim and Sandy Bellair helped the Ukrainian church bring the love of Christ to traumatized people.
‘We can be very real’
A look inside First Free’s Rockford Rescue Mission worship venue and the many volunteers that make it possible.
Meet the Creeks
Dave Creek, associate pastor candidate, and his wife Laurie have a long family history with First Free Rockford, and Dave is no stranger to ministry here, either.