With: Pastor Ross Osborn
Faith Covenant Fellowship and Idaville Church of God, both of Indiana, have recently entered into an intriguing new partnership. They now see themselves as one church. Idaville is now Faith Connection Idaville. So, we asked Pastor Ross Osborn (Faith Covenant) about this merger, why they did it, and what it means for both institutions.
How did the conversation between Faith Covenant Fellowship and Idaville start?
It all began with two churches and one shared goal: to see God’s kingdom grow. Faith Covenant Fellowship had been feeling a strong call to become a multisite church—one church in multiple locations, united by the same mission. At the same time, Idaville was going through a period of transition. They’d experienced a leadership change, and their congregation was feeling tired, discouraged, and unsure of the future.
That’s when the conversation began. Faith Covenant Fellowship saw an opportunity to come alongside Idaville, not to take over, but to partner. The goal was to bring encouragement, resources, and support, creating a revitalized ministry in Idaville while working as one church to serve the Gospel.
Pastor Ross Osborn Preaching
How would you describe the relationship between Faith Covenant Fellowship and Faith Connection?
The relationship between Faith Covenant Fellowship and Faith Connection is one of unity and shared purpose. Before this partnership, the two churches didn’t have much interaction, even though they were only seven miles apart. But now, they’ve come together as one church with two campuses, each bringing its own strengths to the table.
Cross-campus events, shared ministries, and collaborative outreach have helped strengthen this connection. Both locations see themselves as part of a single family, working together to make disciples and grow God’s kingdom. It’s not about one church supporting the other—it’s about both campuses serving as one body with one mission.
Was there hesitation from either party?
Discussions started in January 2024, and as with any major change, there was some initial hesitation. Idaville’s congregation had been through a lot, and stepping into something new can feel overwhelming. But both churches took the time to pray, ask questions, and trust God’s leading.
As the months went by, trust grew, and the vision began to take shape. By September 15, 2024, Faith Connection Idaville was officially launched as a campus of Faith Covenant Fellowship, with Fred Criminger installed as the campus pastor. This marked the beginning of one church in two locations, united by a shared mission.
What kinds of challenges has this process encountered, and what challenges do you foresee in the future?
Bringing two congregations together isn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest has been helping people embrace the idea of being one church in two locations. Each campus has its own traditions and culture, and blending those differences in a way that feels natural takes time and intentional effort.
Communication has also been a focus. Ensuring that members at both campuses stay informed and feel connected requires consistent and clear messaging. Miscommunication can create unnecessary friction, so this has been a priority throughout the process.
Looking ahead, maintaining unity as the partnership grows will require ongoing work. Both campuses need to feel equally valued and supported, and the focus must remain on the shared mission of spreading the Gospel.
What are the benefits for a smaller church joining a larger church?
When a smaller church partners with a larger church, it creates opportunities for shared mission and mutual support. For Faith Connection Idaville, this partnership was about ensuring the Gospel continued to thrive in their community. Faith Covenant Fellowship didn’t come in with a “savior” mentality but with a heart to work alongside Idaville’s congregation, recognizing their love for the community and their deep roots in the area.
For Faith Covenant Fellowship, the relationship with Faith Connection Idaville brought fresh energy and new opportunities to extend the mission into another community. It’s been a beautiful example of how two congregations can unite as one church, with each bringing their strengths to the table. Together, they’ve become a stronger, more effective body of Christ.
The partnership allowed both churches to combine resources and strengths. Faith Covenant Fellowship was able to offer tools, leadership experience, and support to help Faith Connection revitalize its ministries. At the same time, Faith Connection brought a wealth of relationships, history, and community knowledge that Faith Covenant Fellowship could never replicate on its own.
Another benefit has been the shared sense of mission. Both campuses now see themselves as part of one church in two locations, working together to make disciples and serve their communities. The partnership reminds everyone involved that this isn’t about one church helping another—it’s about God’s people joining forces to further His kingdom.
What has surprised you and/or the rest of the leadership at Faith Covenant Fellowship and Faith Connection?
One of the biggest surprises has been how quickly God moved. From the first conversations to the relaunch, everything came together faster than expected.
Trust between the two campuses formed early, and the willingness of members to embrace this partnership was inspiring. It was a clear reminder that when God is leading, His timing exceeds our expectations.
How did Faith Covenant Fellowship establish trust with the leadership at Idaville/Faith Connection?
Trust was built on open communication, prayer, and consistency. Faith Covenant Fellowship made it clear from the beginning that this was a partnership, not a takeover. They listened to Idaville’s concerns and hopes, respecting their history while presenting a vision for the future.
Prayer played a central role in building trust. Both leadership teams sought God’s guidance at every step, ensuring that decisions were Spirit-led and aligned with His mission.
Is this something you believe can be replicated?
This partnership is a model that could be replicated in other communities, provided it’s guided by prayer, humility, and a clear commitment to the Gospel. The hope is to continue multiplying campuses that reflect this shared mission.
What are the core principles that you’ve learned from this experience?
This journey has taught us several important lessons:
- Unity matters. Being one church in two locations requires intentional effort to stay connected.
- Prayer is essential. Every decision must start with seeking God’s guidance.
- Communication is critical. Clear and honest conversations build trust and alignment.
- Flexibility is key. Plans may change, but the mission remains the same.
- Collaboration strengthens the church. Each campus brings unique strengths to the partnership.
What are the benefits for a larger church joining with a smaller church?
The partnership with Faith Connection Idaville has been a mutual blessing for both campuses. Idaville already had so many great things going on. They had strong connections in their community, a deep love for God, and a dedicated group of people who cared deeply about their church and their mission.
Faith Covenant Fellowship was able to come alongside them to complement and support their efforts in ways that built on what they were already doing well. The partnership brought resources, additional leadership, and a new sense of collaboration that helped both campuses grow together.
What was the planning like for this kind of transition? Was there a discernment process on the part of Faith Covenant Fellowship? Was there prayer?
Planning for this transition was intentional, collaborative, and deeply rooted in prayer. Faith Covenant Fellowship came to the table with a clear vision but remained open to adapting as God led.
Regular meetings and feedback sessions created space for honest conversations and adjustments along the way. The process wasn’t just about logistics; it was about ensuring that every decision reflected God’s will and honored both congregations.
What is the vision for Faith Covenant Fellowship and Faith Connection?
The vision is clear: Faith Covenant Fellowship and Faith Connection are one church in two locations, united by a mission to make disciples and grow God’s kingdom.
Where have you seen God in this process?
God’s hand has been evident in every part of this journey. From the initial conversations to the installation of Fred Criminger as campus pastor, His presence has been undeniable.
We’ve seen Him in the unity between the two campuses, in the trust that’s been built, and in the lives that are already being impacted by this partnership. Above all, we’ve seen God remind us that the church isn’t about buildings or locations—it’s about people working together to carry out His mission.
Faith Covenant Fellowship and Faith Connection Idaville are living proof of what God can do when His people step out in faith and trust His leading.
The Global Advocate, Winter 2025
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