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==Rockford First== |
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Rockford First is a megachurch affiliated with the Assemblies of God located in Rockford, IL. Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt has been the lead pastor since May, 2007. <ref>http://jeremydeweerdt.com/about/</ref> He oversees all ministries of Rockford First including Christian Life Schools (a PreK3-12th grade Christian school averaging 700 students),<ref>http://www.clschools.org/about.php</ref> Christian Life Retirement Centers,<ref>http://www.clrcgroup.com/index_files/about.htm</ref> Focus One (a post-high school ministry),<ref>http://www.focusone.com/</ref> and dozens of other ministries for people of all ages. Close to 2,000 people attend services each week. <ref>http://www.rrstar.com/carousel/x1146474311/Easter-highlights-message-of-hope</ref> |
Rockford First is a [[megachurch]] affiliated with the Assemblies of God located in Rockford, IL. Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt has been the lead pastor since May, 2007. <ref>http://jeremydeweerdt.com/about/</ref> He oversees all ministries of Rockford First including Christian Life Schools (a PreK3-12th grade Christian school averaging 700 students),<ref>http://www.clschools.org/about.php</ref> Christian Life Retirement Centers,<ref>http://www.clrcgroup.com/index_files/about.htm</ref> Focus One (a post-high school ministry),<ref>http://www.focusone.com/</ref> and dozens of other ministries for people of all ages. Close to 2,000 people attend services each week. <ref>http://www.rrstar.com/carousel/x1146474311/Easter-highlights-message-of-hope</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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Rockford First in Rockford, Illinois is a megachurch that was originally founded in 1934 as First Assembly of God. In 1971 a new location was built for First Assembly with a seating capacity of 1,200. Rockford First, under Pastor Ernest Moen, opened Christian Life Elementary School in 1973 and Christian Life High School in 1975. Also, in 1981, Christian Life Retirement Center was opened on North Mulford Dr. in Rockford and in 1979 the first Radio Station WQFL (100.9 FM) was purchased from Open Bible Church. Due to continued church growth, in 1986, new ground was broken for an additional sanctuary with seating of 3,650. In 1993, Pastor Jeanne Mayo and Jeremy DeWeerdt, launched The Rockford Master’s Commission for post high-school students, which is now known as Focus One. Throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s, five more Christian Life Retirement Centers were opened throughout Rockford and surrounding cities. (This will be sited with the books that I have on the First Assembly) |
Rockford First in [[Rockford, Illinois]] is a megachurch that was originally founded in 1934 as First Assembly of God. In 1971 a new location was built for First Assembly with a seating capacity of 1,200. Rockford First, under Pastor Ernest Moen, opened Christian Life Elementary School in 1973 and Christian Life High School in 1975. Also, in 1981, Christian Life Retirement Center was opened on North Mulford Dr. in Rockford and in 1979 the first Radio Station WQFL (100.9 FM) was purchased from Open Bible Church. Due to continued church growth, in 1986, new ground was broken for an additional sanctuary with seating of 3,650. In 1993, Pastor Jeanne Mayo and Jeremy DeWeerdt, launched The Rockford Master’s Commission for post high-school students, which is now known as Focus One. Throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s, five more Christian Life Retirement Centers were opened throughout Rockford and surrounding cities. (This will be sited with the books that I have on the First Assembly) |
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In April of 2007, after serving 13 years with the Rockford Master’s Commission and Cross Current (junior high and high school ministry) Pastor Jeremy and Jen DeWeerdt were named the lead pastors of Rockford First. Upon taking the position Pastor Jeremy and Jen focused Rockford First to be a church that “loves God, love People, and loves Life” <ref>http://www.rockfordfirst.com/</ref> (sourcing for Pastor Jeremy will be to his blog) |
In April of 2007, after serving 13 years with the Rockford Master’s Commission and Cross Current (junior high and high school ministry) Pastor Jeremy and Jen DeWeerdt were named the lead pastors of Rockford First. Upon taking the position Pastor Jeremy and Jen focused Rockford First to be a church that “loves God, love People, and loves Life” <ref>http://www.rockfordfirst.com/</ref> (sourcing for Pastor Jeremy will be to his blog) |
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==Affiliation== |
==Affiliation== |
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Rockford First is part of the Assemblies of God. The Assemblies of God is committed to fulfilling a four-fold mission; evangelize the lost, worship God, disciple believers, and show compassion. |
Rockford First is part of the [[Assemblies of God]]. The Assemblies of God is committed to fulfilling a four-fold mission; evangelize the lost, worship God, disciple believers, and show compassion.<ref name = mission>[http://ag.org/top/About/mission.cfm Assemblies of God</ref> |
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==Community |
==Community involvement== |
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Earthbeat is a non-profit organization that is focused on getting the youth back involved with their community. Started in 1993 by Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt, Rockford First partners with the Rockford Park District on many projects including cleaning parks, rivers, and highways. |
Earthbeat is a [[non-profit organization]] that is focused on getting the youth back involved with their community. Started in 1993 by Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt, Rockford First partners with the Rockford Park District on many projects including cleaning parks, rivers, and highways.<ref name = mission/> |
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In August of 2010 Rockford First Care Strategy was started. The goal of Rockford First Care Strategy is to promote hope within a community by bridging the gap between poverty and opportunity. Care Strategy is involved in many different venues in Rockford; for example, The Rockford Rescue Mission,<ref>http://rockfordrescuemission.org/</ref> Blackhawk Boys and Girls Club,<ref>http://www.rockfordboysandgirlsclub.org/index.asp</ref> and many other venues throughout the city. In August of 2010 Care Strategy partnered with Kaboom! and Barbour Language community for a playground build.<ref>http://www.rrstar.com/opinions/whatyouresaying/x552733843/Letter-Barbour-playground-built</ref> |
In August of 2010 Rockford First Care Strategy was started. The goal of Rockford First Care Strategy is to promote hope within a community by bridging the gap between poverty and opportunity. Care Strategy is involved in many different venues in Rockford; for example, The Rockford Rescue Mission,<ref>http://rockfordrescuemission.org/</ref> Blackhawk Boys and Girls Club,<ref>http://www.rockfordboysandgirlsclub.org/index.asp</ref> and many other venues throughout the city. In August of 2010 Care Strategy partnered with Kaboom! and Barbour Language community for a playground build.<ref>http://www.rrstar.com/opinions/whatyouresaying/x552733843/Letter-Barbour-playground-built</ref> |
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Rockford First runs many different ministries in addition to the weekend services and events. Rockford First runs off of a small group structure throughout the church called “life groups.” These groups consist of approximately 10-20 people who meet once a week throughout the city of Rockford and the surrounding areas. The main ministries of the Rockford First are: |
Rockford First runs many different ministries in addition to the weekend services and events. Rockford First runs off of a small group structure throughout the church called “life groups.” These groups consist of approximately 10-20 people who meet once a week throughout the city of Rockford and the surrounding areas. The main ministries of the Rockford First are: |
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===Rockford First KidsLife=== |
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Rockford First KidsLife is the children’s ministry at Rockford First. Rockford First provides a children’s program for the weekend services and the mid-week services. Children are divided into two different age brackets for the weekend services: |
Rockford First KidsLife is the children’s ministry at Rockford First. Rockford First provides a children’s program for the weekend services and the mid-week services. Children are divided into two different age brackets for the weekend services: |
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AkolooLand (12 months - 5 years old) |
AkolooLand (12 months - 5 years old) |
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KidsLife (1st grade - 5th grade) |
KidsLife (1st grade - 5th grade) |
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===Venue=== |
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Rockford First provides a high school ministry called The Venue. Services meet on Wednesday Nights and are set up in a small group structure on Sunday nights. The small groups are set up by grade level and meet in students’ homes throughout the city. |
Rockford First provides a high school ministry called The Venue. Services meet on Wednesday Nights and are set up in a small group structure on Sunday nights. The small groups are set up by grade level and meet in students’ homes throughout the city. |
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===FUSE=== |
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Rockford First provides a junior high ministry called FUSE. Fuse meets on Wednesday nights, as well as, Sunday Morning at 10:15. Fuse is set up in a small group structure and are divided by grade level and meet on Wednesday nights at Rockford First Church. |
Rockford First provides a junior high ministry called FUSE. Fuse meets on Wednesday nights, as well as, Sunday Morning at 10:15. Fuse is set up in a small group structure and are divided by grade level and meet on Wednesday nights at Rockford First Church. |
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===theFORUM=== |
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theFORUM serves as Rockford First’s young adult ministry. theFORUM is a collection of life groups that meet throughout the city of Rockford and focuses on giving young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 a place to gather and talk about God, ask questions, and learn to practically walk out faith. theFORUM also hosts quarterly services which consist of contemporary worship and teachings. |
theFORUM serves as Rockford First’s young adult ministry. theFORUM is a collection of life groups that meet throughout the city of Rockford and focuses on giving young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 a place to gather and talk about God, ask questions, and learn to practically walk out faith. theFORUM also hosts quarterly services which consist of contemporary worship and teachings. |
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===Original Women=== |
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Original Women was founded by Jen DeWeerdt and focuses to inspire and empower women to live a life that is purposeful, centered, passionate, true, and original. This ministry meets once every eight weeks to provide women with teaching and fellowship. |
Original Women was founded by Jen DeWeerdt and focuses to inspire and empower women to live a life that is purposeful, centered, passionate, true, and original. This ministry meets once every eight weeks to provide women with teaching and fellowship. |
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==Conferences== |
==Conferences== |
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===Original Conference=== |
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Original Conference was founded by Jen DeWeerdt in April of 2007. Original Conference is an annual conference centered on empowering women to live a life that is purposeful, centered, passionate, true, and original. Original Conference offers contemporary worship and a series of teachings. |
Original Conference was founded by Jen DeWeerdt in April of 2007. Original Conference is an annual conference centered on empowering women to live a life that is purposeful, centered, passionate, true, and original. Original Conference offers contemporary worship and a series of teachings. |
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===Men’s Conference<=== |
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Rockford First offers a Men’s Conference, which was founded by Jeremy DeWeerdt in February of 2010. This is an annual conference that concentrates on relevant, life changing, ministry to and for men. Men’s Conference offers contemporary worship and a series of teachings. |
Rockford First offers a Men’s Conference, which was founded by Jeremy DeWeerdt in February of 2010. This is an annual conference that concentrates on relevant, life changing, ministry to and for men. Men’s Conference offers contemporary worship and a series of teachings. |
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==Podcasts and |
==Podcasts and media== |
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Rockford First also broadcasts teachings multiple times each week on three local television stations (WREX 13, WTVO 17, WQRF 39) as well as two radio stations WQFL (100.9 FM) and WGSL (91.1 FM). (sourced to all the websites of TV stations and Radio stations) |
Rockford First also broadcasts teachings multiple times each week on three local television stations (WREX 13, WTVO 17, WQRF 39) as well as two radio stations WQFL (100.9 FM) and WGSL (91.1 FM). (sourced to all the websites of TV stations and Radio stations) |
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In 2007 Rockford First began offering a podcast ministry for Rockford First Sundays, Venue, and theFORUM. (this will be sourced to the iTUNES links) |
In 2007 Rockford First began offering a podcast ministry for Rockford First Sundays, Venue, and theFORUM. (this will be sourced to the iTUNES links) |
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==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
Revision as of 12:30, 5 October 2011
Rockford First is a megachurch affiliated with the Assemblies of God located in Rockford, IL. Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt has been the lead pastor since May, 2007. [1] He oversees all ministries of Rockford First including Christian Life Schools (a PreK3-12th grade Christian school averaging 700 students),[2] Christian Life Retirement Centers,[3] Focus One (a post-high school ministry),[4] and dozens of other ministries for people of all ages. Close to 2,000 people attend services each week. [5]
History
Rockford First in Rockford, Illinois is a megachurch that was originally founded in 1934 as First Assembly of God. In 1971 a new location was built for First Assembly with a seating capacity of 1,200. Rockford First, under Pastor Ernest Moen, opened Christian Life Elementary School in 1973 and Christian Life High School in 1975. Also, in 1981, Christian Life Retirement Center was opened on North Mulford Dr. in Rockford and in 1979 the first Radio Station WQFL (100.9 FM) was purchased from Open Bible Church. Due to continued church growth, in 1986, new ground was broken for an additional sanctuary with seating of 3,650. In 1993, Pastor Jeanne Mayo and Jeremy DeWeerdt, launched The Rockford Master’s Commission for post high-school students, which is now known as Focus One. Throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s, five more Christian Life Retirement Centers were opened throughout Rockford and surrounding cities. (This will be sited with the books that I have on the First Assembly) In April of 2007, after serving 13 years with the Rockford Master’s Commission and Cross Current (junior high and high school ministry) Pastor Jeremy and Jen DeWeerdt were named the lead pastors of Rockford First. Upon taking the position Pastor Jeremy and Jen focused Rockford First to be a church that “loves God, love People, and loves Life” [6] (sourcing for Pastor Jeremy will be to his blog)
Affiliation
Rockford First is part of the Assemblies of God. The Assemblies of God is committed to fulfilling a four-fold mission; evangelize the lost, worship God, disciple believers, and show compassion.[7]
Community involvement
Earthbeat is a non-profit organization that is focused on getting the youth back involved with their community. Started in 1993 by Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt, Rockford First partners with the Rockford Park District on many projects including cleaning parks, rivers, and highways.[7]
In August of 2010 Rockford First Care Strategy was started. The goal of Rockford First Care Strategy is to promote hope within a community by bridging the gap between poverty and opportunity. Care Strategy is involved in many different venues in Rockford; for example, The Rockford Rescue Mission,[8] Blackhawk Boys and Girls Club,[9] and many other venues throughout the city. In August of 2010 Care Strategy partnered with Kaboom! and Barbour Language community for a playground build.[10]
Ministries
Rockford First runs many different ministries in addition to the weekend services and events. Rockford First runs off of a small group structure throughout the church called “life groups.” These groups consist of approximately 10-20 people who meet once a week throughout the city of Rockford and the surrounding areas. The main ministries of the Rockford First are:
Rockford First KidsLife
Rockford First KidsLife is the children’s ministry at Rockford First. Rockford First provides a children’s program for the weekend services and the mid-week services. Children are divided into two different age brackets for the weekend services: AkolooLand (12 months - 5 years old) KidsLife (1st grade - 5th grade)
Venue
Rockford First provides a high school ministry called The Venue. Services meet on Wednesday Nights and are set up in a small group structure on Sunday nights. The small groups are set up by grade level and meet in students’ homes throughout the city.
FUSE
Rockford First provides a junior high ministry called FUSE. Fuse meets on Wednesday nights, as well as, Sunday Morning at 10:15. Fuse is set up in a small group structure and are divided by grade level and meet on Wednesday nights at Rockford First Church.
theFORUM
theFORUM serves as Rockford First’s young adult ministry. theFORUM is a collection of life groups that meet throughout the city of Rockford and focuses on giving young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 a place to gather and talk about God, ask questions, and learn to practically walk out faith. theFORUM also hosts quarterly services which consist of contemporary worship and teachings.
Original Women
Original Women was founded by Jen DeWeerdt and focuses to inspire and empower women to live a life that is purposeful, centered, passionate, true, and original. This ministry meets once every eight weeks to provide women with teaching and fellowship.
Missions
One of Rockford First’s main focuses is missions and takes many different missions trips across the world. Rockford First partners with many different missionaries to provide individuals the opportunity to see different avenues of ministry, as well as, many different cultures.
Conferences
Original Conference
Original Conference was founded by Jen DeWeerdt in April of 2007. Original Conference is an annual conference centered on empowering women to live a life that is purposeful, centered, passionate, true, and original. Original Conference offers contemporary worship and a series of teachings.
Men’s Conference<
Rockford First offers a Men’s Conference, which was founded by Jeremy DeWeerdt in February of 2010. This is an annual conference that concentrates on relevant, life changing, ministry to and for men. Men’s Conference offers contemporary worship and a series of teachings.
Podcasts and media
Rockford First also broadcasts teachings multiple times each week on three local television stations (WREX 13, WTVO 17, WQRF 39) as well as two radio stations WQFL (100.9 FM) and WGSL (91.1 FM). (sourced to all the websites of TV stations and Radio stations)
In 2007 Rockford First began offering a podcast ministry for Rockford First Sundays, Venue, and theFORUM. (this will be sourced to the iTUNES links)
References
- ^ http://jeremydeweerdt.com/about/
- ^ http://www.clschools.org/about.php
- ^ http://www.clrcgroup.com/index_files/about.htm
- ^ http://www.focusone.com/
- ^ http://www.rrstar.com/carousel/x1146474311/Easter-highlights-message-of-hope
- ^ http://www.rockfordfirst.com/
- ^ a b [http://ag.org/top/About/mission.cfm Assemblies of God
- ^ http://rockfordrescuemission.org/
- ^ http://www.rockfordboysandgirlsclub.org/index.asp
- ^ http://www.rrstar.com/opinions/whatyouresaying/x552733843/Letter-Barbour-playground-built