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'''Rockford First''' is a [[megachurch]] affiliated with the [[General Council of the Assemblies of God in the United States of America|Assemblies of God]] located in [[Rockford, Illinois]]. Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt has been the lead pastor since May, 2007. |
'''Rockford First''' is a [[megachurch]] affiliated with the [[General Council of the Assemblies of God in the United States of America|Assemblies of God]] located in [[Rockford, Illinois]]. 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,<ref>[http://www.clschools.org/about.php Christian Life Schools]</ref> Christian Life Retirement Centers,<ref>[http://www.clrcgroup.com/index_files/about.htm Christian Life Retirement Centers]</ref> Focus One (a post-high school ministry),<ref>http://www.focusone.com/</ref> and dozens of other ministries for people of all ages. Rockford First is listed number 51 in the 100 largest Assemblies of God churches in the United States and averages a weekly attendance of 2,395.<ref>"Top 100 AG Church's in the United States" [http://agchurches.org/Sitefiles/Default/RSS/AG.org%20TOP/AG%20Statistical%20Reports/2010%20Stats/LarChu2010.pdf]</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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⚫ | Rockford First was originally founded as First Assembly of God In July of 1934.<ref>http://genealogytrails.com/ill/winnebago/churchhistb.htm</ref> On September 12, 1971 a new location opened for First Assembly with a seating capacity of 1,200.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?ei=YliXTvaLCMTosQKH5rymBA&ct=result&id=Hi55AAAAMAAJ&dq=First+Assembly+of+God+in+Rockford+IL&q=First+Assembly+of+God+#search_anchor</ref> First Assembly of God, under Pastor Ernest Moen, opened Christian Life Elementary School in 1973 and Christian Life High School in 1975. In 1979 the first [[Radio Station]] [[WQFL]] (100.9 FM) was purchased from Open Bible Church.<ref>http://www.wifr.com/economy/headlines/44722892.html</ref> Also, in 1981, Christian Life Retirement Center was opened on North Mulford Dr. in Rockford. 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.<ref>http://books.google.com/books?id=QGRyvJpVh0QC&dq=Rockford+Master%27s+Commission+founding&q=Jeremy+Deweerdt#v=snippet&q=Jeremy%20Deweerdt&f=false</ref> |
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Rockford First was originally founded as First Assembly of God In July of 1934.<ref>http://genealogytrails.com/ill/winnebago/churchhistb.htm</ref> On September 12, 1971 a new location opened for First Assembly with a seating capacity of 1,200. |
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⚫ | <ref>http://books.google.com/books?ei=YliXTvaLCMTosQKH5rymBA&ct=result&id=Hi55AAAAMAAJ&dq=First+Assembly+of+God+in+Rockford+IL&q=First+Assembly+of+God+#search_anchor</ref> First Assembly of God, under Pastor Ernest Moen, opened Christian Life Elementary School in 1973 and Christian Life High School in 1975. In 1979 the first [[Radio Station]] [[WQFL]] (100.9 FM) was purchased from Open Bible Church.<ref>http://www.wifr.com/economy/headlines/44722892.html</ref> Also, in 1981, Christian Life Retirement Center was opened on North Mulford Dr. in Rockford. 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. |
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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. <ref>''Rockford Register Star'',2007-05-20,Webster, Edith C., "Young Ideas", Rockford, IL</ref>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> |
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. <ref>''Rockford Register Star'',2007-05-20,Webster, Edith C., "Young Ideas", Rockford, IL</ref>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> |
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<gallery> |
<gallery> |
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Image:Rockford First Ground breaking.png|First Assembly of God Ground Breaking July 1971 |
Image:Rockford First Ground breaking.png|First Assembly of God Ground Breaking July 1971 |
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Image:Rockford First 1971.png| |
Image:Rockford First 1971.png|Easter Sunday 1971 |
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Image:Rockford First Ariel.JPG| |
Image:Rockford First Ariel.JPG|Campus in 2010 |
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Image:Rockford First Easter 2011.png|Inside the Sanctuary |
Image:Rockford First Easter 2011.png|Inside the Sanctuary: Easter Sunday 2011 |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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==Affiliation== |
==Affiliation== |
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Rockford First is part of the [[General Council of the Assemblies of God in the United States of America|Assemblies of God]]. |
Rockford First is part of the [[General Council of the Assemblies of God in the United States of America|Assemblies of God]]. The Assemblies of God claimed mission is four-fold; 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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==Ministries== |
==Ministries== |
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Rockford First runs many different ministries in addition to the weekend services and events. Rockford First runs off of a [[Cell group|small group]] structure throughout the church called “life groups.” These groups consist of approximately |
Rockford First runs many different ministries in addition to the weekend services and events. Rockford First runs off of a [[Cell group|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. |
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The main ministries of the Rockford First are: Kidslife (birth- 5th grade),<ref name= KidsLife>[http://www.rockfordfirst.com/ministries/kids.cfm KidsLife]</ref> FUSE ( 6th- 8th grades), Venue (9th-12th grade),<ref name= Venue>[http://experiencethevenue.com/new/ Venue]</ref> theFORUM (college-aged ministry),<ref name= theFORUM>[http://www.theforum.cc The Forum]</ref> and Original Women (women's ministry).<ref>http://originalconference.com/index.html</ref> |
The main ministries of the Rockford First are: Kidslife (birth- 5th grade),<ref name= KidsLife>[http://www.rockfordfirst.com/ministries/kids.cfm KidsLife]</ref> FUSE ( 6th- 8th grades), Venue (9th-12th grade),<ref name= Venue>[http://experiencethevenue.com/new/ Venue]</ref> theFORUM (college-aged ministry),<ref name= theFORUM>[http://www.theforum.cc The Forum]</ref> and Original Women (women's ministry).<ref>http://originalconference.com/index.html</ref> |
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===Community |
===Community involvement=== |
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====Earthbeat==== |
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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]].<ref name = mission/> |
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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====Care Strategy==== |
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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> |
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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===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 a 3-day conference. |
Original Conference was founded by Jen DeWeerdt in April of 2007. Original Conference is a 3-day conference. This [[conference]] offers [[contemporary worship]] and a series of teachings for women of all ages.<ref>http://originalconference.com/index.html</ref> |
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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. |
Rockford First offers a Men’s Conference, which was founded by Jeremy DeWeerdt in February of 2010. Men’s Conference offers [[contemporary worship]] and a series of teachings for men of all ages.<ref>http://www.rockfordfirst.com/mensconference</ref> |
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==Podcasts and media== |
==Podcasts and media== |
Revision as of 05:32, 19 October 2011
Rockford First | |
---|---|
Location | Rockford, IL |
Country | United States |
Denomination | Assemblies of God |
Weekly attendance | 2,395 |
Website | http://www.rockfordfirst.com/ |
Clergy | |
Senior pastor(s) | Jeremy DeWeerdt |
Rockford First is a megachurch affiliated with the Assemblies of God located in Rockford, Illinois. Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt has been the lead pastor since May, 2007.[1] He oversees all ministries of Rockford First including Christian Life Schools,[2] Christian Life Retirement Centers,[3] Focus One (a post-high school ministry),[4] and dozens of other ministries for people of all ages. Rockford First is listed number 51 in the 100 largest Assemblies of God churches in the United States and averages a weekly attendance of 2,395.[5]
History
Rockford First was originally founded as First Assembly of God In July of 1934.[6] On September 12, 1971 a new location opened for First Assembly with a seating capacity of 1,200.[7] First Assembly of God, under Pastor Ernest Moen, opened Christian Life Elementary School in 1973 and Christian Life High School in 1975. In 1979 the first Radio Station WQFL (100.9 FM) was purchased from Open Bible Church.[8] Also, in 1981, Christian Life Retirement Center was opened on North Mulford Dr. in Rockford. 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.[9]
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. [10]Upon taking the position Pastor Jeremy and Jen focused Rockford First to be a church that “loves God, love people, and loves life.”[11]
-
First Assembly of God Ground Breaking July 1971
-
Easter Sunday 1971
-
Campus in 2010
-
Inside the Sanctuary: Easter Sunday 2011
Affiliation
Rockford First is part of the Assemblies of God. The Assemblies of God claimed mission is four-fold; evangelize the lost, worship God, disciple believers, and show compassion.[12]
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: Kidslife (birth- 5th grade),[13] FUSE ( 6th- 8th grades), Venue (9th-12th grade),[14] theFORUM (college-aged ministry),[15] and Original Women (women's ministry).[16]
Community involvement
Earthbeat
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.[12]
Care Strategy
Care Strategy is involved in many different venues in Rockford; for example, The Rockford Rescue Mission,[17] Blackhawk Boys and Girls Club,[18] and many other venues throughout the city. In August of 2010 Care Strategy partnered with Kaboom! and Barbour Language community for a playground build.[19]
Conferences
Original Conference
Original Conference was founded by Jen DeWeerdt in April of 2007. Original Conference is a 3-day conference. This conference offers contemporary worship and a series of teachings for women of all ages.[20]
Men’s Conference
Rockford First offers a Men’s Conference, which was founded by Jeremy DeWeerdt in February of 2010. Men’s Conference offers contemporary worship and a series of teachings for men of all ages.[21]
Podcasts and media
Rockford First also broadcasts teachings multiple times each week on three local television stations (WREX 13[22], WTVO 17[23], WQRF 39.[24] As well as, two radio stations WQFL (100.9 FM)[25] and WGSL (91.1 FM).[26]
In 2007 Rockford First began offering a podcast ministry for Rockford First Sunday Morning Services. [27]
References
- ^ http://jeremydeweerdt.com/about/
- ^ Christian Life Schools
- ^ Christian Life Retirement Centers
- ^ http://www.focusone.com/
- ^ "Top 100 AG Church's in the United States" [1]
- ^ http://genealogytrails.com/ill/winnebago/churchhistb.htm
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?ei=YliXTvaLCMTosQKH5rymBA&ct=result&id=Hi55AAAAMAAJ&dq=First+Assembly+of+God+in+Rockford+IL&q=First+Assembly+of+God+#search_anchor
- ^ http://www.wifr.com/economy/headlines/44722892.html
- ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=QGRyvJpVh0QC&dq=Rockford+Master%27s+Commission+founding&q=Jeremy+Deweerdt#v=snippet&q=Jeremy%20Deweerdt&f=false
- ^ Rockford Register Star,2007-05-20,Webster, Edith C., "Young Ideas", Rockford, IL
- ^ http://www.rockfordfirst.com/
- ^ a b Assemblies of God
- ^ KidsLife
- ^ Venue
- ^ The Forum
- ^ http://originalconference.com/index.html
- ^ http://rockfordrescuemission.org/
- ^ http://www.rockfordboysandgirlsclub.org/index.asp
- ^ http://www.rrstar.com/opinions/whatyouresaying/x552733843/Letter-Barbour-playground-built
- ^ http://originalconference.com/index.html
- ^ http://www.rockfordfirst.com/mensconference
- ^ http://www.wrex.com/
- ^ http://mystateline.com/
- ^ http://mystateline.com
- ^ http://www.ontheradio.net/WQFL
- ^ http://www.ontheradio.net/WGSL
- ^ http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/rockford-first/id338148176