At 91st and College on the North Side
Faith Church sits at the corner of 91st Street and College Avenue on the north side of Indianapolis, a location the congregation calls strategic rather than incidental. From this crossroads the church describes a calling to "declare the glory of God through the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth," pairing a comfortable Indianapolis address with a worldwide footprint. About 550 people worship at Faith most Sundays, and the building at 9125 N. College Avenue is shared by an English-speaking congregation and a Spanish-speaking one, with multiple ministries running through the week around them.
Faith Church is affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America and frames itself as "an association of autonomous churches united around ... shared theological convictions." Members vote on churchwide decisions including the approval of elders, the annual budget, and the hiring of pastors.
Two Services, One Sermon
Sunday follows a dual rhythm. At 9 AM, doors open for a traditional worship service with hymns, the Faith choir, and time-honored instruments. At 10:45 AM, the contemporary gathering fills the room with band-led worship that mixes newer songs with classics. The same sermon is preached at both, so attendees choose the music and keep the message.
Families with young children find a full children's ministry running alongside the services. During the 9 AM hour, kids from infants through fifth grade move through their own Bible lessons in classrooms by age. Childcare is available during the 10:45 AM service for ages 0 to 2 in Room 180, and a catechism program based on the New City Catechism welcomes kids ages 3 through fourth grade before they rejoin their parents for the sermon's conclusion. Family Worship Sundays, falling around holidays and other breaks from the regular cadence, are designed for the whole church to worship together, with childcare for ages 0 to 4 in Room 180.
Iglesia De Fe: A Spanish-Language Service in the Same Building
The same building hosts a third weekly service in a different language. Iglesia De Fe meets at 2:30 PM on Sundays under the leadership of Pastor Jean Petit, with children's programming for babies through fourth grade running concurrently. The Spanish-speaking ministry maintains its own identity and an Instagram presence at @Iglesiadefeindy, and it welcomes newcomers with a line that simply says, "Todos estan Invitados!"
Ten Core Convictions
The doctrinal backbone is published in full rather than summarized, with detailed statements prospective members are asked to read. The ten convictions hold that God is triune and the Creator of all things; the Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God, without error in its original writings, and the ultimate authority for faith and life; the human race is fallen and alienated from God; Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, who lived a sinless life, died on the cross, rose bodily, ascended, and now sits at the right hand of the Father; the atoning death and resurrection of Christ is the only ground for salvation; the Holy Spirit regenerates sinners, indwells believers, and empowers them for Christlike living; the true church is the community of those justified by grace through faith, expressed in local congregations that gather around baptism and the Lord's Supper; justifying grace cannot be separated from God's sanctifying purpose; Christ will return personally, bodily, and gloriously; and God will raise the dead bodily, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and the believer to eternal blessedness with Christ.
An Elder-Led, Congregation-Ruled Church
Faith describes its governance plainly: "We are an elder-led, staff-directed, deacon-served, congregationally ruled church." The Elder Executive Board includes Mark Canada, Jonathan Baker, James Nussbaum, Fred Rescorla, Tom Waltz, Marc West, and pastors Nathan Kingsley and Tom Macy. Other active elders include Lee Christenson, Brian Clarke, Dennis Dawes, Scott Freeman, Phil Johnston, David Kenley, Doug Leatherman, Larry Reed, Jerry Risser, Nathan Roth, Matt Saefkow, Steve Shambaugh, Matt Witham, and Mike Zumbrun.
Under the elders, a full-time staff carries the work of ministry. Nathan Kingsley serves as Associate Pastor. Tom Macy is Pastor Emeritus in Service; he stepped down as Lead Pastor in 2017 after arriving at Faith in 2004, and continues part-time with a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and ongoing involvement on EFCA's Spiritual Heritage Committee. Kendra Carter, who grew up at Faith and once helped plant Village Life Church with her husband Nick, directs FaithKids. Julie Snyder, with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, coordinates the traditional worship gathering and directs the adult choir. Amy Mitchell directs Faith International English Classes. Anna Mitchell, who has attended since she was three, leads communications and is passionate about sharing people's stories. Joel Bussell, a seventh-generation Hoosier from a farm family east of Indianapolis and a Butler graduate, directs business operations and development.
Deacons serve specific ministry areas: Scott Beattie chairs the deacon team, Kent Carmer oversees missions home, Josh Horstman manages finance and serves as treasurer, Scott McDonald handles security, Ben Patterson tends the grounds, Ed Stehno stewards possessions, Mark Tomlin leads technology, and Dave Yurek handles building and facility.
Four Values Around One Mission
Faith's "four core values" shape everything that runs through the building. Worship comes first - the gathered telling of the story of who God is, who the people are, and what God has done. Serve is in the DNA of every member. Grow means digging seriously into the Bible rather than offering three-step summaries, "thoughtfully unpacking what an over-two-thousand-year-old book has to teach us today." Go carries the gospel across borders and around the world. Together, these four values circle back to a single mission: "to be informed and winsome ambassadors of Christ to our secular culture."
A Worldwide Footprint: The Missions Program
From its early days, Faith Church has carried a global emphasis. The missions ministry supports nearly 50 families and individuals around the world who share the Christian faith full-time, alongside strategic seminary partnerships that train leaders where formal theological education is most needed.
Three seminaries anchor the partnership network. Kyiv Theological Seminary was founded in 1995 as evangelical Christians in the former Soviet Union rebuilt after communism; today it serves over 400 students in programs ranging from pastoral leadership to biblical counseling. Teams travel to Kyiv regularly and Ukrainian guests visit Indianapolis. The Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut prepares leaders for ministry across the Arabic-speaking world. The Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST) in Kenya partners with the church for teaching, faculty visits, and summer mission trips.
Individual missionaries supported by the church reach across dozens of countries. Mark and Stephanie Dodrill and Isaac and Jennifer Stough work with Youth for Christ in Barcelona, where summer English Camps bring short-term teams alongside the Stoughs' year-round ministry. David and Karen Bradley serve with the JESUS Film project. Joe and Kim Cluff partner with Community Christian Church in Kenya on leadership development. Jeff and Peg Shrum serve with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Dave and Joy Skinner serve with Operation Mobilization in Durban, South Africa. Scott and Lisa Hicks provide counseling and care for global workers from Indianapolis. Mark and Alyssa Dunker taught online at NEGST and plan to return to East Africa. Doug Leatherman works with Cru's Athletes in Action at Butler University. Emily Nussbaum leads Cru missions across Indiana, Illinois, and Louisville. Mark Slaughter speaks with InterVarsity on college campuses and co-hosts two podcasts, including "A Conversation with a Mentor" for Lausanne's YLGen and "Love Beyond" with the National Day of Prayer. Tom and Julie Meiner serve with the Jesus Film Project in Orlando, with Julie on the HR team and Tom as Chief Operating Officer.
Each missionary is supported by a Care Team that stays in touch through the year and helps with US visits; joining only requires a caring heart.
Local Outreach at the Corner of 91st
The same outward gaze shows up within Indianapolis. Faith is a founding partner of Nora Neighborhood Ambassadors, a coalition of community organizations that stands with vulnerable neighbors and seeks justice, drawing on the Hebrew concept of hatzedka (righteousness). Locally supported missionaries include Cindy Irwin, who ministers to international students through English teaching and outreach activities, and Lisa Meharry, who supports Wycliffe missionaries from a stateside care role.
Faith International English Classes (FIEC) has been running at the church since 1993, with Anna Hannum as a longtime administrator. The classes offer free English-language instruction for adults, with childcare provided so parents can attend, giving students practical tools to do things they had previously relied on others to do for them. Faith also serves as a Bible Study Fellowship satellite host site on Thursdays at 9:30 AM.
Children, Students, and Young Adults
FaithKids runs Sunday morning programming from infants through fifth grade, with classrooms by age group: Infants and Toddlers in Room 180, Preschool in Room 174, Lower Elementary in Room 178, Middle Elementary in Room 172, and Upper Elementary in Room 170 during the 9 AM hour. AWANA Club runs during the school year, with registration opening in mid-July for the next season.
Student ministry is split by age. Jr. High, for grades 6 to 8, meets Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Sr. High, for grades 9 to 12, meets Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Both groups are led by Hannah Hummel, with Pastor Nathan Kingsley overseeing. The student ministry runs summer trips, retreats, and service projects, including fall partnership with Shepherd Community Center.
Faith Indy Young Adults gathers college-age students and twenty-somethings for semi-regular lunches after Sunday services and seasonal events throughout the year. Brian and Andrea Preston lead, and text messages keep the group connected.
Men of Faith and Women of Faith
Men of Faith meets weekly for Bible study at 6:30 AM on Fridays in Room 152, with a Zoom option available. The group also runs Saturday breakfasts from 8:00 to 9:30 AM in Room 210 (with breakfast provided), an annual Steak Night as a men's outreach that welcomes sons, friends, and neighbors, and an annual multi-day backpacking trip to Red River Gorge, Kentucky. A Wednesday evening study of "Every Man a Warrior" meets at the North Missions House (9140 N College Ave.) from 6:30 to 8 PM. Men are also paired up for one-on-one discipleship around topics of their choosing. Tim Peklo chairs the team.
Women of Faith runs a Wednesday morning study at 6:30 AM with classes on topics like "Dressed for Faithfulness," and a 9:30 AM Wednesday slate that includes Jonah and the God He Worships, Benedictions in the Bible, and Joshua: Every Good Promise Fulfilled. Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM offer Joshua as well. A BSF group studies Romans on Thursdays at 9:30 AM at the church as a satellite host site. The annual fall retreat for 2026 carries the theme "Redeeming Friendship" and meets November 6 to 7 in Indianapolis. Women of Faith also publishes a Women of Faith Podcast, runs a private Facebook group for women at Faith, and supports one-to-one and small-group mentoring across generations. Laura Cooper leads the team.
Adult Education, Grow Classes, and Membership
During both Sunday services, the church runs Grow Classes - adult education sessions open to anyone walking through the doors. For the current fall season, the 9 AM class studies Genesis 1-11 with Nick Carter in Room 210, and the 10:45 AM class studies the Gospel of John with John King, Randy Schloneger, and Nate Snyder in Room 246.
Prospective members walk through a four-week class called Better Together, held twice a year, which covers the church's history, structure, and ways to plug in. After the class, applicants submit a membership form and meet informally with two elders for an interview. Membership is open to baptized believers 18 and older who call Faith their home church.
Care for the Heavy Days
A Care ministry, led by Pastor Jeff Schultz, coordinates support through life's harder seasons. Prayer requests can be submitted by text, by email to the pastors, or through a secure Care Request Form that lets the requester choose who to invite to pray. A benevolence fund assists with short-term financial needs related to housing, food, or medical bills. Stephen Ministers walk alongside people experiencing losses, sorrow, or disappointment. GriefShare gatherings run each semester, with daytime and evening sessions and a Surviving the Holidays workshop. Pastoral support and counseling can be arranged through the church office or the Info Desk on Sunday mornings.
First-Time Practicalities
Faith Church is on the north side of Indianapolis at 91st Street and College Avenue, about three-quarters of a mile south and a half mile east from I-465 and Meridian. Guest parking spots sit near the covered entrance, with overflow parking next door at Nora Elementary. Four primary entrances lead to a lobby where greeters hand out directions; the Info Desk is a good first stop for coffee, tea, name tags, and class information.
On dress, the church's own guidance is plain: come as you are. Jeans, shorts, and dressier outfits are all welcome, since the focus is on worshiping God rather than outward appearance. The 9 AM service is also available by livestream on Vimeo, with the same link used for all services and special services throughout the year.
Office hours run Monday through Thursday from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM and Friday from 9:30 AM to noon. The phone number is (317) 848-1541 and the general email is info@faithchurchindy.com. Giving is handled through Pushpay or by mail to P.O. Box 40597, with options to designate gifts to the General Fund, Benevolence, Strategic Seminary Partnerships, or General Missions Fund.