An Anabaptist Congregation in the Heart of Indiana Farmland
Howard-Miami Mennonite Church sits on three acres of land surrounded by corn and soybean fields, right on the county line between Howard and Miami counties in rural Indiana. The church building is just one mile south of State Road 18, with Kokomo, Peru, and Marion each only fifteen to twenty miles away. That blend of wide-open farmland and easy access to nearby cities shapes the congregation's character: a small, close-knit body of believers whose reach extends well beyond their rural setting.
The church's mission is to love as Christ loves, and its vision is to impact the community and the world by glorifying God, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, and serving others through the leading and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. With roots reaching back to 1848, Howard-Miami is an Anabaptist congregation of approximately 64 members, including active worshipers, those who join from a distance, and missionaries supported around the world. The congregation's beliefs are guided by the Confession of Faith in Mennonite Perspective (1995).
Sunday Worship at Ten
Worship gathers at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday morning. The service follows a simple and traditional pattern: the congregation sings, prays, and hears from God's Word as they grow in faith together. Whether someone is looking for a church home, new to faith, or simply curious, all are welcomed to come as they are. Sermons are recorded and shared on the church's YouTube channel, so members who are traveling or away can still follow along with the teaching of Pastor Matthew Stewart.
The Building: A Remodeled Sanctuary on Three Acres
The church property is fully wheelchair accessible. Inside, a large recently remodeled sanctuary features beautiful stained-glass artistry behind the stage. A balcony level houses multiple classrooms, while two basement levels provide ample space for children's ministry. The building also includes a spacious entryway and fellowship hall with an attached kitchen, a cozy library, and offices for both church administration and the pastor located just off the fellowship hall.
Outside, a covered pavilion with a kitchen area and a playground create welcoming spaces for gatherings and families. Whether it's a fellowship meal after Sunday worship or a children's activity on a warm Indiana afternoon, the grounds are designed for intergenerational community.
Men's Breakfasts and Women's Sewing
Life at Howard-Miami extends well beyond Sunday morning. On the third Saturday of every month at 8 a.m., men of all ages gather for a hearty breakfast, conversation, and encouragement in faith. There is no cost and no registration required; just come hungry.
On the first Thursday of every month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the women of the church meet for sewing, service projects, and fellowship. All skill levels are welcome, and the relaxed gathering is a chance to connect with one another while making items that serve others.
Buddy Bags: Feeding Children in Local Schools
One of the church's most tangible expressions of faith-in-action is the Buddy Bags program. Hunger is not just a problem far away; it exists right in the local community. For some children, the meals they receive at school are the only reliable food they have during the week. Buddy Bags helps fill the gap by providing simple, nutritious food for weekends.
Howard-Miami partners with McGrawsville Community Church, Maconaquah School Corporation, and local volunteers to provide weekly bags of food for qualifying students at Pipe Creek Elementary and Maconaquah Elementary. Children in Kindergarten through fifth grade who are on free or reduced lunch can receive a Buddy Bag each Friday throughout the school year. It costs about $140 to sponsor one child for the entire school year. Members of the community can donate money or volunteer time to help pack and deliver the bags.
Missionaries Near and Far
The congregation's heartbeat for missions reaches from Indiana to three continents. Three missionary families are supported in prayer and giving:
- Justin and Hannah Mast serve in Columbus, Ohio, trusting God to raise up a movement among high school and university students that will influence every segment of society in Slovenia for Christ. They are the son and daughter-in-law of church members Weldon and Linda Mast.
- Jon and Lindsay Birkey live in Peoria, Arizona, and serve through Gospel World Mission at the Southwest Indian Ministries Center. They are dedicated to transforming Native American lives for Christ and welcome fellow believers to join them in furthering the Great Commission. They are the son and daughter-in-law of church members Dale and Mary Birkey.
- Evan and Cambry Yoder serve with Betel UK in Birmingham, England. Sent as missionaries from Grace Covenant Church and equipped by Worldwide Evangelization for Christ, they minister among men and women coming out of addiction, teaching, counseling, and encouraging them while grounding them in the truth of God's Word. Evan is the sister of church member Hansen Martin.
Staying Connected Throughout the Week
The congregation values clear and timely communication. Through technology, social media, and online tools, the church stays connected with members and the wider community, sharing prayer requests, upcoming events, and important updates through automatic phone calls and digital platforms. Weekly bulletins, monthly calendars, and newsletters are available for download online.
Office hours are Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Giving is welcomed during Sunday worship (checks payable to Howard-Miami Church) and online.
Pastor and Leadership Team
Pastor Matthew Stewart and his wife, Jenn, joined Howard-Miami in July 2024. Pastor Matt serves the church family and guides the congregation as it continues to grow in faith and community.
The lay leadership team includes Moderator Weldon Mast, a long-time faithful servant who has raised his family in the church; Margi Bontrager, who serves on the Leadership Team; Hansen Martin, who grew up at Howard-Miami and has returned with his wife and daughter; Lindy Gibson, another lifelong member beginning a new role on the Leadership Team; and Alan Mast, who grew up at Howard-Miami, returned with his young family, and is eager to help guide the church forward.
Together, this pastor and congregation continue a story that began in 1848 on the same stretch of Indiana farmland, a small body of believers committed to simple faith, real relationships, and walking with Jesus together.