At 7 N Belleville Street in Freeburg, Illinois, St. Paul's is a family church serving Freeburg and the surrounding area. It is known for two Sunday morning gatherings, worship that blends traditional hymns with contemporary songs, and a full ministry life for children, teenagers, adults, and women. Its motto, Bringing Jesus' Love to All People to Make Heaven More Crowded, reflects a congregation that pairs worship with Bible study, volunteer service, preschool, and practical support for local families.
The church's rhythms move from Sunday worship to weekday Bible studies, children's ministry, youth fellowship, women's gatherings, a play-based preschool, and monthly outreach for families. Its aim is to help everyday people grow in Christ by increasing their joy while extending grace beyond the church walls.
Two Sunday Gatherings at 8:00 and 10:15
St. Paul's worships at 7 N Belleville St. in Freeburg at 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. each Sunday. The 10:15 gathering includes a Children's Moment led by the Children's Church director. Messages are practical and down-to-earth, with an emphasis on loving God and neighbors more consistently in daily life.
Visitors do not need to know the congregation or choose a usual way to participate. An usher can greet a family and direct children to age-appropriate rooms. Parents may check children in at the Welcome Desk near the front door or with teachers in the classrooms. People are also free to remain seated, listen quietly, or simply take part in the songs and worship as they feel comfortable.
Parking is ample in the front lot and along the side of the church on North Belleville Street. Both services are livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube, so people who cannot attend in person can watch the livestream. Messages from the pastors and guest speakers also remain available online.
A Freeburg Church Rooted Since 1858
St. Paul's was founded in 1858 by German settlers in the area. It has remained a small-town church with a wide circle of ministry: two Sunday services, small-group Bible studies for all ages, preschool, fellowship for women and young people, and opportunities to serve. The congregation's work is centered on the spiritual needs of Freeburg and surrounding areas, and the church describes an intentional effort to engage the community with the love of Christ.
Under Pastor Andrew Lovins, St. Paul's emphasizes the importance of relationships, fellowship, and opportunities for people to use their gifts in service. The leadership team also includes Music Minister Andy Channer, Youth Director Brittany Kaiser, Children's Church Director James Miller, and Nursery Supervisor Piper Brown.
A defining aim is to be a church without walls. St. Paul's looks to reach people who are lost or broken, extend grace to them, and help renew the surrounding city through the kind of outward engagement described in the book of Acts. Its desire is not simply to maintain comfortable gatherings within the building, but to bring Jesus' love to all people.
Proclaiming, Teaching, and Making Disciples
Mission: By proclaiming, teaching, and practicing the Word of God, St. Paul's makes disciples of Jesus who can teach others the life-changing message of the Savior.
Vision: The Spirit powers St. Paul's to bring Jesus to all people, renewing the community with God's love to make heaven more crowded.
St. Paul's understands itself as a community of believers: people grow closer to God and one another through fellowship, using the biblical image of iron sharpening iron. The church values the Word of God, the leadership of the Holy Spirit, grace for the lost and broken, and hope in Jesus Christ. It wants each person to feel safe and encouraged to grow and explore a journey with Christ at their own pace.
- Jesus is life. Jesus is the church's only real and lasting hope for the world, and the congregation does not apologize for the gospel or for placing that relationship first.
- Worship God, not tradition. Traditions that proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ are embraced, while traditions that become walls between God and his people are torn down.
- Following Jesus is a growing experience. The church strives to bring people into an ever-growing relationship with Christ.
- One body in Jesus Christ. People differ in many ways but are called by God to be one in mission.
These convictions shape the church's approach to worship, relationships, service, and spiritual gifts. St. Paul's holds that every person has something valuable to offer, while emphasizing God's forgiveness, grace, and freedom to grow at an individual pace.
What Sunday Worship Sounds Like
Worship usually begins with an upbeat song and an open invitation to sing praises to God. An opening prayer follows, then a period of quiet reflection in which people can breathe and connect in their own way. The 10:15 service includes the Children's Moment, and messages are designed to inspire and equip people to love God and their neighbors more consistently. St. Paul's welcomes laughter because it considers joy a beautiful part of faith.
Music blends familiar traditional hymns with uplifting contemporary songs, with each piece thoughtfully chosen for the gathered congregation. Guests are welcome to sing along or simply listen. There is no pressure to stand, sing, or participate in any particular way, and the church places a high value on each person's comfort and autonomy during worship.
Where Children Belong
Sunday School for all ages begins at 9:05 a.m. Nursery services and Children's Church are offered at 10:15. On a first visit, an usher shows parents where to take their children. Families can check in at the Welcome Desk near the front door or at age-appropriate classrooms with teachers.
Lessons are age-appropriate, interactive, and designed for different learning styles. Children learn about God and His love through songs, games, and multiple approaches, with the goal of understanding who Jesus is and how He can make a difference in their lives. The Children's Ministry also treats friendship as important, encouraging children to build lasting friendships and support one another.
Kids on Mission volunteers who work with children are screened with background checks. The children's hallway is monitored by security personnel and security cameras, allowing families to leave their children in class while they worship. Teachers aim to create an atmosphere where families can feel confident about the care their children receive.
Beyond Sunday School, children's activities include Nerf Family Battles, Game Night, Vacation Bible School, and Pumpkin Picking. At 9:05 on Sunday, young people also gather in the youth room for fellowship and Bible study. The church describes this next generation as world changers who are being raised to love God and his house.
Teeny Tot's Play-Based Preschool
Teeny Tot is an independent Mother's Day Out-type program that has been affiliated with St. Paul's for more than 50 years. Designed for children ages 3 through those entering kindergarten, it provides a safe, nurturing environment where children can play, learn, and make new friends.
During the school year, the preschool meets Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. It follows the Freeburg School District calendar for holidays and summer breaks, and families have flexible scheduling with no weekly or monthly attendance requirements. The program is particularly suited to parents who need a few hours for errands or other tasks while their children enjoy a purposeful early-learning experience.
Its child-led, play-based curriculum emphasizes curiosity, confidence, creativity, and hands-on discovery. Teachers build each day around exploration, creative play, and classroom adventures. Caring teachers and a welcoming environment help every child feel valued, while the flexible structure allows families to shape a schedule that works for them.
Registration includes a photograph and video release form for a child's first day. The preschool has its own email address and phone line for questions about the program.
Bible Study, Fellowship, and The Outlet
Adult Bible Study and Recon
Adult Bible Study meets Sunday mornings at 9:10 a.m. in the Ministry Center and is repeated via Zoom on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. The class takes an in-depth look at the Bible and the world around it to see how God is at work in people's lives. Light refreshments are served on Sunday, and adults of any age are welcome.
Recon is a more informal study led by Pastor Andrew. It meets every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in the Baltz Parlor and again at 7:00 p.m. in the Ministry Center. Conversation and reflection range from in-depth Bible study to issues affecting the world today. The relaxed setting is intended to help people grow in faith and fellowship, and everyone is welcome.
The Outlet for Teens and Young Adults
The Outlet meets Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Dinner begins at 6:30, followed by an informal Bible study at 7:00. The group also meets Sunday mornings at 9:05 in the youth room for fellowship, worship, and Bible study. Its focus is friendship, community, games, shared meals, and helping teens and young adults pursue Jesus together.
Women's Guild
The Women's Guild meets on the second Tuesday of each month at noon in the Fellowship Hall for lunch and a brief presentation. All ladies of the church and community are invited to build lasting friendships with other women of faith. The meal carries a requested $10 donation.
St. Paul's encourages people to explore their gifts by trying volunteer opportunities before deciding where they fit best. The church also offers a spiritual gifts assessment with Pastor Andrew for those who want to understand their strengths and ways of serving. Different ministry roles are approached as opportunities to try something new and discover how a person's abilities can serve others.
A Church Without Walls
St. Paul's supports the Freeburg Food & Clothing Bank, which serves families in need within the Freeburg High School District. The monthly food pantry is open from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the first and second Tuesdays and from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on the third Thursday. Clothing is offered at no cost from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on the fourth Friday.
On the second Sunday of each month, people bring donations for the Food & Clothing Bank to church. This regular rhythm of collecting and distributing practical support gives expression to the church's aim of bringing Jesus' love to people and renewing the community.
Giving, Leadership, and the Life of the Church
St. Paul's receives tithes, offerings, and gifts to support ministry. People can place an offering in a box or plate in the narthex, mail a check to 210 W White Street, arrange an automatic payment through their bank, or give online. The church emphasizes faithful stewardship, ethical business practices, and accountability. Giving is connected not only to the practical work of ministry, but also to personal worship and lives changed through the gospel.
Messages from Pastor Andrew and guest speakers can be watched or replayed online, extending the same Sunday worship times beyond the sanctuary. The available messages cover Scripture, Christian life, faith, family, hope, grace, prayer, and other central subjects from the Bible.
Rev. Andrew Lovins leads the church as pastor. Andy Channer serves as Music Minister, Brittany Kaiser as Youth Director, James Miller as Children's Church Director, and Piper Brown as Nursery Supervisor. Together, they support worship, music, children, youth, and spiritual formation across the congregation.
The church office is at 210 W White Street, directly across the parking lot from the sanctuary at 7 N Belleville Street. It is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and the church office can be reached at 618.539.3262 or churchoffice@stpaulsfreeburg.org. A dedicated plan-a-visit form is available for those preparing to join a Sunday service.
At the center of St. Paul's is a desire to glorify God, love and disciple people, and renew Freeburg and surrounding areas with God's love. It remains a small-town congregation with a wide circle of worship, study, family care, fellowship, and service.