A Pentecostal Church on 23rd Avenue
Victory Fellowship Church gathers each Sunday at 10 a.m. at 2111 23rd Avenue in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The Pentecostal congregation has been pastored since 1986 by Lonnie and Carolyn Parton, who have shaped its long-running pastors' prayer gathering, its focus on equipping believers, and its international mission work through Father's House International. The Sunday service is livestreamed on YouTube for those who cannot attend in person.
Live by Faith, Known by Love, a Voice of Hope
Victory Fellowship describes its calling in three short phrases. "Live By Faith" frames everyday trust in God as the foundation for navigating life's seasons. "Known by Love" rests on the conviction that the church is not a building but a people, extending the same kindness and grace that Christ modeled. "A Voice of Hope" expresses the church's desire to bring light, peace, and restoration to those who feel lost or hopeless.
What Victory Fellowship Believes
The church teaches that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, written so that anyone can read and understand it. Members affirm that they are who Jesus says they are, possess what He says is theirs, and can do the things Jesus did while on earth. Jesus is the only Son of God, who lived a perfect life, died for sins, was resurrected, and ascended to the Father. The Holy Spirit, part of the holy trinity, teaches believers the ways and will of the Father. Salvation comes through belief in Jesus and His finished work, not through human effort. Life continues beyond the years lived in the flesh, and each person chooses whether to spend eternity with God or apart from Him.
Pastors Lonnie and Carolyn Parton
Lonnie and Carolyn Parton moved to Council Bluffs in 1986 to pastor Victory Fellowship. They are the parents of three adult children and grandparents to five. Soon after arriving, they began working to bring unity among a fragmented local church, starting a weekly pastors' prayer gathering that still continues today. From those times of seeking the Lord together came city repentance services where previously divided congregations experienced healing.
Their sense of call has been to build a congregation that equips believers for the work of ministry and restores each person's unique contribution to the body of Christ and the surrounding community. The current building on 23rd Avenue was constructed specifically for the development and use of the gifts God has given to people in the church. Lonnie and Carolyn are ordained with MorningStar Ministries in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Lonnie holds two earned degrees in theology and certifications in counseling, coaching, and English as a Second Language.
Sunday Morning Worship
Sunday service begins at 10 a.m. and is led in worship by Brennon Hobbs, the Worship Director, who describes his passion as diving into worship together and sinking into the presence of God. Prayer teams are available throughout the service, and special times for prayer are sometimes offered during the gathering. The atmosphere reflects the Pentecostal tradition of heartfelt, Christ-centered worship.
KidzConnect for Children Ages 5 to 12
Children ages 5 through 12 are invited to KidzConnect each Sunday. The program is led by Caroline Hobbs, who has served as director since 2019 and is passionate about helping children develop a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus. Her staff work to make the service fun and energetic while showing children the importance of God and His Word. A nursery is not available except for special services, but a separate room is available for parents and the service is streamed into it. Brennon Hobbs also assists Caroline in the KidzConnect area.
Plugged-In Youth Ministry
The youth ministry, called Plugged-In, provides a safe and welcoming community for young people to grow in faith and connect with others. Activities throughout the year include weekly gatherings, retreats, service projects, mission trips, Bible studies, youth conferences, and outings such as putt-putt golf, hiking, and movie nights. The ministry focuses on helping youth grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially, and on building relationships with caring adult leaders who walk alongside them through the challenges of adolescence.
Life Groups
Life Groups are the church's small-group ministry. The church notes that life is not always easy, and that someone at Victory Fellowship has likely walked the same road. Groups meet for encouragement, prayer, and friendship, and members share how God has brought them through difficult seasons. The church emphasizes two truths: "you are loved and you belong," and, quoting Saint Patrick, "you are welcome of belonging before you believe."
Women's Ministry
The women's ministry is led by Judy Stiefel, who brings more than 25 years of ministry experience in teaching, mentoring, and counseling. The ministry's theme is "Being, Belonging and Becoming complete in the family of God," and it is designed by women for women of every season of life, with a focus on relationship building seasoned by opportunities for spiritual development.
Father's House International
In 2022, the Partons founded Father's House International, a non-governmental organization serving at-risk children. FHI partners sponsors with children to provide basic necessities and is active in South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Oaxaca, Mexico. The first visit to a refugee camp on the border of Sudan and Ethiopia revealed a lasting call to aid the most vulnerable. Sponsorship, special projects, and mission trips are available for those who want to be involved.
Heartland Christian School and Culture by Design
Early in their time in Council Bluffs, the Partons saw a need for more Christian education in the city. In 2002, Victory Christian School began; ten years later it merged with another Christian school to become Heartland Christian School, which the church continues to support. The church also offers educational classes for adults, including an online course called "Culture by Design" taught by Lonnie Parton. The course combines biblical and science-based practices, including HeartMath techniques, for navigating personal change.
Prayer in the Life of the Church
Prayer is woven throughout the church's life. Prayer teams are available each Sunday, and a prayer request form is offered for personal prayer needs. Brian Chirhart leads the prayer team, serves on the leadership team, and serves as trustee for the church finances.
Visiting Victory Fellowship Church
Sunday service begins at 10 a.m. at 2111 23rd Avenue, Council Bluffs, Iowa. The church office is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the phone number is (712) 323-3453. Children ages 5 to 12 have their own program in KidzConnect during the service. A nursery is not available except for special services, but a parent room with the service streaming in is offered. The service is also livestreamed on YouTube for those watching from home.