About North Grove Evangelical Church
Thank you for checking out North Grove Evangelical Church! We know that deciding which church to attend is a big decision, not to be taken lightly. We would love to meet you where you are at, get to know you personally, and help you find your place in a local church family—whether that ends up being with us or another congregation. We’re here to support you on your journey and point you toward a community where you can grow in faith.
Meet the Pastor:
Ryan Howell
On July 16, 2003, Ryan walked into an unfamiliar church and had an encounter with Jesus that would forever change his life. After this radical encounter with Christ, Ryan walked out of the church free from bondage, motivated by a new call to ministry, and made new by the power of Jesus. His life was instantly different. Rather than spending time with his old friends, he filled every available moment serving the church alongside pastors and Christian mentors. The call to ministry evolved quickly as he learned the ins and outs of just about every ministry the church offered.
Ryan earned a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Liberty University and is currently pursuing his doctorate from Regent University. He has served in various pastoral positions and as a missionary over the last 20+ years. Nothing excites him more than helping others take steps closer to Jesus. Ryan loves to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ anywhere, anytime, and by any means. You will quickly learn that Ryan is very relational, energetic, passionate, and ready to share life with those around him.
Outside of ministry, Ryan enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, playing soccer, and spending time with his family. Ryan, along with his wife, Christy, and their four children, Conner, Elias, Brielle, and Wesley, are excited to serve the people of North Grove Evangelical Church in Forreston and the surrounding communities.
Family Connection
Our church is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can connect, grow, and serve together as a family of faith. We want you living your life in the fullness of what God called you to be. Let’s discover that together.
It doesn’t matter if you have been in church your whole life or are just getting curious about faith; we love to meet you where you are at and help you grow deeper with Jesus.
Get Involved
Participate in our diverse range of events throughout the year.
From family gatherings to volunteer opportunities, we offer events that cater to all ages and interests.
What We Believe
- We believe the scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the Divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life. Matthew 5:18; Hebrews 4:12; II Timothy 3:15-17; II Peter 1:19-21.
- We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. II Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 3:16-17.
- We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross, a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He now is our High Priest and Advocate. Isaiah 7:14, 53:4-7; Luke 1:35; Philippians 2:5-11; Romans 5:1, 8:1-2; Acts 13:28-31; Colossians 1:16-18; Hebrews 4:15; I Timothy 2:5-6; I Peter 1:18-21; I Corinthians 15:1-4.
- We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and during this age to convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, and indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service. 1 Corinthians 12
- We believe that man was created in the image of God but fell into sin in the Garden of Eden and is therefore lost and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained. Genesis 1: 27, 3:1-19, 6:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23, 5:12; John 3:3-7.
- We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus are born of the Holy Spirit, and thus become Children of God, being assured of eternal salvation. John 3:16, 10:27-30, 1:12, 5:24; Ephesians 2:8-9, I Peter 1:18-19, Romans 8:33-39; I John 5:13.
- We believe that Water Baptism and the Lord’s supper are ordinances to be observed by the church during this present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation. (Water Baptism is to be administered only to those who have given evidence of faith in Christ as their personal savior, symbolizing the believer’s union by faith, with Christ in His death and resurrection. The Lord’s Supper is to be observed in commemoration of Christ’s death and is to be “open” to visitors in our midst.) Acts 2:41, 8:36-39, 18:8; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12; Matthew 28:19-20, I Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 22: 19-20.
- We believe that the true Church is composed of all persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ of which He is the head. Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:25-27; I Corinthians 12:12-14.
