A CHURCH FOR our community to authentically follow Jesus together, seeking to impact stories for eternity.
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We will unapologetically teach the truth of the Bible. Our teachings should be deep enough to feed the most seasoned saints, but wide enough that it reaches everyone right where they are.
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Loving people well means exactly what it says. We will love people right where they are and without judgement. Without judgement does not mean without accountability.
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The faith of our children is so important. We will raise up children to follow Jesus and share the Gospel with other people. We will instill a faith that is true and genuine, that the next generation will not fall away from.
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At Story Church we will raise up leaders. Like Ephesians 4:12 says, we will equip the saints to do the work of the ministry. We will work to develop a culture that is constantly equipping people and sending them out to plant new churches, work at other churches, and to be ministers of the Gospel in their homes and workplaces.
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We will lead with prayer. Story Church is being built on prayer and we will continue to seek God every step of the way. We will be committed to prayer corporately and create a culture where prayer infiltrates our personal lives and our relationships.
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Story Church will be a church that shares the Gospel. We will share the Gospel and invite people to follow Jesus in our worship services. We will work to create a culture that sends people out into our everyday lives to share Jesus and the eternity shaping Gospel.
PILLARS
MEET THE TEAM
LEAD PASTOR
Johnathan “JB” BALDWIN
JB has served in ministry for nearly 18 years, investing in students and helping people discover and use their God-given gifts. In 2020, he and his wife, Sara, founded Story House Counseling to help people find healing in their stories. While the call to plant Story Church came as an unexpected step of faith, it became clear that God had been preparing them and their community for this journey. They have four children who love Jesus, music, and sports.
Alexa BALSIGER
FAMILY MINISTRY
Alexa served as a Family & Children’s Pastor for 6 years, leading meaningful discipleship programs for kids and their families. She’s passionate about having fun, leading kids to know and love Jesus in a very real way, and giving parents the tools they need to grow in their own journey while helping their kids grow. She’s currently a kindergarten teacher at Blackhawk Christian School and the proud dog mom of Bella.
TODD HOCKEMEYER
STUDENT MINISTRY & PREACHING
Todd is a high school teacher and ministry leader passionate about teaching God’s Word and helping people grow in their faith. Over the past nine years, he has served in Kids, Student, Adult, and Service Ministries, investing in people of all ages through teaching, discipleship, and service. He desires to make biblical truth understandable and life-changing, encouraging others to deepen their relationship with Jesus and live with purpose.
LORI HELMKAMP
HOSPITALITY & EXPERIENCE
Lori retired from Parkview Health in 2022. After more than 25 years in healthcare leadership, focused on service excellence and improving patient experience, Lori believes God was preparing her all along for such a time as this. The skills, experiences, and relationships developed throughout her career have become the foundation for Lori to lead hospitality ministry for Story Church. She believes hospitality is an opportunity to reflect the heart of Jesus, build authentic relationships, and create an environment where everyone can experience God’s love and discover a place where they truly belong.
MIKE HELMKAMP
OPERATIONS
Mike spent most of his career in global sales, management, and logistics before retiring from FedEx in 2024. His experience managing complex systems equips him to keep our daily operations running smoothly and efficiently.
Mike’s faith journey began in 2000, when he was led to Christ and baptized. He is a teacher at LifeWise Academy and also serves on their board. Mike believes God calls us to serve alongside others, using the unique skills and talents He has given us to bring glory and honor to our Almighty Father.
STORY CHURCH KIDS
All children, birth to 5th grade, are welcome to attend Story Church Kids! It’s a safe, fun environment for your child to experience the love of God while you attend a worship service.
On your first Sunday, you can register your children before service. We’d encourage you to come a little early so you have enough time. If you’d prefer, you’re welcome to pre-register them online.
STORY CHURCH STUDENTS
Story Church Students meet on Sunday evenings at the Old Bank in Leo. This is open to any student in 6th-12th grades. Our goal is to guide students to boldly follow Jesus and to equip them to reach their generation. We want our students to have a faith that sticks and that they won’t stray from in their adult years.
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Your generosity SUPPORTS THE MISSION to invite our community to authentically follow Jesus together, seeking to impact stories for eternity.
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