Sent out to Serve Others

Come2go ministries began in 2003 by transforming an inner city warehouse in Fort Wayne, Ind., into a musical, coffeehouse atmosphere. One come2go member, Brad Etter, said the goal is to reach those “who otherwise wouldn’t want to pull open heavy church doors.”

The Rev. Mark Minnick said the ministry’s name implies action: “The ‘go’ in come2go ministries is about responding to one’s personal faith by going out to serve others.”

“It is wonderful seeing people become active in ministry as a response to their faith,” Minnick explained.

Etter is one who responded to the call. He was baptized at come2go and has been a member for almost five years. Etter, a surgical trauma unit computer technician, said, “The congregation was there for me when my parents died.”

“Now I have a relationship with Christ and other congregation members,” Etter added. “I have more of a purpose.”

Members form “Go Teams” that visit nursing homes, the local juvenile center, and local taverns to share hope. Come2go also sponsors an urban youth outreach center.

Sunday worship is complemented with weekly concerts by local and national acts. Concerts are recorded, edited, and aired on local television. Many have praised come2go ministries as the best small performance venue in northern Indiana.

ELCA Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission unit grants—made possible through your mission support—have helped sustain come2go ministries, in addition to funding from the ELCA Indiana-Kentucky Synod, charitable foundations, and individuals.

Read more about come2go in June 2008 issue of The Lutheran magazine.