Planted in faith, on mission, to change the world
This is the story God is writing through us
Beginnings in Faith and Purpose
Every great story starts with a small act of faith. Pastor Mark and Cindy Stermer were newly engaged, sitting under an oak tree at his parents' house. Mark was newly saved. They made a simple decision: forget their plans and let God lead.
27 people showed up and nobody left
Pastor Mark was traveling the world doing missions work under Pastor Dino when a local pastor named David Vilmarette called. David felt God telling him to pass the baton on his church. Pastor Mark took the building for a growing Spanish-speaking church he and Cindy had planted, but said no to leading the English speakers. David pushed back. Pastor Mark agreed to a temporary 8 AM Bible study with a guitar. Twenty-seven people came. Then 88. Nobody left.
A hotel room in Africa where everything changed
After a pastors conference in Africa, the Holy Spirit spoke to Pastor Mark in his hotel room. That little campus would become The Church International. Pastor Mark laughed. He had told Pastor Dino he would never be a senior pastor. Fifteen months later, they launched with Pastor Dino's blessing, a second campus in Donsonville, and a nonprofit called The Church United. The early years were scrappy. The middle years brought explosive growth: multiple services, a new building, and a shift from local church to a church reaching the world through planting, education, and global ministry.
Tested by disaster, prepared for what's next
Then came floods, displacement, loss, and 2020. Pastor Mark, Cindy, and their eight kids moved five times in two years. But those years built something comfort never could. Loyalty that held. A God who never missed a moment. And a church family ready for what's ahead.
This story is still being written
We have no master plan for what's next. But we have the same vision God gave us since that oak tree and a Christ who has never once let us down. This story is far from over. And there's a seat for you in it.
Our core values
This rhythm guides all that we do in worship, leadership development, and community outreach
to a genuine relationship with Jesus
using our gifts and passions
our time, talents, and resources
faith, healing, and growth
Join the journey
Whether you’re discovering faith, rediscovering purpose, or longing to belong, you are welcome here. Our campuses invite everyone to worship, connect, serve, and grow to be part of something larger than ourselves.