Advent 2025
How to Use This Advent Calendar We invite you to take a journey following the path Mary and Joseph took from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Along the way, pause each day to reflect on Scripture, listen to a song of the season, and prepare your heart …
Getting to Know Justin Hedges
We’re excited to welcome Justin Hedges to the Schweitzer team as our new Middle School Pastor! A native Oklahoman, Justin grew up in the Nazarene church and was ordained as an Elder in 2008. He and his wife, Amber, live in Springfield with their teenage …
Getting to Know Becky Wilson
We are honored to welcome Becky Wilson as our new Director of Caring Ministries. Becky grew up right here in Springfield, in the Galloway area, where her mom still lives. After spending 20 years teaching sixth grade, she found herself in a season of transition—asking …
Getting to Know Robert Freeman
We’re excited to welcome Robert Freeman to Schweitzer as our new Director of Student Ministry! Robert, his wife Chelsie, and their three young children, Guinevere, Iyler, and Henry, recently moved here from Dickson, Tennessee, where Robert was born and raised. Robert comes to ministry from …
Coffee, Conversations, and Smiles
It’s hard to think about Schweitzer Church without thinking about the Fellowship Center. It is bustling with activity before services—the sounds of conversations, piano playing, and the cappuccino machine mix together in a delightful way. Kids come up and get doughnut holes under the watchful …
Meet the People Behind the Foundation Board: Debbie Esselman
The Schweitzer Church Foundation is privileged to be led by committed followers of Jesus. The Foundation, led by lay servants such as Paul Cowherd and Debbie Esselman, financially supports the vision and mission of Schweitzer Church. Here’s more insight into Debbie’s life and story… Tell …
Getting to Know KeAndra Kimball
From a young age, KeAndra Kimball knew God was calling her to work with children. “I’ve always loved volunteering in Kids Ministry,” she says. “Even as a teenager, I felt that calling clearly.” Today, she serves in two meaningful roles—serving as both the Assistant Kids …
Never Alone: The Power of Supportive Community in the Life of Mary Decker
For much of her life, Mary Decker was an avid runner and hiker who found joy in movement and the beauty of God’s creation. But in 2021, her ability to move changed when she started showing symptoms of ALS. Last year, with the encouragement of …
Schweitzer Student Ministry at Convoy of Hope
Schweitzer Student Ministry is headed out to Convoy of Hope on March 27th to be part of the Hope Crew. Located in West Springfield, Convoy of Hope sends nutritional aid all over the United States and the world to get the message of the Gospel …
Student Spotlight: Jude Lewellen
When Jude Lewellen went to serve at Camp Barnabas last summer, he didn’t back down from the challenge. Jude could have assisted a disabled man with minimum support needs but chose to take on the task of helping a man with a more difficult diagnosis. …