The Few Who Saved a Church

For a time, New Salem Church (EFCA) in south Minneapolis was flourishing. A small, bilingual church (English and Spanish), their senior pastor was a strong teacher and helped strengthen the church for years with a healthy ministry.  

But then several tragedies struck.

A respected elder—and good friend to the senior pastor—who had battled depression for many years took his own life. Shortly after, the senior pastor announced his retirement, leaving the church without stable leadership. When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, church members left for other churches; the worship team lost its musicians; several other church members died after being infected by the COVID-19 virus. Those who remained in the church grieved. 

In a matter of months, the congregation dwindled down to six people, exposing financial challenges and the harsh reality of potentially closing their doors or merging with another Spanish-speaking congregation in a nearby neighborhood.  

Manuel Lopez, the volunteer worship pastor at the time, watched this unfold in shock and tears. In those dark moments, he thought the church he loved dearly had died. 

But Manuel felt called to stay.  

“I wasn’t going to leave the church until there was a sign on the door that said ‘closed’,” Manuel said.  

Despite low turnout and no formal training, Manuel stuck to it and led the foundering church. 

“Sometimes we were having church services in the basement, because we only had six people. I sang a couple of songs with my guitar, and I started giving the message, because no one else wanted to.” 

The resolve to lead 

This wasn’t the first time Manuel preached a sermon. Originally from El Salvador, he led worship and preached a couple of times at his church there. But he knew he needed more training.  

While the church board discussed and prayed over the idea of merging with another nearby congregation, Manuel wanted to keep his church family together, maintain their autonomy and pursue ministry in their community. Desperate, he recalled praying, “Lord, don’t let this church take New Salem. I will get more involved and do whatever training is required to lead.” 

Meanwhile, the EFCA North Central District discussed how to revitalize the fledgling church. To get ideas, they called Pastor Paul Stilwell, the Hispanic ministries and missions pastor of Trinity Church (EFCA) in Lakeville, Minnesota, on how they might help this church flourish once more. 

His response: EFCA GATEWAY.  

Word and fellowship 

Paul lived in Mexico for 25 years as a missionary church planter. His strategy to start churches in Mexico was simple but effective: bring people together to train and study the Bible.  

In 2010, he was invited to start a Spanish-speaking congregation within Trinity Church in Lakeville. During that time, he was introduced to EFCA GATEWAY and took the course with several Spanish-speaking pastors in the area.  

He always believed that training together as a church to study the Word—not just on your own—was a vital part of the Christian life. So, after completing EFCA GATEWAY, he felt compelled to facilitate a course. After he led that course, he reached out to Manuel about starting a course at New Salem.  

Manuel, seeing a chance to keep his church open, jumped at the opportunity.  

“I cried,” Manuel said. “I couldn’t believe it. I was so amazed.” 

Opening the door to revitalization 

EFCA GATEWAY provides affordable and accessible theological training for people who typically don’t have the time or financial means to attend seminary. For roughly 12 to 14 months, a facilitator guides a small group of students through each article of the EFCA Statement of Faith. During the week, they read theological texts and write papers, and for three hours each month, they read their papers to each other, refining and strengthening their theological beliefs.  

“EFCA GATEWAY is great because it's very sound and very complete for beginners. It’s a great platform for individuals to get more rooted in the Scriptures and Jesus,” Paul said.  

As he facilitated the class at New Salem, Paul emphasized the importance of studying the Word as the body of Christ and highlighted how the studies weren’t isolated, but part of what the church is about and where they are going as a church. 

A challenge Paul discovered early on was one student’s combativeness. This student wanted things to be done a certain way, and Paul gently clarified their roles during the course. It was difficult at first, but as time passed, Paul saw God at work in his life. 

His heart softened, and God gave him eyes to see what areas in his life he needed to be transformed. He wasn’t the only one. Manuel’s wife and many others saw transformation and renewal.  

“It was very typical to see tears as people talked about what they learned as they prepared their papers,” Paul said.  

EFCA GATEWAY acted as a unifying catalyst for the group, strengthening their faith while bringing them closer together as a church body. Meanwhile, halfway through the EFCA GATEWAY class, Manuel was asked by the church to be their pastor, which he accepted.  

To celebrate what God had done in their church and to witness the installation of Pastor Manuel, the Hispanic church that Pastor Paul leads at Trinity Church joined New Salem during that worship and installation service. 

Today, New Salem is continuing to rebuild and grow. Along with worship services on Sundays, they host a Bible study, a prayer service on Wednesday and provide online access to their services through social media. Manuel’s wife and another church member are leading an outreach ministry, and the church is also planning to launch a ministry of discipleship.  

As for Pastor Manuel, he’s taking steps to pursue his ministry license with the EFCA.  

Whether you’re a pastor wanting to strengthen and revitalize churches or a ministry leader wanting to deepen your faith, EFCA GATEWAY has a place for you. Learn more.