Jerry Stoltzfoos

Raised Amish but when he was 16-17 he began to question why people did not get saved? He disagreed with his church and began going to another church (Pentecostal). He was mentored and says that he was changed and learned a lot while being mentored maybe even more so then actually in class. His mentor then left to go into missions in Russia.

Transitioned from a church in Lancaster to begin a church plant. They were looking for a growing community, those praying for a church and a conceivable way to provide for his family. He was originally looking to go to Philly but ended up in Gettysburg. He went to a meeting of a group of churches wanting to plant a church. He went in with the expectation that he was still going to Philly but after talking with them. He found that he liked them and found them honest and genuine. After leaving, on the way home his wife told him that they were going to move into a house she saw in New Oxford, Pa. After a crazy series of events, they moved there and started a church called Freedom Valley Worship Center. Their church slogan is "Church for those who have given up on church."

He also feels that we need to start treating kids (at age 13) like adults. He feels that we look at kids as less when they have an incredible amount of potential. I think that this is an interesting concept.

States he did everything wrong in the church plant but it grew with the grace of God. They started with 42 but have now grown to four campuses with 1250-1300 people.

"New churches reach people like nothing else does."

They do many different things to help reach the lost. If you come to their church and you are from another church, they will welcome you and are glad you are there, but they are there for the lost. THey are there for the new converts only. I feel this is an awesome concept to follow. Church should be to help feed those that are there but primarily should be for reaching those that do not know Jesus.

Jerry was on a Nightline Special on speaking in tongues. A researcher at the University of Pennsylvania says that he has medical research to show that speaking in tongues is really what we say it is. According to the researcher, during tests when those that are praying are speaking in tongues the parts of the brain that controls language is actually not as active. In others

He also got publicity because he refused to take out the name of Jesus in a prayer at the House of Representatives. However he prayed at the Senate, where he was able to say the name of Jesus.