How it all started...
Our Story
A Foundation of Faith, A Heart for People
How It All Started...
Every church has a story, and ours is one of faith, relationships, and God's continued faithfulness through the years.
The story of Life Connections Ministries began on February 9, 1995, when Pastors Gene and Mary Pat Stowell held the first official gathering of what was then known as Cornerstone Church in the Buffalo Book Store Meeting Room in downtown Leavenworth, Kansas.
What began as a small gathering of believers with a desire to worship God, grow in His Word, and share His love with others would become the foundation of the church we know today.
Our Early Years: 1995–1999
In May 1995, the growing congregation moved its Sunday services to the Riverfront Community Center in Leavenworth, where it would continue meeting for the next four and a half years.
During those early years, church looked a little different than it does today. Each Sunday, faithful volunteers would arrive to set up chairs, speakers, sound equipment, a keyboard, and drums, only to take everything down again after the service. Bible studies and other gatherings continued throughout the week in the pastors' home.
But even without a permanent building, something important was taking place. People were growing in their faith, relationships were being formed, and lives were being impacted through the Word of God.
Growing Together: 2000–2012
As the congregation continued to grow, so did the need for a place where ministry could extend beyond Sunday morning. In January 2000, Cornerstone Church moved to North 7th Street in Leavenworth (since that time the church has moved to its current location). The location on 7th Street provided opportunities for additional Bible studies, children's ministry, Sunday school, and other areas of ministry. But perhaps even more importantly, it created opportunities for people to grow spiritually, build meaningful relationships, and discover how God could use them to serve others.
Throughout these years, Pastors Gene and Mary Pat faithfully invested in the lives of those God had entrusted to their care, including raising up and developing future leaders.
Among those leaders were Pastors Michael and Susan Garner, who had been part of the church almost from its beginning.
In 2004, Michael and Susan stepped into the role of Youth Pastors, sharing a heart for helping young people develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, grow in their faith, and discover God's purpose for their lives.
Alongside their work in youth ministry, Susan continued serving as the church's worship leader, a role she faithfully continues in today. Michael also served in other areas of the church, including men's ministry, while continuing his responsibilities as Youth Pastor.
These years were about more than simply filling ministry positions. They were years of serving, learning, building relationships, and investing in the lives of others. Through those experiences, God was continuing to prepare them for what would become the next chapter in the church's story.
A New Season, The Same Heart: 2012
In March 2012, after faithfully leading Cornerstone Church for 17 years, Pastors Gene and Mary Pat retired from their leadership roles within the church. However, their heart for ministry did not retire with them. They continued answering God's call by encouraging others, sharing His Word, and investing in people's lives.
During that same season, Pastors Michael and Susan Garner stepped into the role of leading the church.
With a deep appreciation for the foundation that had been established, they embraced both the responsibility of continuing that legacy and the vision God was placing upon their hearts for the future.
In October 2012, following prayer and the Lord's direction, Cornerstone Church became Life Connections Ministries, with an emphasis on connecting Faith, Family, and Friends (F3).
In May 2019 the church moved to its current location of 920 6th Avenue. The building would go through massive renovations, as it once was a medical building. Through the hard work of many current members, the building captured the heart and vision that it carries today.
Although the name changed, the foundation remained the same: a commitment to Jesus Christ, the truth of God's Word, and a genuine love for people.
The new name reflected a growing desire to be more than simply a place where people attended church. It expressed a heart to walk alongside people through the different seasons of life, helping them encounter Jesus, develop meaningful relationships, and discover their God-given purpose.
Our Heart Today: Life Connections Ministries
Today, that same heart continues to shape who we are and what we believe God has called us to do.
At Life Connections Ministries, we believe church is about more than gathering together on Sunday mornings. It's about sharing life, growing in faith, and walking alongside one another.
Just as Jesus reached beyond barriers to meet people where they were, we desire to be a church that extends grace, demonstrates love, and remains firmly grounded in the truth of God's Word.
We recognize that everyone is at a different place in their journey. Our desire isn't simply to tell people where they need to go, but to walk alongside them, encouraging and helping them grow into who God has called them to become.
We want Life Connections Ministries to be a place where people can encounter Jesus, experience genuine relationships, discover their gifts, and use those gifts to make a difference.
From a small gathering in a downtown bookstore in February 1995 to the church we are today, our story has never simply been about buildings, names, or numbers.
It's been about people, relationships, and the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
And while we are thankful for where God has brought us, we believe He is still writing our story.
Connecting People to Christ. Connecting People to People. Connecting People to Purpose.
This is our history. This is our heart. This is who we are.
We invite you to join us for a Sunday service and become part of what God is doing at Life Connections Ministries.
Established February 9, 1995 | Leavenworth, Kansas
A Foundation of Faith, A Heart for People
How It All Started...
Every church has a story, and ours is one of faith, relationships, and God's continued faithfulness through the years.
The story of Life Connections Ministries began on February 9, 1995, when Pastors Gene and Mary Pat Stowell held the first official gathering of what was then known as Cornerstone Church in the Buffalo Book Store Meeting Room in downtown Leavenworth, Kansas.
What began as a small gathering of believers with a desire to worship God, grow in His Word, and share His love with others would become the foundation of the church we know today.
Our Early Years: 1995–1999
In May 1995, the growing congregation moved its Sunday services to the Riverfront Community Center in Leavenworth, where it would continue meeting for the next four and a half years.
During those early years, church looked a little different than it does today. Each Sunday, faithful volunteers would arrive to set up chairs, speakers, sound equipment, a keyboard, and drums, only to take everything down again after the service. Bible studies and other gatherings continued throughout the week in the pastors' home.
But even without a permanent building, something important was taking place. People were growing in their faith, relationships were being formed, and lives were being impacted through the Word of God.
Growing Together: 2000–2012
As the congregation continued to grow, so did the need for a place where ministry could extend beyond Sunday morning. In January 2000, Cornerstone Church moved to North 7th Street in Leavenworth (since that time the church has moved to its current location). The location on 7th Street provided opportunities for additional Bible studies, children's ministry, Sunday school, and other areas of ministry. But perhaps even more importantly, it created opportunities for people to grow spiritually, build meaningful relationships, and discover how God could use them to serve others.
Throughout these years, Pastors Gene and Mary Pat faithfully invested in the lives of those God had entrusted to their care, including raising up and developing future leaders.
Among those leaders were Pastors Michael and Susan Garner, who had been part of the church almost from its beginning.
In 2004, Michael and Susan stepped into the role of Youth Pastors, sharing a heart for helping young people develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, grow in their faith, and discover God's purpose for their lives.
Alongside their work in youth ministry, Susan continued serving as the church's worship leader, a role she faithfully continues in today. Michael also served in other areas of the church, including men's ministry, while continuing his responsibilities as Youth Pastor.
These years were about more than simply filling ministry positions. They were years of serving, learning, building relationships, and investing in the lives of others. Through those experiences, God was continuing to prepare them for what would become the next chapter in the church's story.
A New Season, The Same Heart: 2012
In March 2012, after faithfully leading Cornerstone Church for 17 years, Pastors Gene and Mary Pat retired from their leadership roles within the church. However, their heart for ministry did not retire with them. They continued answering God's call by encouraging others, sharing His Word, and investing in people's lives.
During that same season, Pastors Michael and Susan Garner stepped into the role of leading the church.
With a deep appreciation for the foundation that had been established, they embraced both the responsibility of continuing that legacy and the vision God was placing upon their hearts for the future.
In October 2012, following prayer and the Lord's direction, Cornerstone Church became Life Connections Ministries, with an emphasis on connecting Faith, Family, and Friends (F3).
In May 2019 the church moved to its current location of 920 6th Avenue. The building would go through massive renovations, as it once was a medical building. Through the hard work of many current members, the building captured the heart and vision that it carries today.
Although the name changed, the foundation remained the same: a commitment to Jesus Christ, the truth of God's Word, and a genuine love for people.
The new name reflected a growing desire to be more than simply a place where people attended church. It expressed a heart to walk alongside people through the different seasons of life, helping them encounter Jesus, develop meaningful relationships, and discover their God-given purpose.
Our Heart Today: Life Connections Ministries
Today, that same heart continues to shape who we are and what we believe God has called us to do.
At Life Connections Ministries, we believe church is about more than gathering together on Sunday mornings. It's about sharing life, growing in faith, and walking alongside one another.
Just as Jesus reached beyond barriers to meet people where they were, we desire to be a church that extends grace, demonstrates love, and remains firmly grounded in the truth of God's Word.
We recognize that everyone is at a different place in their journey. Our desire isn't simply to tell people where they need to go, but to walk alongside them, encouraging and helping them grow into who God has called them to become.
We want Life Connections Ministries to be a place where people can encounter Jesus, experience genuine relationships, discover their gifts, and use those gifts to make a difference.
From a small gathering in a downtown bookstore in February 1995 to the church we are today, our story has never simply been about buildings, names, or numbers.
It's been about people, relationships, and the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
And while we are thankful for where God has brought us, we believe He is still writing our story.
Connecting People to Christ. Connecting People to People. Connecting People to Purpose.
This is our history. This is our heart. This is who we are.
We invite you to join us for a Sunday service and become part of what God is doing at Life Connections Ministries.
Established February 9, 1995 | Leavenworth, Kansas
Expanding the vision...
Bridging the gap of the generations. Teaching the young to respect and honor the older generation. Encouraging the older generation to enjoy the joy and energy of the young ones.
Celebrating life and doing life together, outside of the walls of a building.
Celebrating life and doing life together, outside of the walls of a building.
Where we are headed...
In 2013 under the leadership of Pastor Mavis Kurkowski (WILD Ministries) Foundation Theological Institute (FTI) was started. The vision for these classes is to take the children of God into a deeper understanding of God's inspired Word AND to raise believers in solid doctrine, based upon the Word, not man's understanding. The classes usually entail 4 to 5 weeks of pre-reading, then 1 week of classes with Pastor Mavis, followed by another 4 to 5 weeks of post-reading. So far we have covered Christology, Prison Epistles, Biblical Leadership, Old and New Testament Survey, Hermanutics. Pastor Mavis has the anointing and calling from God not just as preacher of the Gospel, but a teacher as well.
In 2014 the Lord laid it on Pastor Michael heart to plan to purchase land in the future, not just for a bigger building for the church, or grass for the kids to play on, but to build also a campus that will house FTI.
In 2014 the Lord laid it on Pastor Michael heart to plan to purchase land in the future, not just for a bigger building for the church, or grass for the kids to play on, but to build also a campus that will house FTI.
