St. Joe UMC
We are #FOR you.
About
Us
Learn More About Who We Are...
St. Joe UMC has been serving the northeast side of Fort Wayne for over 150 years. We love God and love our community. We are excited about our past and our future. Every day we are focused on how to share Jesus, grow our faith, and live it out.
And so, this is a place you can belong. We believe we are on this journey together, no matter where you are in life. You'll find people who care about you, want the best for you, and want to see you fulfilled. We want to come alongside you as you journey through this life.
What We Believe
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
As a United Methodist Church, St. Joe UMC is part of the Methodist movement that has changed the world. We're proud of our Wesleyan roots and affiliation with the United Methodist Church. You can read more about specific statements of belief by visiting UMC.org.
EVERYTHING STARTS WITH
A FAITHFUL GOD
We believe the Bible is the primary way God makes Godself known to us. It does not answer every question, but it is the window through which we see God’s character, purposes, and promises. As a community that values being Faithful, we are faithfully seeking with one another the call of Jesus Christ (through His teaching in Scripture); that shared discipline of listening to Scripture shapes how we worship, serve, and live together.
Scripture witnesses that at the heart of God is relationship: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is love, and that love is revealed most fully in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The sacraments keep us anchored in that revelation. We baptize infants as a sign of God’s prevenient mercy at work in every life; we baptize adults when they confess faith and repentance because baptism testifies to God’s cleansing and new life. We invite everyone to the Lord’s Table—bread and cup given by Christ—because communion is both a reminder of God’s sacrificial love and a present participation in Christ’s reconciling presence.
God created the world for the sake of love and entered the world in Jesus to show a redeeming love that reconciles and restores. The Spirit remains with us as the living guarantee of that love, guiding us and holding hope for the day when God’s justice, peace, and righteousness will be fully realized.
EVERYONE CAN BE CALLED
God promised to pour out the Holy Spirit on both sons and daughters. In light of this biblical witness, we believe that women serving and leading in the church is a deeply scriptural act. You will find both male and female pastors across the campuses of St. Joe UMC, and we intentionally pursue a lay leadership culture that reflects a balance of gender and life stage.
We believe God may be calling you as well. It might sound bold, but we genuinely expect God to show up in our time—stirring hearts, forming community, and calling people into real relationships. To follow that call means Fearlessly responding to the Holy Spirit with costly love in real relationships. We want to help one another discern and answer that call with courage, humility, and joy.
EVERYONE IS TRANSFORMED
TO BEAR FRUIT
Holy love, lived out in real relationships, has a way of changing people. Real love demands sacrifice, respect, patience, and listening. It requires trust in those who know us best, and it cannot be manufactured merely by authority or instruction.
The earliest Methodists gathered in classes and bands to wrestle as equals with difficult questions about how their lives reflected God’s love. They did so because they were convinced that transformation does not happen apart from loving relationships. Those relationships include accountability as well as understanding. They help us apply the truth of Scripture through the lens of experience and compassion. At St. Joe UMC, we embody this through Brunch Church, Sip & Chatter, Sunday School, small groups, and Bible studies.
The founder of Methodism once said, “If we cannot think alike, can we not at least love alike?” We do not have to agree on most things. In fact, our hearts are often most changed toward God when we encounter disagreement. At St. Joe UMC, we embrace a diversity of perspectives and opinions. We do not all think alike, and that diversity sharpens our love and shapes our witness.
We also believe that transformation takes root when we serve and act on behalf of others through justice and compassion. We live this out through partnerships with NeighborLink, Associated Churches, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, Fort Wayne Community Schools, and others.
We believe that by sharing in the mission of God’s love and by sharing our lives with one another, everyone is transformed to be more like Jesus—fruitfully leading neighbors to the transforming grace of God in Christ.
PRAISE PARK
Located at 5685 YMCA Park Drive West beside the Jackson R. Lehman Family YMCA, Praise Park is an outdoor gathering space designed for worship, community, and connection. Featuring a small building, green space, baseball diamond, sports fields, and walkable access from the Y, Praise Park creates space for neighbors, families, and friends to gather in a relaxed, welcoming outdoor environment.
Throughout the year, Praise Park hosts outdoor worship services, community events, prayer gatherings, children’s activities, concerts, athletic programming, and seasonal celebrations. The space reflects our calling to be For the Fort—creating opportunities for shared life, shared joy, and shared faith in the heart of our community.
Whether it’s a Sunday service under a tent, flag football leagues, or a simple conversation after a workout at the Y, Praise Park reminds us that church is not just a building—it is people meeting God and one another right where they are.
USAGE POLICY AND ACCESS
Praise Park exists for the good of our community and is shared by St Joe UMC, the Jackson R. Lehman YMCA, and Northeast Little League Softball (NELLS). To ensure the space remains safe, clean, and usable for everyone, the following usage policies apply:
Scheduling & Reservations
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St Joe UMC manages the calendar for Praise Park.
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St Joe ministry events, worship services, and scheduled programs receive priority.
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Partner organizations (such as the YMCA and NELLS) receive next priority.
General Public Use
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When space is not scheduled for organized programming, Praise Park is available for casual public use (picnics, play, exercise, etc.).
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All users are expected to care for the grounds, dispose of trash properly, and treat the space with respect.
Third-Party Groups / Special Events
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Requests for large events, outside organizations, or recurring reservations require advance approval.
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Liability insurance may be required for organized athletics or large events.
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Alcohol and smoking/vaping are not permitted.
Full usage guidelines can be obtained through the church office. Click the button below to fill out a request for usage.
JACK & JOE
St Joe UMC’s partnership with the Jackson R. Lehman Family YMCA is rooted in a shared commitment to strengthen families and build a healthier community. The YMCA has articulated a long-term vision for Fort Wayne to become one of the top 10 healthiest cities in America—a goal that involves increasing access to fitness, recreation, family activity, and community life for people of all ages.
The Jack & Joe campaign is part of that effort. Through this initiative, the YMCA is raising funds to develop a playground and outdoor amenities at Praise Park that support active play, provide safe gathering space, and encourage families to be outdoors together. The playground complements the existing pavilion, athletic fields, and walking access to the Y, allowing the entire campus to function as an integrated hub for physical, social, and spiritual well-being.
St Joe’s role in this effort reflects our belief that being For the Fort means investing in places that make our neighborhoods stronger. By combining the YMCA’s health-forward mission with our own commitment to community and discipleship, the Jack & Joe playground project becomes more than equipment—it becomes infrastructure for a healthier, more connected city.
If you would like to learn more or support the Jack & Joe initiative, please contact our church office or the Jackson R. Lehman Family YMCA for current campaign details.
WHAT IS PRAISE PARK?
More About Us
CENTER CAMPUS HISTORY
St. Joe's beginnings are traced back to meetings in homes and an existing schoolhouse located on the southeast corner of St. Joe Road and St. Joe Center Road where Parker Cemetery is now located. In 1863, a small frame building was constructed on the northwest corner of the crossing we now call Riviera Plaza. The land was donated by George Ashley. In 1916, a larger brick building was built on the northeast corner. In 1957, after the land was donated by Medical Protective Insurance Co., the church moved to its present location. There have been three additions since then, in 1967, 1979, and the early 1990s.
BETHANY CAMPUS HISTORY
Bethany United Methodist Church has deep roots in northeast Fort Wayne. The congregation began in 1957 when local families in the growing Sunnybrook Acres area sought a neighborhood church. After securing land on Sunny Lane and gathering in homes and temporary spaces, the new congregation was formally organized in April 1959 as Bethany Evangelical United Brethren Church. Construction soon followed, and the first worship services in the new building were held in late 1959.
Bethany quickly developed a strong identity as a community-focused church. Through the 1960s and 70s, the church expanded its building, launched active children’s and youth ministries, added new worship resources, and created new lay-led programs. A hallmark of Bethany’s outreach became its Caramel Corn project, launched in the 1970s, which raised thousands of dollars over multiple decades for mission efforts in Fort Wayne and beyond.
Multiple generations have grown up at Bethany. Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, adult studies, scouting ministries, music ministries, women’s circles, service projects, and annual community events have been part of the church’s life. Over its history, Bethany has contributed significantly to the spiritual and social fabric of the surrounding neighborhoods, supporting families, schools, and mission organizations across the city.
As ministry needs and demographics shifted in the 21st century, Bethany entered a season of discernment about how to continue its mission faithfully and sustainably. That discernment led the congregation into a new chapter as part of St. Joe United Methodist Church. Today, Bethany worshippers are becoming integrated into a multi-campus mission with a shared vision to be “For the Fort,” while Bethany’s facility continues to serve northeast Fort Wayne through worship, fellowship, and community engagement.
For those exploring St. Joe UMC for the first time, Bethany represents a legacy of neighborhood presence and multi-generational discipleship. For long-term Bethany members, this transition provides renewed pastoral support, expanded ministry opportunities, and a wider family of disciples to join in mission.
Bethany’s story is one of faith, community presence, and continuity across more than sixty years—and now of hopeful partnership in a shared future.
Y CAMPUS HISTORY
In 2017, St. Joe launched a second worshipping community at the Jackson R. Lehman Family YMCA to create an accessible, relational expression of church beyond a traditional building. Early on, worship and discipleship at the YMCA campus experimented with different formats and names—with the original name being “Aspire Church.” Those early seasons helped shape a mission-minded culture focused on hospitality, authenticity, and meeting people where they are.
The Y campus was born out of a genuine partnership with the YMCA association, not merely a rental arrangement. During the construction of the JRL YMCA, Y leadership operated from the St Joe Center campus building on Reed Road, helping form a strong foundation of trust. Today, the relationship includes:
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Shared physical space for worship, prayer, groups, and pastoral presence
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Joint community events (holiday gatherings, summer outreach, prayer events, youth activities)
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Staff and member support (chaplaincy, prayer engagement, spiritual care, appreciation events)
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Promotion and visibility through YMCA communication channels and community networks
The partnership is reinforced at the association level reflecting shared values around building healthy spirit, mind, and body.
Today, the Y Campus is still committed to being For the Fort through spiritual presence, community engagement, and partnership with the YMCA’s mission. Worshippers include longtime St. Joe members, YMCA families, and people exploring faith for the first time—making the Y campus a unique bridge between church and community life in northeast Fort Wayne.
I'm New!
Discover answers to most asked questions
We are one church present in three locations because of our vision of being #ForTheFort and because of our deeply held values.
We are present in three locations to be most faithful to the spiritual needs of all persons in our community of Fort Wayne.
We are present in three locations in an effort to be fearless in real relationships even beyond the walls of the church, especially through St. Joe @ Y.
Three Campuses
Bethany Campus: 7715 Sunny LaneCenter Campus: 6004 Reed Road
Y Campus: 5680 YMCA Park Drive
ONE ST JOE UMCCenter Campus (6004 Reed Road)
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Canvas (Contemporary) Worship | 9a
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Classic (Traditional) Worship | 11a
Bethany Campus (7715 Sunny Lane)
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Traditional Worship | 10a
Y Campus (5680 YMCA Park Dr W)
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Contemporary Worship | 10a
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We are part of the United Methodist Church. The mission of the UMC is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. You can read more about the beliefs of the UMC here. We believe that if you are committed to, or even just curious about, that mission that you are welcome here. While there is a diversity of theological perspectives at St. Joe and St. Joe @ Y, it is Jesus Christ that unites us and who we fearlessly choose to worship together because we are stronger that way.
We offer children's programming during all service times. This is an engaging and fun time for your kids to connect with God and make new friends. There is also nursery available for all services. See more about other children and youth activities here.
We believe in transparency and accountability. This is especially true for those who care for and do ministry with children and youth. As a result, we adhere closely to a "Safe Sanctuary" policy that guides our staff and volunteers and is designed to protect children.
We also have practices of accountability for our pastors, staff, and lay leadership that ensure that leadership is healthy, accountable and fully supported through a detailed structure of governance that includes many lay persons, both male and female.
We care more about you than what you are wearing. We want you to wear what makes you feel comfortable. Most people wear jeans and a business casual shirt but it is also not uncommon to see dresses, sport coats, etc at any service.
At Center Campus (6004 Reed Road) the main entrance is Door "B", which is located off the large parking lot. If you need handicapped accessibility, please use Door "E".
At Y Campus (5680 YMCA Park Dr W), you can enter at the main entrance of the Jackson R Lehman Family YMCA.
At Bethany Campus (7715 Sunny Lane), you can come in the door right off of the parking lot.
If you want to worship at St Joe @ Y, you do not need to be a YMCA member to attend worship or many of the events we partner with the Y in.