Learn more about the WELS home mission congregation in Pueblo West, Colo., and what home mission work is all about from Mark Hayes, pastor at Crown of Life, Pueblo West.

Q - What was your reaction when you were assigned in 1998 to start a church in Pueblo West, Colo.?
A - I couldn’t have been happier. I had been a vicar in Colorado and longed to get back. After all the dust cleared, I realized how daunting it was to start a church from the ground up. While completely recognizing that God was in control, I couldn’t help but feel inadequate to be in that position.

Q - Was there a core group already established?
A - Yes, there was a core group, but not in the way that you would normally define one. Pueblo West is located about 10 miles west of Pueblo. Grace was an established WELS church in Pueblo. Although some members of Grace lived in Pueblo West, they were not depending on the new church in Pueblo West for a place of worship, as is common with many core groups. They had a place to worship but were willing to make the shift to Pueblo West once the new church got going.

Q - What were the first things that you did to begin organizing the church?
A - Before we could be a part of the community as a church, we needed to find out what the community was like. My wife and I tried to get to community events, getting to know people the best we could. I began going door-to-door with a religious survey, asking for people’s opinions about church and gathering a list of people who might be interested in a Bible study. That’s where it is great to have any kind of core group, because they have lived there and know people. The best way to get people to try your church is by invitations from friends, family, or coworkers. Even with all the religious surveys I did, references from the core group were still the strongest prospects.

Q - What are the highlights of Crown of Life’s history?
A - August 1999—Our first vacation Bible school (VBS) was held in the school where we would meet for the next ten years. The Ecumenical Church canceled its VBS that same day, and many families came to ours, which was right down the street. We met some new families who were very interested in our new church. They also knew a lot of people and were influential in bringing more people to church. We started our first larger Bible information class.

September 1999—Held our first worship service at Sierra Vista Elementary School.

January 2000—Upgraded from “exploratory” to “mission” status. In other words, we were no longer just trying it out and seeing if starting a church was viable. The synod was convinced that we were making headway and could become an established congregation.