Success Stories

Wheaton, Minnesota, is a small city (population 1,400) located in Traverse County in the western part of the state. Known for its rural charm and close-knit community, Wheaton is situated near the Minnesota-South Dakota border, surrounded by rich agricultural land. It’s part of the Red River Valley region, known for its fertile soil. We recently had a conversation with Cheryl Skeleton, ministry administrator for Bethlehem Covenant, about their church addition.

Project: Building addition to improve youth and children’s ministry

How did you want to enhance ministry with the addition?

Initially, the addition was about creating more space, but as we began to envision its potential, we realized there were numerous untapped ministry opportunities. This new youth room addition could serve multiple purposes beyond its initial intent. We envisioned it as a venue for Marriage Weekend Retreats, a space for overflow during large celebrations, and have already used it for a large family gathering before and after the funeral of a loved one. The possibilities for this new space are endless, allowing us to dream of various ways to use it for ministry.

Was it worth the wait?

Of course, I want to say “yes.” The waiting period was difficult and frustrating, especially as we had begun to dream big, only to face numerous delays due to COVID and weather. However, we are now extremely happy with the addition. It’s surprising what a blank canvas can do for the imagination. We’ve used the new spaces for a variety of activities well beyond their intended purpose, making the wait worthwhile.

What excites you most about the way your building impacts your ministry?

We have been outgrowing our current building space since 2017. The youth group has been feeling displaced since they had to move to the sanctuary to meet. This new space provides them with a sense of ownership and renewed belonging. The Abilities Ministry (Adults Living with Disability), which had to move offsite due to lack of space, has now returned to meet at the church. They eagerly counted down the months, weeks and days until they could “come back.” The new building opens up exciting possibilities for ministry, enabling us to continue reaching out to our community and surrounding areas. We have a unique setting that reaches marginalized, hungry, and lost people.

How do you see God at work within your church?

It has been evident from early on at Bethlehem Church that God is working through our family meal ministry. We provide hot meals on Wednesday nights to all ages, creating an environment where people feel welcomed, valued, and supported. This fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment. After dinner, small group ministry is offered to all, with groups formed by peers for teaching, games, and interactions. This allows us to feed both their bodies and their souls.

Can you reflect on the partnership with NCP?

From the beginning, working with Rollie and the NCP team felt like more than just a resource; they are people who genuinely care about the mission, ministry, and vision of Bethlehem Church. They listened to our reasons, needs, and plans. Personally, I felt I had access to the staff, especially when I didn’t know what I needed or how to accomplish certain tasks. Their support has been invaluable in helping us achieve our goals.