Our history

Our church's history

Faith Christian Fellowship (FCF) was started under the umbrella of the Southeast Mennonite Conference. The Church was founded by Omer and Margaret Schrock, who moved into the Lake County area from Arthur, IL. Then known as Trinity Chapel, the first service was held at the home of Kevin and Gloria Burkholder on June 7, 1981. The Pastor was David Kniss from Arcadia, FL. There were seven who attended.

On April 11, 1982, Easter Sunday, we moved into the old YMCA on Grove Street in Eustis, FL. We had fellowship meals, youth rallies, retreats, sent kids to summer camps, rib dinner cookouts, and softball teams! We even had a Galilean service at Lake Eustis where Pastor David Kniss preached from a boat! In 1984, we had a weekend of inspirational, spirit-filled revival meetings called "Outreach of Love".

In 1986, under the leadership of Pastor Fran Overholt, we joined the Conservative Mennonite Conference (CMC). On December 14, 1986, we held the groundbreaking ceremony for the new church building on Dora Ave in Tavares. The land was donated by Omer Schrock for the continued growth of the church, where we are to this day.

In 1998, Pastor Brian and Sharla Hershberger began leading the church. It was also the year our founder, Omer Schrock, passed away. Dave Spangler, our associate pastor, became an elder. We had a large youth program that raised money to go on mission trips abroad. We bought a bus, and brought kids to a mid-week youth club. We had a large Christmas Banquet with dinner and a Christmas play that ran for three nights! Pastor Brian Hersberger was called to a church in Ohio, and Pastor Jon and Tonya Yutzy became pastors. In 2009, we left CMC to join Harvest Preparation International. In 2014, the church's name was changed from Trinity Chapel to Faith Christian Fellowship. 

In January 2017, we merged with Legacy Church, which was meeting in Lake Square Mall. Pastor Buddy Walker led Legacy Church. We rejoined CMC; Buddy and Kim Walker became pastors, with Pastor Brian Hersberger as overseer. Throughout the years, FCF's focus has been on community outreach and spreading the Word of our Lord.

In 2023, Dave and Ana Harris became the pastors of Faith Christian Fellowship, with Pastor Buddy Walker continuing to serve as Overseer.

Throughout the years, FCF's focus has remained steadfast: reaching our community through outreach and sharing the life-changing message of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Under Pastor Dave's leadership, the church has experienced continued growth, and our community impact has expanded significantly. Through a partnership with Lake Cares, the FCF Food Pantry outreach has grown to serve more families than ever before, providing practical support and demonstrating God's love to those in need throughout our community.