Nonprofit Niche highlights the vital role nonprofit organizations play in our communities, whether faith‑based or charitable, these organizations exist to meet real needs, not for profit, but for people. And more often than not, the most impactful work happens quietly, faithfully, and without much fanfare.
Last week, I had the opportunity to sit down with Pastor Christine Kissel, Co‑Pastor of Freedom Life Center Church, to talk about ministry, mission, and the powerful work they are doing within our city. It didn't take long to realize this was going to be much more than a surface-level conversation.
Freedom Life Center began humbly in April 2006 with just twelve people meeting weekly for worship and Bible study. What started small grew steadily through prayer, obedience, authenticity, and a deep commitment to worshiping God and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ with purpose. Over time, that faith led them to purchase ten acres of land and build a permanent facility, a significant step that came with equal parts responsibility and resolve. Having pastored two churches previously, Pastor Ron and Christine Kissel understood exactly what they were stepping into and moved forward with prayer, clarity, and intention.
Freedom Life Center describes itself as a generational church, one intentionally designed with future generations in mind. Their vision is to see lives changed, real needs met, families strengthened, leaders developed, and people loved. Since 2006, the vision has taken shape through ministries focused on reaching those who are hurting, teaching accountability through biblical principles, and helping individuals discover their God-given purpose. Pastor Christine has witnessed countless testimonies of healing, deliverance, provision, freedom from addiction, shame, fear, anxiety, and the generational cycles that once kept people bound. On the flip side, she was also candid that pastoring a church is not without challenges. She went on to explain that ministry often involves navigating differing opinions, personalities, and seasons, all of which require patience, humility, and discernment. "It's just part of the ministry," she said with a smile. "We try to approach everything we do with grace and wisdom. As an example, even when someone is called to a different church or ministry, we believe that transition should be handled with communication, prayer, and blessing. Ministry is not simply a job, but a lifelong commitment firmly rooted in obedience to God’s Word."
Pastor Ron and Christine aren't preaching from theory; they preach from experience. Having walked through addiction, hardship, and seasons of deep personal testing, they lead with humility and compassion.
Pastor Ron often shares his personal testimony of being set free from drug addiction at the age of nineteen, a life‑changing encounter with God that continues to fuel his heart for ministry. In addition to serving as Co-Pastor, Christine also leads worship and oversees the women's ministry, while managing much of the church's day to day operation. She also shared openly about a difficult season in her own life. “Sometimes you have to acknowledge that, even as a pastor, you are also human,” she explained. She spoke candidly about walking through a rough time that required her to dig deeply into her faith to reach the inward spirit. She emphasized the importance of understanding that we are body, soul, and spirit, and our spirit lives eternally. Referencing John 10:10, she explained that the enemy seeks to “steal, kill, and destroy,” and repentance before restoration is essential. She has found that even when circumstances don’t make sense, God is at work. “Everything unfolds in His timing,” she said. “Every person has a divine appointment, and learning to listen to the Holy Spirit is part of recognizing that everything is, ultimately, an eternal matter.”
Over the past two decades, Freedom Life Center has continued to grow, not just in size but in scope. Their focus remains centered on meeting real needs and that focus continues to evolve. Currently, they are prayerfully exploring the possibility of adding a community gymnasium to their facility, an idea rooted less in expansion and more in creating additional space for connection, outreach, and relationship building. As with every step before it, they are approaching this decision with prayer, patience, discernment, stewardship and openness to God's timing.
Freedom Life Center is a non-denominational church where everyone is welcome. What stands out most isn't signage, marketing, or programming, it is the consistency of the message. First-time visitors are encouraged to connect however they feel comfortable, whether reaching out ahead of time or simply showing up. Guests are greeted warmly, introduced to others, and made to feel at home, with no pressure, no judgment and no expectations. Their ministry is shaped, not by perfection, but by perseverance, and the belief that real freedom is possible when people are met with truth, grace, and unwavering support. In a world that often celebrates quick results and visible success, Freedom Life Center Church remains committed to the quieter work of faithfulness, trusting that lasting change is rarely rushed and never accidental.
Freedom Life Center ministries span all ages and stages of life, including:
- Children’s and Youth Education
- Ignition Youth Group
- Men’s Ministry
- Women’s Ministry (Freedom Sisters)
- New Converts and Addiction Recovery Programs
- Sound and Media Ministry
Location:
4600 N St Joseph Ave, Evansville, IN 47720 - Phone: (812) 436-3733
Service Times:
Sunday Service -10:00 AM
Wednesday Prayer - 6:00 PM followed by Bible Study - 6:30 PM
Click to learn more about Freedom Life Center Church website, or Freedom Life Center Church Facebook page.
Freedom Life Center Church isn’t just a place to attend, it’s a place to belong, to heal, and to grow. And that is what makes them a powerful Nonprofit Niche worth celebrating.
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