WE exist for those not here yet.
That's our bold statement. WE believe our purpose as the Church is to engage with those in Henning, Otter Tail County and beyond who need Jesus. Everything we do is geared toward that simple, yet profound goal.
WE is led by our pastor, governed by Overseers and managed by staff.
MEET WE STAFF
Lead Pastor
Andrew Lynch
Andrew joined us as lead pastor beginning November 2022. More about him coming soon.
Join us one Sunday. Andrew would love to meet you.
Join us one Sunday. Andrew would love to meet you.
Worship Leader
Caleb Horn
My job:
I have the honor and privilege of being the Worship Leader at WE Church. It is my vision to have worship be the ushering in of the Holy Spirit! I will lead multiple groups of musicians and work very closely with the pastor to bring the Word of the Lord.
What I love about our community:
Naomi and I grew up in Pillager and Pine River so the community being small feels like home and we love it! It has allowed us as teachers and coaches to show our faith to students and let them know where we stand.
I’ve been at WE:
We've been a part of the community for over a year, but are new to WE.
What I love about WE:
The interconnectedness of the church is something that my wife Naomi and I have sought out for our family as truly the church is an extension of who we are. We love the desire for the church to grow! I want to see the church go past town boundaries and to be a beacon to Otter Tail County of God’s Love while also a place where we can leave our burdens at the cross and strive to become whole.
Invite to visit WE:
WE is not a church for perfect people. We are here to love on those who feel forgotten, pray for those who feel unworthy, listen to those who need mercy, and live out our lives with grace. We are here to speak the name of Jesus over you and it is our hope that when you walk in the doors of the church, you feel like you have come home. We serve for those who are here and those who are not here yet. May that be a prayer for you!
I have the honor and privilege of being the Worship Leader at WE Church. It is my vision to have worship be the ushering in of the Holy Spirit! I will lead multiple groups of musicians and work very closely with the pastor to bring the Word of the Lord.
What I love about our community:
Naomi and I grew up in Pillager and Pine River so the community being small feels like home and we love it! It has allowed us as teachers and coaches to show our faith to students and let them know where we stand.
I’ve been at WE:
We've been a part of the community for over a year, but are new to WE.
What I love about WE:
The interconnectedness of the church is something that my wife Naomi and I have sought out for our family as truly the church is an extension of who we are. We love the desire for the church to grow! I want to see the church go past town boundaries and to be a beacon to Otter Tail County of God’s Love while also a place where we can leave our burdens at the cross and strive to become whole.
Invite to visit WE:
WE is not a church for perfect people. We are here to love on those who feel forgotten, pray for those who feel unworthy, listen to those who need mercy, and live out our lives with grace. We are here to speak the name of Jesus over you and it is our hope that when you walk in the doors of the church, you feel like you have come home. We serve for those who are here and those who are not here yet. May that be a prayer for you!
Chief of Staff
Jan Eitzen
My job:
While this isn’t a traditional role in a church, it seems to work here at WE! I serve as an assistant to the pastor in helping lead staff and ministries at the church. I am part of the Overseer board and help bridge the gap between Overseers and Staff.
What I love about our community:
I love small town. Our family made a choice to move from a major city to this more rural, small town area and we have never regretted it. I coach with OTC (Henning, Battle Lake and Underwood) and I completely enjoy being able to invest in the lives of young ladies.
I’ve been at WE:
Since moving here in 2001, we've considered WE our home church.
What I love about WE:
The people are WE are grace-filled people, pursuing their faith in authentic ways. WE celebrates the wins of others and extends compassion to the hurting. WE recognizes that no one has it all figured out and we just walk this choice of faith together, meeting people where they are and encouraging the next step.
Invite to visit WE:
My passion is prayer and I consider it an honor to pray for others. I would invite you to check out WE. If you attend, please ask a greeter to introduce you to me. I would love to hear something specific that I can pray about for you! I would be honored by your request.
While this isn’t a traditional role in a church, it seems to work here at WE! I serve as an assistant to the pastor in helping lead staff and ministries at the church. I am part of the Overseer board and help bridge the gap between Overseers and Staff.
What I love about our community:
I love small town. Our family made a choice to move from a major city to this more rural, small town area and we have never regretted it. I coach with OTC (Henning, Battle Lake and Underwood) and I completely enjoy being able to invest in the lives of young ladies.
I’ve been at WE:
Since moving here in 2001, we've considered WE our home church.
What I love about WE:
The people are WE are grace-filled people, pursuing their faith in authentic ways. WE celebrates the wins of others and extends compassion to the hurting. WE recognizes that no one has it all figured out and we just walk this choice of faith together, meeting people where they are and encouraging the next step.
Invite to visit WE:
My passion is prayer and I consider it an honor to pray for others. I would invite you to check out WE. If you attend, please ask a greeter to introduce you to me. I would love to hear something specific that I can pray about for you! I would be honored by your request.
Ministry Assistant
Michelle Gunderson
My job:
I do all things office related. Whether it be mailings, making copies, weekly bulletins, managing voicemails and other general office work. I love being able to help others within our church in order to achieve what they need done.
What I love about our community:
I love being from a small town. I grew up living in Henning and have also decided to raise my family here. There’s just something about the rural community that just feels home to us. This community always goes above and beyond when needed. There’s just something about this that I want my kids to be a part of
I’ve been at WE:
Since 2015.
What I love about WE:
WE is such a great fit for how I view our community. People are always there for you and willing to help whenever needed. I love how WE ministers to everyone, no matter where they are in their journey. I’ve never been a part of anything like this before and it has changed my life.
Invite to visit WE:
Looking for a place to worship but feel you don’t belong? Come check us out and ask for me! I would love to sit with you so you don’t feel alone or overwhelmed when trying something new. I’ve been in that place before. Let me do for you what others at WE have done for me.
I do all things office related. Whether it be mailings, making copies, weekly bulletins, managing voicemails and other general office work. I love being able to help others within our church in order to achieve what they need done.
What I love about our community:
I love being from a small town. I grew up living in Henning and have also decided to raise my family here. There’s just something about the rural community that just feels home to us. This community always goes above and beyond when needed. There’s just something about this that I want my kids to be a part of
I’ve been at WE:
Since 2015.
What I love about WE:
WE is such a great fit for how I view our community. People are always there for you and willing to help whenever needed. I love how WE ministers to everyone, no matter where they are in their journey. I’ve never been a part of anything like this before and it has changed my life.
Invite to visit WE:
Looking for a place to worship but feel you don’t belong? Come check us out and ask for me! I would love to sit with you so you don’t feel alone or overwhelmed when trying something new. I’ve been in that place before. Let me do for you what others at WE have done for me.
Social Media Team Lead
Brooke Thorson
My job:
I am honored to serve in a role that communicates and connects people with WE. I post relevant updates as well as capture and share visual content of activities happening at WE and our community.
What I love about our community:
I have extended family in and around Henning and make no apologies for my Hornet and Bulldog pride! The ability to authentically connect with and support one another in our community is unmatched. One of my core values (as a social worker and as a Christian) is acknowledgment of the inherent dignity and worth of each and every person. I am an advocate and champion of diversity, equity, and meaningful participation for all.
I’ve been at WE:
My family came to WE on Easter Sunday in 2013 and never left.
What I love about WE:
I love that WE opens its doors and hearts to all people, regardless of religious background (or lack thereof). I love the challenge to “do life” with people in WE – being able to count on others and be counted on is fulfilling to me!
Invite to visit WE:
I invite you to be moved closer to Jesus through connection at WE. I love being a helper and doing things that create joy and comfort for others. If you get anxious about trying new things or places without knowing what to expect (I feel you!), send us message and I’d be happy to answer any questions! There is no pressure at WE to be anything other than yourself or do anything other than what you are ready to do. If you’d rather engage with WE from a distance, give us a ‘like’ on Facebook or follow us on Instagram (@watersedgeOTC)!
I am honored to serve in a role that communicates and connects people with WE. I post relevant updates as well as capture and share visual content of activities happening at WE and our community.
What I love about our community:
I have extended family in and around Henning and make no apologies for my Hornet and Bulldog pride! The ability to authentically connect with and support one another in our community is unmatched. One of my core values (as a social worker and as a Christian) is acknowledgment of the inherent dignity and worth of each and every person. I am an advocate and champion of diversity, equity, and meaningful participation for all.
I’ve been at WE:
My family came to WE on Easter Sunday in 2013 and never left.
What I love about WE:
I love that WE opens its doors and hearts to all people, regardless of religious background (or lack thereof). I love the challenge to “do life” with people in WE – being able to count on others and be counted on is fulfilling to me!
Invite to visit WE:
I invite you to be moved closer to Jesus through connection at WE. I love being a helper and doing things that create joy and comfort for others. If you get anxious about trying new things or places without knowing what to expect (I feel you!), send us message and I’d be happy to answer any questions! There is no pressure at WE to be anything other than yourself or do anything other than what you are ready to do. If you’d rather engage with WE from a distance, give us a ‘like’ on Facebook or follow us on Instagram (@watersedgeOTC)!
MEET WE OVERSEERS
Isaiah Godding
What I love about our community:
I grew up in a rural community and Henning reminds me of my upbringing. Living and working in this community for the last 15 years I have been amazed at the way that people come together and care for those in need.
I’ve been at WE:
Since 2005.
What I love about WE:
I love that WE is a compassionate group of believers desiring to do life together and ministering in the community.
Invite to visit WE:
Looking for a place to connect with people that will love you where you are and inspire you to more? Come check out WE. Ask a greeter to introduce you to me. I’d love to visit with you.
I grew up in a rural community and Henning reminds me of my upbringing. Living and working in this community for the last 15 years I have been amazed at the way that people come together and care for those in need.
I’ve been at WE:
Since 2005.
What I love about WE:
I love that WE is a compassionate group of believers desiring to do life together and ministering in the community.
Invite to visit WE:
Looking for a place to connect with people that will love you where you are and inspire you to more? Come check out WE. Ask a greeter to introduce you to me. I’d love to visit with you.
Michelle Gunderson
What I love about our community:
I love being from a small town. I grew up living in Henning and have also decided to raise my family here. There’s just something about the rural community that just feels home to us. This community always goes above and beyond when needed. There’s just something about this that I want my kids to be a part of.
I’ve been at WE:
Since 2015.
What I love about WE:
WE is such a great fit for how I view our community. People are always there for you and willing to help whenever needed. I love how WE ministers to everyone, no matter where they are in their journey. I’ve never been a part of anything like this before and it has changed my life.
Invite to visit WE:
Looking for a place to worship but feel you don’t belong? Come check us out and ask for me! I would love to sit with you so you don’t feel alone or overwhelmed when trying something new. I’ve been in that place before. Let me do for you what others at WE have done for me.
I love being from a small town. I grew up living in Henning and have also decided to raise my family here. There’s just something about the rural community that just feels home to us. This community always goes above and beyond when needed. There’s just something about this that I want my kids to be a part of.
I’ve been at WE:
Since 2015.
What I love about WE:
WE is such a great fit for how I view our community. People are always there for you and willing to help whenever needed. I love how WE ministers to everyone, no matter where they are in their journey. I’ve never been a part of anything like this before and it has changed my life.
Invite to visit WE:
Looking for a place to worship but feel you don’t belong? Come check us out and ask for me! I would love to sit with you so you don’t feel alone or overwhelmed when trying something new. I’ve been in that place before. Let me do for you what others at WE have done for me.
Matt Thorson
What I love about our community:
I grew up in this community and have always enjoyed everything it has to offer. I feel blessed to live in an area where I can fish our numerous lakes, golf the many area courses, hunt the various seasons and share all those things with my family. I enjoy being involved in our community as a member of the Ottertail Fire Department and serving on the Leaf Lake Township board. I have been in business in the community since 2001 and every day I am able to see the beauty God has created in Otter Tail County.
I’ve been at WE:
Since 2013
What I love about WE:
From the moment I walked through the door I felt something special about WE. Those that attend WE are very inviting and care for one another in a personal and spiritual way. Worshipping and engaging at WE has grown my faith, though always at my own pace. In addition to Sunday worship, WE has active youth programs which gives me an opportunity to meet and work with kids.
Invite to visit WE:
The people of WE have always been genuinely curious about me, my life, what I need, and what I have to offer. I care about you. I am curious about you, about your life, what you need, and what you have to offer. I have so much more to learn about God’s word and I invite to come and learn with me.
I grew up in this community and have always enjoyed everything it has to offer. I feel blessed to live in an area where I can fish our numerous lakes, golf the many area courses, hunt the various seasons and share all those things with my family. I enjoy being involved in our community as a member of the Ottertail Fire Department and serving on the Leaf Lake Township board. I have been in business in the community since 2001 and every day I am able to see the beauty God has created in Otter Tail County.
I’ve been at WE:
Since 2013
What I love about WE:
From the moment I walked through the door I felt something special about WE. Those that attend WE are very inviting and care for one another in a personal and spiritual way. Worshipping and engaging at WE has grown my faith, though always at my own pace. In addition to Sunday worship, WE has active youth programs which gives me an opportunity to meet and work with kids.
Invite to visit WE:
The people of WE have always been genuinely curious about me, my life, what I need, and what I have to offer. I care about you. I am curious about you, about your life, what you need, and what you have to offer. I have so much more to learn about God’s word and I invite to come and learn with me.
Jane Cook
What I love about our community:
Henning is a small town community similar to the one I grew up in. I’m passionate about caring for people and have served on the Henning Ambulance Service for the past 20 years. Helping people in a time of crisis can be both stressful and rewarding!
I’ve been at WE:
Since about 2007
What I love about WE:
WE people meet you where you’re at and encourage growth. Without the leadership experiences, guidance and encouragement from WE I would not have the confidence necessary to be the Director of the Ambulance crew.
Invite to visit WE:
No matter what your story is, check us out at WE. Ask the greeter to introduce you to me and I’d love to get to know what kinds of things we have in common!
Henning is a small town community similar to the one I grew up in. I’m passionate about caring for people and have served on the Henning Ambulance Service for the past 20 years. Helping people in a time of crisis can be both stressful and rewarding!
I’ve been at WE:
Since about 2007
What I love about WE:
WE people meet you where you’re at and encourage growth. Without the leadership experiences, guidance and encouragement from WE I would not have the confidence necessary to be the Director of the Ambulance crew.
Invite to visit WE:
No matter what your story is, check us out at WE. Ask the greeter to introduce you to me and I’d love to get to know what kinds of things we have in common!
WE Doctrinal Statement
Affirmation of Faith
1. The Word of God
We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, fully inspired and without error in the original manuscripts, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it has supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
2. The Trinity
We believe that there is one living and true God, eternally existing in three persons, that these are equal in every divine perfection, and that they execute distinct but harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence and redemption.
3. God the Father
We believe in God, the Father, an infinite, personal spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love. We believe that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of all people, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.
4. Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings. We believe in His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and personal visible return to earth.
5. The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Christ, and that He is an abiding helper, teacher and guide.
6. Regeneration
We believe that all people are sinners by nature and by choice and are, therefore, under condemnation. We believe that those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior are regenerated by the Holy Spirit.
7. The Church
We believe in the universal church, a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and all regenerated persons are members. We believe in the local church, consisting of a company of believers in Jesus Christ, baptized on a credible profession of faith, and associated for worship, work and fellowship. We believe that God has laid upon the members of the local church the primary task of giving the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world.
8. Christian Conduct
We believe that Christians should live for the glory of God and the well-being of others; that their conduct should be blameless before the world; that they should be faithful stewards of their possessions; and that they should seek to realize for themselves and others the full stature of maturity in Christ.
9. Marriage
We believe marriage was created of God and that marriage within the Church is a rite and institution tied directly to our foundational belief of God as creator who made us male and female. We also regard marriage as a sacred institution which is a reflection of the mysterious and wonderful bond between Christ and His Church. To us, then, marriage is much more than merely a contract between two persons. It is a covenant grounded in promises between one man and one woman which finds its divinely intended expression in the “one flesh” union of husband and wife, and between the “one flesh” union of husband and wife and God.
10. The Ordinances
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has committed two ordinances to the local church: baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water into the name of the triune God. We believe that the Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ for commemoration of His death. We believe that these two ordinances should be observed and administered until the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
11. Religious Liberty
We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other.
12. Church Cooperation
We believe that local churches can best promote the cause of Jesus Christ by cooperating with one another in a denominational organization. Such an organization, whether it is the Conference or a district conference, exists and functions by the will of the churches. Cooperation in a conference is voluntary and may be terminated at any time. Churches may likewise cooperate with interdenominational fellowships on a voluntary independent basis.
13. The Last Things
We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment, the eternal felicity of the righteous, and the endless suffering of the wicked.
Adopted by the Baptist General Conference in 1951, reaffirmed in 1990 and amended in 1997 and 2018.