Our story

On April 9, 1989, Jackson Friends Church was started at Sauder Elementary School in Jackson Township. With the help and vision of Canton First Friends Church and Evangelical Friends Church – Eastern Region, Jackson Friends has ministered in the community for over 24 years with primary goals of reaching out to our community and other mission fields through the sharing of the Word of God.

In the fall of 1992, we began to construct the present facility of 20,000 square feet of ministry space which includes a worship center which seats 350, family life center, and classrooms. It was completed in July 1993, with our first service held on July 11, 1993. Jackson Friends family extends from 200 in morning worship to over 600 in just four years. In September of 1998 construction began on the office and educational wings with fourteen new classrooms. The new office space allowed for the sanctuary expansion of 100 new seats.

In 2003, the Ministry Activities Center (MAC/Gym), Bistro/Atrium, Hospitality Room were added as well as the shell structures for a Sr. High, Jr. High & Kid’s Clubhouse. The Junior High room now serves as a gathering place for our young teens.. The “Kid’s Clubhouse” was dedicated in the fall of 2012, finishing the existing space in our building. It accommodates many children on Wednesday nights & weekly Children’s church services.

Soccer and flag football fields, plus a playground area were added in 2019, with a pavilion in 2021, and a Prayer Garden in 2022. Founding Pastor, David Tebbs retired in July of 2022. Dr Tom Kinnan served as an Interim Pastor until we welcomed Todd Schreiner as our new Lead Pastor in September of 2023.

As a part of the Evangelical Friends Church, we adhere to the doctrine found in Evangelical Friends Church – Eastern Region, Faith and Practice, 2023 Edition.