History

A Vision for Byron

NorthLight Community Church began in late 2016 when Pastor Kurt Ploeger sensed God’s call to plant a church in Byron, Minnesota. In partnership with the EFCA North Central District and Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Rochester, a Launch Team formed in 2017 to pray, plan, and prepare.

On March 18, 2018, NorthLight held its first public worship service. From the beginning, the church embraced its mission: To lead self-reliant people into Christ-centered community.

Growing Through Faith and Service

In the years that followed, NorthLight saw baptisms, ministry teams form, and leaders rise from within the congregation. Community Groups, discipleship efforts, and local and global partnerships helped shape a church committed to biblical teaching and compassionate service.

Like many churches, NorthLight faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Through creative online gatherings and consistent pastoral leadership, the church remained connected and gospel-focused. The congregation also walked faithfully through seasons of hardship and loss, caring for one another with prayer and presence.

Shared Leadership and Transition

NorthLight has always emphasized raising up leaders. Lay members increasingly carried the work of ministry, demonstrating that the church is built around Christ and His people, not one individual.

In 2022, Pastor Ploeger took a sabbatical, and the church thrived through shared leadership. In 2024, he announced his retirement plans and committed to finishing strong. In May 2025, he concluded his pastoral ministry at NorthLight, leaving a legacy of faithfulness and strength.

A New Chapter

In June 2025, Pastor Pat Wester began serving as Interim Pastor, bringing experience, steadiness, and encouragement during the transition.

In February 2026, Pastor Jonathan Poindexter was welcomed as Lead Pastor. With gratitude for God’s faithfulness in every season, NorthLight continues forward—rooted in Scripture, committed to community, and dependent on Christ as we seek to glorify God together.