HISTORY                         

The Story of NorthLight Community Church

A Vision for Byron

The story of NorthLight Community Church began in late 2016, when Pastor Kurt Ploeger felt a call to plant a new church in Byron, Minnesota. After conversations with leaders from the EFCA’s North Central District (NCD) and Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Rochester, the groundwork was laid for a new gospel presence in the Byron area.

Launching a New Church (2017–2018)

In 2017, a dedicated Launch Team began meeting regularly—praying, planning, and preparing to establish a church that would be relational, missional, and rooted in biblical truth. This team included individuals and families who gave generously of their time, gifts, and energy to make the dream a reality.

On March 18, 2018, NorthLight Community Church held its first public worship service, marking the official launch of a new faith community in Byron.

From the start, NorthLight committed itself to a core mission:
“To lead self-reliant people into Christ-centered community.”

Building a Church, Serving a City

As NorthLight grew, so did its reach and impact:

  • Over a dozen baptisms celebrated life change and new beginnings in Christ.

  • Ministry teams formed to serve the congregation and local community alike.

  • Leaders from within the congregation stepped into roles in teaching, worship, kids ministry, hospitality, and pastoral care.

  • The church gathered not just on Sundays, but throughout the week in Community Groups, service opportunities, and discipleship cohorts.

NorthLight also built strategic partnerships—locally, regionally, and globally by supporting numerous ministries for Christ.

Throughout this time, the leadership—both staff and volunteers—were intentional about developing systems that would support healthy growth, leadership development, and missional outreach.

Faithfulness in Hard Seasons

NorthLight was not immune to the challenges that many churches faced. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of in-person gatherings, but it didn’t stop the church. Through creative thinking by Pastor Ploeger—filming services on phones, gathering online, offering Fireside Chats, and worshiping virtually—NorthLight stayed connected and continued proclaiming the gospel.

This season tested the church’s resilience, but it also strengthened the bonds of community and trust. Even in isolation, the church cared for one another and reached out in compassion.

NorthLight also walked through seasons of grief and loss, coming alongside families through medical hardships, tragedies, and the deaths of beloved members. Through it all, the church was a place of presence, prayer, and hope.

A Culture of Leadership and Multiplication

NorthLight has always been committed to raising up leaders. A key part of this has been equipping men and women to step into their callings, whether in ministry, the workplace, or their families.

  • The Men’s Leadership Cohort, led in partnership with Calvary E-Free, empowered future leaders.

  • Pastor Ploeger mentored church planters and ministry leaders, extending the church’s impact beyond Byron.

  • Volunteers and lay leaders increasingly carried out the day-to-day ministry of the church—demonstrating the belief that every believer is called to serve.

Sabbatical and Sustainability

In the Spring of 2022, Pastor Ploeger took a sabbatical—a planned time of rest and renewal. But the sabbatical also served as a testament to the strength and maturity of the church. Because of years of intentional discipleship and shared leadership, NorthLight not only sustained itself in his absence—it thrived, as lay leaders and members stepped up to fill roles and discovered new ways to use their gifts in service of the church.

This season affirmed what had long been a core value: the church is not built around one person but around Jesus and the community He forms.

Transition and a Legacy of Strength

In May 2024, Pastor Ploeger announced his intention to retire in 2025. In his words, his goal was to “finish strong”—not to coast, but to lead with faithfulness to the very end. He committed to preaching, guiding the leadership team, and helping prepare the church for its next chapter.

As Pastor Ploeger prepared for retirement, the congregation leaned into its shared foundation—its systems, leaders, and relational depth—while lay leaders and members shouldered greater responsibility, ensuring ministry continued with stability and faithfulness.

He finished strong.

Looking Forward

Today, NorthLight Community Church continues to grow as a vibrant, gospel-rooted community. With a foundation of biblical teaching, compassionate service, and intentional discipleship, the church is poised for the next season of ministry.

NorthLight remains committed to:

  • Proclaiming Jesus

  • Serving with compassion

  • Glorifying God with everyday lives

  • Multiplying disciples and churches

NorthLight’s story is far from over. It’s a story of faith, courage, and community—of a church that began with a dream and grew through shared sacrifice, prayerful leadership, and the grace of God.

The baton has been passed—but the mission continues.

Interim Leadership

In this season of transition, NorthLight has been blessed with the leadership of Pastor Pat Wester, who stepped in as Interim Pastor in June 2025. With decades of experience in pastoral ministry and church revitalization, Pastor Pat brings both steadiness and fresh perspective. His heart for discipleship, combined with his background in law enforcement, coaching, and years of pastoral service, has encouraged the congregation to continue growing in faith and unity. Under his guidance, members are reminded that God’s mission for NorthLight endures—calling the church to remain faithful, serve with compassion, and look with expectation toward the future God is preparing.