History

The Story of DaySpring Community Church: 2000-2024

Written by Joshua Friedeman

Humble Beginnings, Bold Mission

On October 29, 2000, DaySpring Community Church launched with a mission—

“To excite men and women, boys and girls about a life-changing relationship with Jesus and to release these disciples for ministry in this community and around the world for the glory of God.”

The first official service took place at Funtime Skateland in Clinton, MS. Leading up to this day, the core group had first met at Matt and Mary Friedeman’s house and then in a series of pre-launch services in a chapel owned by Wesley Biblical Seminary. Their vision was a church focused on the unchurched, committed to discipleship, and eager to launch people into ministry. With this goal, the church was officially launched—and DaySpring hit the ground running.

A Church on the Move

From the start, DaySpring was never meant to be a church that stayed within its four walls. The first week after launch, members began ministering at the local abortion clinics, quickly followed by ministry at the prisons. Over the years, DaySpring has had three locations. DaySpring moved from the skating rink to a renovated building down the road at the end of 2003, and then to its permanent home in 2012, built with simplicity in mind to reflect its mission-driven heart.

The Power of Evangelism

Evangelism has been at the core of DaySpring’s DNA.

• DaySpring has ministered to more than 13,000 prisoners.
• More than 2,800 inmates have made commitments to Christ.
• Hundreds have been baptized, many coming straight from the prison ministry.
• DaySpringers have traveled to 28+ countries, bringing the Gospel to the nations.

The impact of DaySpring’s prison ministry has been nothing short of miraculous. Through weekly Bible studies, GED programs, financial education, and Celebrate Recovery groups, countless lives have been transformed inside prison walls. Many former inmates, along with their families, have not only found freedom in Christ but have also become active members of the DaySpring community after their release.

Meanwhile, the Pro-Life Ministry has stood boldly in front of Mississippi’s abortion clinics for years. Through prayer, outreach, and compassionate alternatives, over 1,000 babies have been saved. For as long as the clinics were open, a group of DaySpringers would stand as a light in the darkness, offering hope and help to women in crisis. We praise God that DaySpringers stood for life through the years—remaining faithful until the Dobbs decision (which originated at Mississippi’s last abortion clinic) ultimately led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Compassion Ministries: Meeting Needs, Changing Lives

DaySpring has always had a heart for the least, the last, and the lost. Through the years, the church has engaged in:

• Nursing home outreach at multiple locations, offering worship and encouragement to residents.
• Angel Food Ministry, which distributed over 10,000 food boxes to struggling families.
• John Hopkins Elementary School partnership, where DaySpring volunteers mentor children, provide reading programs, and share the Gospel through a weekly Bible club.
• Ministry to post-incarcerated individuals, offering discipleship and life restoration.
• Strip club outreach, where DaySpring women have ministered weekly to dancers, bringing the love of Christ into places many would never go.
• Celebrate Recovery, where those recovering from addictions found support and encouragement.

Over the years, new ministries have continually emerged—almost always sparked by laypeople who recognized a need, stepped forward, and were empowered to serve.

A Church of Action: Missions & Church Planting

DaySpring hasn’t just talked about global missions—it has lived it.
• Mission teams have traveled worldwide—to India, Ghana, Togo, Ecuador, Mexico, Belize, Brazil, and beyond.
• Families from DaySpring have gone into full-time missions, serving with Nazarene Missions International.
• DaySpring has planted three churches over the years. The first (2002) was short-lived, while the second (2011) eventually merged with another congregation. The third, however, continues to thrive. In 2018, DaySpring planted Foundry Church, which has since grown into two thriving campuses.
And DaySpring isn’t done yet. The heart for missions remains strong, as the church continues to send, support, and equip people for Kingdom work—both locally and globally.

Faithful Giving & Financial Stewardship

God has blessed DaySpring financially, allowing the church to give generously to missions, pay off debts, and remain strong.

• DaySpring became debt-free in 2024 after paying off its building.
• Over $1,000,000 has been given to missions.
• DaySpring has remained a strong supporter of the World Evangelism Fund, consistently contributing toward global mission efforts and exceeding giving goals in multiple years.

Through faithful stewardship, DaySpring has built a legacy of generosity that fuels Kingdom work worldwide.

Looking Ahead: The Best Is Yet to Come

DaySpring has never been a church to rest on its past successes. With every new year comes new challenges, new victories, and new opportunities to glorify God. The commitment remains the same:

• To recognize we are blessed to be a blessing.
• To realize we have not been sent here for ourselves but for others, and that the world is waiting for us.
• To run to the sound of the pain.

From a small launch team in 2000 to a thriving, mission-driven church today, DaySpring’s story is a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

The story is still being written, and we believe our best days are yet to come in Jesus.

Our Values

DaySpring exists to excite men and women, boys and girls about a life-changing relationship with Jesus, and to release these disciples for ministry in this community and around the world for the glory of God.
Our Mission

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