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A life-giving church in Columbia Missouri
Launching March 2026
Connect Church Location and Times in Columbia, MO
Connect Church is a life-giving church in Columbia, Missouri. We’re currently in the pre-launch phase, preparing to officially launch in March 2026. Right now, we’re focused on building and training a launch team of 50–60 adults, raising support, serving our city through outreaches, and prayerfully pursuing the right long-term location. Our Launch Team gathers every Sunday at 10:00 AM at: 📍 2600 Interstate 70 Dr. NW, Columbia, MO 65202
You’re invited to join us this Sunday for powerful worship, a relevant message from Pastor Bob Nilges, and a fun & safe Kids Program. We’d love to connect with you, share our vision, and help you discover how you can be part of this exciting new church. We can’t wait to meet you—see you soon!
Bob & Deanna Nilges
Lead Pastors
At Connect Church, we believe in authentic faith, life-giving community, and the transforming power of Jesus—and that’s exactly how Pastors Bob and Deanna Nilges lead. Married for 26 years and parents to three amazing adult children—Kylee (24), Hudson (24), and Hannah (21)—they bring over two decades of full-time ministry experience in youth, young adult, men’s, and women’s ministries. Bob is known for his humor, warmth, and a deep passion for teaching God’s Word. Whether he’s cheering at a ball game, fishing, or off-roading in his well-worn Tacoma, he leads with a true pastor’s heart, making everyone feel seen, heard, and loved. Deanna, often called the “Gatherer of People,” thrives on connection. Her contagious joy and gift for creating community have made her a dynamic leader in women’s ministry and beyond. Together, Bob and Deanna embody the heart of Connect Church: faith, family, and a relentless pursuit of Jesus. Their greatest joy is watching lives transformed through the gospel, and they are thrilled to plant deep roots in Columbia, Missouri, as they prepare to launch Connect Church in March 2026.
Church FAQ
Columbia is growing fast—with over 100,000 people reporting no religious affiliation and over 40,000 students from 113+ nations. We’re stepping in to help meet that need with hope, truth, and love.
Bob & Deanna Nilges have served in full-time ministries for 20+ years and bring deep experience in youth, young adult, men’s, and women’s ministries. They are passionate about reaching the lost and building authentic community.
To connect people to Christ, His community, and His calling. Our heartbeat is evangelism, discipleship, and multiplying Kingdom impact.
Spirit-led, gospel-centered, practical, and challenging. Messages are designed to equip you to follow Jesus in every part of life.
Jesus, love, the Bible, the Great Commission, prayer, the Holy Spirit, worship, community, and the next generation.
Jesus, love, the Bible, the Great Commission, prayer, the Holy Spirit, worship, community, and the next generation.
Join a serve team, attend a launch interest party, or become part of our launch team. You can also support us through prayer or giving.
Connect Church is launching March 2026. We’re building a team, raising support, and preparing the foundation now.
What to Expect
At Connect Church In Columbia
Worship
Our worship is Spirit-led and prayer-powered. In every song and every moment, we make room for the Holy Spirit to move and for people to meet Jesus in a real and personal way.
Messages
Our messages are Bible-rooted and gospel-centered. Each sermon is practical and life-giving, helping you live out your faith and walk in your God-given purpose.
Next Gen
Our Next Gen ministry is safe, fun, and faith-filled. We invest in kids through engaging, Christ-centered experiences that help them know and follow Jesus.
Welcome
At Connect Church, we want every first-time guest to feel welcome, valued, and excited to return. From arrival to departure, our goal is to create a smooth, uplifting, and memorable experience that leaves them saying, “We have to come back next week!”
Launch Team: Join the Journey
COME BUILD WITH US
We’re building a passionate team of people who want to see lives
transformed in Columbia. Connect Church is forming a launch team of 50–60 adults by
March 2026, and we’d love for you to be part of it! No perfect people required—just a heart for Jesus, a love for people, and a willingness to serve. Click the button below to connect with Pastor Bob and learn more.
Connect Church
We have you covered.
Address
2600 Interstate 70 Dr NW, Columbia, MO, 65202
Meeting Times
Sundays @ 10:00am