Built on 6 Pillars
Center of Life isn’t organized around generic ministry departments. We’re built on 6 Pillars of Apostolic Governance — each one carrying a specific dimension of how God builds His house. Every team, every program, every initiative flows from one of these pillars.
Pillar 1: Connection — Hospitality & Care
Acts 2:42-47 • Romans 12:13-15
"…they received their food with glad and generous hearts." — Acts 2:46
You belong before you believe.
The Connection Pillar governs how people are received, known, cared for, and transitioned from first-time guests into active members of the family. We don’t have visitors — we have people who haven’t found their seat yet. From the moment you walk through the door, our goal is to make you feel like you’ve come home.
What happens here: Guest reception, first-touch follow-up (every guest contacted within 72 hours), hospitality team, ushers, care ministry, Armor Bearers, connection events, and the guest-to-family pathway.
Teams: Hospitality Team (led by Cherelle Blair), Ushers (led by Deacons Johnnie & Ricky), Connection Team (Justin Long, Somma, Ola), Armor Bearers
Pillar Leaders: Hailey Duncan, Min. Linda Duncan
Pillar 2: Presence — Worship & Prayer
Psalm 22:3 • John 4:23-24 • Acts 4:31
"…they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." — Acts 4:31
We host the Presence of God. Everything flows from the altar.
Center of Life Church offers prayer support in Sioux Falls for people seeking encouragement, spiritual growth, and a deeper relationship with God. Worship, prayer, and biblical teaching help create space for people to encounter God and grow in faith.
Ways to engage: Submit a Prayer Request, join the Morning Prayer Call & Bible Study, or participate in the Corporate Monthly Fast.
Teams: Worship Team, Media & Production Team, and Intercessory Prayer Team
Pillar Leader: Dr. Joshua S. Duncan
Pillar 3: Formation — Teaching & Discipleship
Ephesians 4:11-16 • Matthew 28:19-20 • Hebrews 6:1
"…let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity…" — Hebrews 6:1
We help people grow through Scripture-based teaching, discipleship, and Christian community.
Bible study and growth opportunities include Wednesday Bible Study, small groups, the Formation Pathway, and the BELONG six-week study for people who want to build healthy Christian community.
Explore the BELONG Bible Study today and find a place to grow.
Teams: Bible Study & Teaching, Children’s Ministry, Small Group Leaders, Men’s Ministry, and Women’s Ministry
Pillar Leaders: Pastor Ian and Tabitha Sadler, Koree McClellan
Pillar 4: Equipping — Leadership & Ministry Training
2 Timothy 2:2 • Ephesians 4:11-12 • Romans 12:6-8
"…to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." — Ephesians 4:12
We don’t just build members. We build leaders.
The Equipping Pillar activates the apostolic center. This is where formed disciples become deployed Kingdom workers. Through the COL Activation School, five-fold ministry identification, servant leadership tracks, and the 6-Gate readiness process, we govern when and how sons and daughters are activated, authorized, and released.
What happens here: COL Activation School (Tracks A, B, and C), five-fold ministry identification and development, spiritual gift assessments, leadership readiness evaluations, 90-day proving seasons, mentorship pairing, Kingdom Activation Conferences, and ministry licensing/ordination preparation.
The 6-Gate Process: No one leads at Center of Life without being formed first. Our 6-Gate readiness process ensures that every leader who serves has been tested in character, grounded in doctrine, and confirmed in calling.
Pillar Leader: Dr. Joshua S. Duncan & Pastor Shiela Freed
Pillar 5: Outreach — Evangelism & Community Engagement
Acts 1:8 • Matthew 28:19-20 • Matthew 25:35-36
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…" — Acts 1:8
We turn the church inside-out.
The Outreach Pillar extends the apostolic field into the city, region, and world. Center of Life represents 8 nations, and we believe the church exists for those who aren’t here yet. Every first and third Saturday, our teams serve the community through evangelism, compassion ministry, and partnership with local organizations.
What happens here: Bi-monthly outreach Saturdays (1st and 3rd), community partnerships, compassion ministry, Friends & Family Sundays, international ministry, evangelism training, and community table partnerships.
Teams: Outreach Teams, Compassion Ministry, Community Partnership Coordinators
Pillar Leaders: Pastor Dan Freed, Min. Linda Duncan
Pillar 6: Administration — Operations & Stewardship
1 Corinthians 14:40 • 1 Corinthians 12:28
"…all things should be done decently and in order." — 1 Corinthians 14:40
Order is the foundation of authority.
The Administration Pillar sustains the wineskin so the wine can flow. This is the organizational and operational backbone that allows every other pillar to run with excellence, order, and integrity. Administration ensures the house has systems, tools, and coordination aligned to the vision of the Senior Pastor.
What happens here: Planning Center operations, communications management (email, WhatsApp, social media, Sunday bulletin), calendar and event logistics, financial stewardship and reporting, volunteer coordination, policy governance, and document management.
Pillar Leader: Dr. Joshua S. Duncan