About Madison Church

Madison Church is a non-denominational Christian community in Madison, Wisconsin, learning to follow Jesus together. We are Christ-centered, biblically grounded, and LGBTQ+ affirming. We take Jesus and Scripture seriously, make space for hard questions, and believe faith is meant to be lived in community, not just believed privately.

We believe people are formed through connection: connection with God, connection with one another, and connection with our neighbors and city. Everything we do is meant to help people follow Jesus in real life.

Connecting People with God & Each Other

Formation for Real Life

We follow Jesus through ordinary practices that form our life with God, with each other, and with our neighbors.

Abide

We connect with God through Scripture, prayer, communion, worship, and learning to listen and respond to Jesus.

Belong

We connect with each other through honest community, shared meals, care, encouragement, and life together.

Live Generously

We connect with our neighbors and city through lives of generosity — offering our time, skills, finances, and love for the good of others.

What We Believe

We believe in the God revealed in Jesus Christ; the authority of Scripture; salvation by grace through faith; the presence and work of the Holy Spirit; the practice of baptism and communion; and the call to love God and neighbor. Our faith is centered on Jesus — his life, teaching, death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return.

Jesus

Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He endured suffering, crucifixion, and death. On the third day after his death, he rose again. Following Jesus’ resurrection, he ascended into the heavens. Jesus will return one day to fully establish God’s Kingdom on earth, including the bodily resurrection and the promise of eternal life for those who believed.

(Matt. 1:20-23; Mark 15:24-25, 33-34; Mark 16:5-6; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thess 4:16-17)

Humanity & Our Purpose

Salvation is available to anyone who professes their faith in Jesus. His sacrificial death and resurrection reconcile people with God through the forgiveness of sins. Once someone comes to faith, they become an integral part of God’s family within the Church. Believers are to be baptized and regularly participate in communion with one another.

(Rom 10:9; John 3:16; 1 Pet 2:24; Col 1:20; Eph 2:19; 1 Cor 12:27; Matt 28:19-20; 1 Cor 11:23-26)

God

There is one God who exists eternally as three distinct but equally divine persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity possesses all divine attributes and qualities and has unique roles in creation, redemption, and ongoing work.

(Matt 3:16-17; 2 Cor 13:14; Col 2:9; Heb 9:14; John 1:3; Eph 1:7-10)

The Holy Spirit & His Work

Once someone comes to faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit indwells them, equipping and empowering them with gifts to build up the Church. Moreover, believers are privileged to experience a Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 2:38; 1 Cor 12:4-7; Acts 1:5; Acts 8:14-17)

Healing & Wholeness

God intervenes in our physical, emotional, or spiritual ailments, bringing about restoration, wholeness, or relief. As believers, we should pray for healing, trusting God’s compassion and power to work in our lives.

(Matt 8:16-17; James 5:14-16; Phil 4:6-7; Mark 11:24)

Scripture & Its Authority

The Bible is a collection of divinely inspired and infallible texts that reveals God’s love for humanity and his plan for redemption. It is authoritative for faith and practice.

(2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:20-21; Heb 4:12; Rom 15:4)

Some questions require more careful explanation. These statements explain where Madison Church stands on several theological and pastoral issues.
Women In Church Leadership
LGBTQ+ Inclusion & Relationships
The Nature of Hell

The Values That Guide Us

The values we live by shape everything we do—from faith to community and mission.

Jesus is Lord.

Jesus is Lord means Jesus’ love and authority shape who we are, how we live, and the way we seek his guidance in every part of our lives.

Disciple-Making.

Disciple-making is our commitment to grow in the way of Jesus, learning from his teachings and living them out with authenticity in everyday life.

Missional-Incarnational Impulse.

We are called to live beyond ourselves with intention, compassion, and courage, sharing the love of Christ in ways that bring hope to a world in need.

Community

We pursue a vibrant, diverse, mission-driven community where shared experiences, belonging, and purpose unite us and help us grow together.

Organic Systems

We create adaptable and supportive structures that help people grow, empower leaders, and align our church with God’s work in the world.

A.P.E.S.T. Culture

We embrace the unique gifts and callings God gives each person, equipping the church to grow through spiritual formation, outreach, and discipleship.

Our Story

Madison Church began in 2014 with a desire to create a church for people who were curious about Jesus, open to honest questions, and serious about living faith in everyday life. Over the years, our community has changed, learned, grieved, grown, and been reshaped. Today, we are focused on becoming a simpler, healthier church centered on Jesus, formation, and honest community.

Our Leadership Team

The people who serve, guide, and support our church community.

Stephen Feith

Lead Pastor

Stephen brings visionary, pastoral leadership to Madison Church, drawing on his Master of Arts in Missional Church Movements from Wheaton College, his church-planting experience, and his passion for helping people grow in faith and purpose. In his role, he guides teaching, spiritual formation, and the long-term direction of the church.

Elizabeth Swan

Community Teams Pastor

Liz brings creative, inclusive leadership to Madison Church, informed by her Master of Divinity from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, her communication background, and her work supporting individuals of all abilities. In her role, she helps people participate fully in worship and community life through environments marked by belonging and authenticity.