WELCOME TO
CONFLUENCE FAITH COMMUNITY
an inclusive community of grace
ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
OUR VISION
OUR VALUES
At our church, we embrace the mission of the larger United Methodist Church, striving "to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world" beginning here in Alton, IL. Join us on this journey as we work towards a more loving and inclusive world.
We celebrate the beauty of a vibrant, inclusive community—one rooted in authentic connections and a shared commitment to honoring the whole person.
Our doors are open to people from all walks of life. Here, we hope you feel seen, heard, and deeply loved. We long to meet your spiritual being—not just who you are, but who you’re becoming—and we aspire to be a place where genuine connection and shared humanity lead us into spiritual growth and inspire acts of love and justice.
We recognize the deep inequities that exist across our society and are committed to helping bridge those gaps. We strive to be a safe, affirming space for every person—regardless of gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity, physical or mental ability, education level, family structure, economic situation, immigration status, marital status, or social standing.
You are welcome here—with open arms. Whether you’re seeking spiritual healing, nourishment, or simply a place to breathe and be your full self, we invite you to lay down the mask and come as you are.
COMMUNITY
Authentic connections with others who value each person's whole being
INCLUSIVE
Everyone is invited through our doors and valued fully as you are. But inclusion also means safety (mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually) for all who walk through our doors
PASTOR TEAM
The Birth of The Confluence:
A Bold, Inclusive Vision for Alton
In 2023, something sacred began stirring in a conversation at the clergy gathering, Covenant Keepers of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the UMC (IGRC). That’s where Pastor Kyle was introduced by his friend Mike Whitaker to Sam Rodriguez, Director of Congregational Development (CDT). For the first time, Kyle shared a vision with Sam that had been quietly growing in his heart: the hope of planting a new kind of faith community in his hometown of Alton, IL. One that would be Spirit-led, justice-rooted, and boldly Open and Affirming—a safe and sacred space for all people, especially those who have been historically marginalized by the Church.
Sam immediately caught the vision. Over the next ten months, they dreamed together—about what it would look like to build a community of belonging where LGBTQ+ folks, people of color, doubters, seekers, the deconstructed, and the devout could gather side by side at Christ’s table. A community not bound by tradition for tradition’s sake, but fueled by radical welcome, deep listening, and a gospel of liberation.
This dream didn’t come from just anywhere. Six years earlier, Pastor Kyle had been part of the launch team for a new church plant just 20 minutes away in Edwardsville, IL at The Connection Faith Community. That experience gave him a front-row seat to the power of new communities to spark life and healing. Pastor Mike Whitaker, who leads that thriving six-year-old church, became a key encourager, partner, and co-conspirator as they began taking the next steps.
Together, Kyle, Mike, and Sam brought the idea to their District Superintendent, Rev Bradley Watkins, who didn’t just listen—he championed the vision. He helped organize a series of conversations with Bishop Frank J. Beard, where Sam and Kyle were able to share their hopes for this inclusive new ministry.
Rev Curtis Brown, a successful church planter from the Pacific Northwest and now Director of Connectional Ministries through the Conference office, joined the conversation and offered his full support, affirming the urgency and possibility of planting a church that could be both deeply Wesleyan and radically inclusive.
As the vision took shape, Pastors Kyle and Mike were invited to present their collective vision to the Bishop’s Cabinet. With prayerful discernment and bold hope, the Bishop gave his blessing: a new faith community would be born in Alton. Not just any church—but one where authenticity is celebrated, where queerness is sacred, and where all people are welcomed, affirmed, and loved just as they are.
With early funding secured from CDT, the pieces began falling into place. Pastor Kyle sought a coach who could guide him in this unique calling and connected with Rachel Gilmore from the Desert Southwest Conference and former head of Path1 Ministries. Their connection felt God-inspired—her father had been one of Kyle's childhood pastors. The story, in a sense, had come full circle.
To meet training requirements, Kyle enrolled in the Greenhouse church planting cohort through the West Ohio Conference—a community of other bold dreamers seeking to reimagine church for this particular moment in history.
And so, the Confluence began—not just as a new church, but as a movement of Spirit, hospitality, and justice. Rooted in Alton. Open to all. Affirming of every identity. A place where faith and freedom flow together.
What Comes Next?
We believe community doesn’t begin with perfection—it begins with showing up. Whether you're exploring faith for the first time, returning after a long break, or seeking a fully inclusive spiritual home, you're welcome here.
Here’s how you can take your next step with The Confluence:
🌊 Come As You Are
We’re currently gathering at Post Commons or out in the community, and you’re invited to be part of our soft launch season—informal gatherings, shared meals, conversations, and worship designed to shape our community with you, not for you.
💬 Join a Conversation Circle
Before we officially launch, we’re hosting a series of listening groups and “Confluence Conversations”—casual, open gatherings where we talk about life, faith, justice, identity, and what it means to build an inclusive spiritual community together.
🧭 Help Shape the Vision
This isn’t a “plug in and sit down” kind of church. It’s more like, “pull up a chair—help us build this table.” If you have a passion for hospitality, justice, creativity, or community, we’d love to learn from you. Your voice matters here!
🖐️ Get Involved
You can:
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Sign up for updates or interest meetings
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Volunteer to serve or lead
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Help spread the word
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Pray with and for us
🌈 Stay in the Loop
Follow us on our socials or subscribe to our newsletter to hear about upcoming events, worship gatherings, and opportunities to connect. You can also reach out directly at kyle@confluencefc.org or filing out the form below.
At The Confluence, there’s no “in” or “out”—only movement toward love, toward justice, and toward one another. We can’t wait to walk this journey with you.
VISIT US
GATHERING TIMES
House Gatherings Wednesday: 6pm
Last Wednesday of the Month Worship: 6pm
Check our Socials for events and other gatherings