Church in the Park: AG Pastor Leads Six Denominations in Annual Outreach

Tim and Kristi Singer arrived in Hugoton, Kansas, in 2018. They came to pastor Hugoton Assembly of God just two years before the Covid-19 pandemic swept the globe, gutting, among much else, churches and the hearts of many.

“Sometimes the Lord speaks, planting seeds in our hearts and then waiting for the timing to be right,” Singer, 51, says.

While driving around in 2018 asking the Lord for creative approaches to reach the town of around 4,000 people, Singer felt specifically impressed to host a community-wide event at a local park. And not just any event — a cooperative service hosted by as many local Bible-believing churches as were willing to participate.

Singer began lightly floating the idea with other pastors even as he worked to become established in relationship with them and with the community.

He says, “I wanted very much to let them know, ‘We are good. We are safe. We can come together to do these things and not undermine each other’s congregations. We want to see the greater good for the Kingdom of God, not mine or anyone else’s.’”

Responses to this were, Singer shares, hesitant.

A GLOBAL PANDEMIC AND A COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY

Two years later, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the idea Jesus had placed in Singer’s heart at last blossomed.

“I knew it was time, and I told my other pastor friends, ‘I’m going to do it,’” he says.

He led a meeting in the park with other pastors and six agreed to join his endeavor. Representing various denominations, all were united in the core belief of salvation in Jesus and Jesus alone.

“It came together fast, and it was all the Holy Spirit,” Singer says.

Held on a Sunday morning, the collaborative service — Church in the Park — did not focus on any one church, but instead allowed two pastors to speak, a blend of worship teams to provide music, and a blend of children’s church workers to conduct a kids’ service. Radio broadcasters were provided so that those who wished to stay in their cars and listen could do so.

Four hundred and fifty people attended the first Church in the Park service in 2020. The event has continued every year since, held on the last Sunday in August. A total of nine congregations now work together to host the event, representing AG, First Christian, Baptist, Church of God, Global Methodist, Friends, and independent churches.

Six hundred and fifty attended the August 2024 event. A special meal following the service is part of the tradition, as are inflatables for children and other special touches.

Partnering pastors are enthusiastic. “Church in the Park is a special experience, and God is glorified. I’m glad to be part of it,” says Wesley Young, pastor of Hugoton Global Methodist Church.

“This was a big step for these pastors to give up a Sunday morning, trusting that their congregations would not be let down,” Singer says. “This is what heaven is going to look like. Our communities need to see the Church come together. Too often all they see is division, and the Church sometimes leading the way in that division.”

ONE THROUGH CHRIST

Each year, a local vendor creates fresh t-shirts boasting the event’s slogan — “One Through Christ.” Singer says the shirts help generate excitement and he loves seeing people wearing them around town all year long. Church in the Park has even been placed on the Hugoton community calendar.

Hugoton mayor Matthew Rome says, “The Church in the Park event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together in faith and unity. This event truly embodies the heart of our town.”

Courtney Leslie, Hugoton chief of police, agrees. “This is a wonderful opportunity for all local churches to come together, fostering a sense of unity and shared worship. The dedication and effort put into organizing this event have a lasting positive impact, strengthening bonds and enriching the lives of everyone involved.”

Several have accepted Jesus as Savior as all the pastors line up to provide prayer after each event. Singer has heard from people who do not otherwise attend church that they won’t miss Church in the Park.

Hugoton citizen Todd Hewitt calls the event “phenomenal” and “truly anticipated by the community.”

Singer maintains a calm, humble view of Church in the Park, recognizing it as the fruition of seed planted by God, brought into being largely as a redemption of tragic times and circumstances. He says simply that he hopes it will “have lasting fruit down the road.”

Hugoton Assembly itself averages around 180 people, having experienced wonderful growth from a group of around 50 in 2018. The church is outreach oriented in many ways, hosting soup dinners and missions trips, providing blessing bags from Convoy of Hope, and more.

“I believe the Lord is showing the church His favor,” Singer says. “Being part of what He’s doing is humbling and fun.”

Kristel Zelaya

Kristel Zelaya is a freelance writer and editor with global experience. She served as marketing manager for Assemblies of God U.S. Missions and as a writer and editor for Assemblies of God World Missions. These experiences have led her to numerous countries and cultures — far from beaten paths — on behalf of many who did not know how deeply their stories matter. Zelaya is also a licensed Assemblies of God minister. She and her husband Rudy share one daughter.