NEWELL-Although Pastor Lance Putnam grew up in a Christian home attending a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church and also attended Catholic School, he had questions. Lots of questions that it seemed no one had the answers. In his early 20’s, Putnam walked away from his faith for a few years while his life regressed downward.
Through the years, God showed Putnam the right path to take that has now led him to Newell Christian Fellowship Church. He recently became lead pastor of the community church and has begun to lead the way for the congregation to find the answers to life’s questions.
He takes the Bible as the Word of God and shows the practicality of the workings of God. He said that he enjoys looking at history and discerning God’s teachings. He’s always looking at what Christians believe and why. “Talk to each other,” he commented. “We need more civility in this life.”
Civility and talking will bring unification, he pointed out. And that is one of his main objectives.
Putnam has a banner at the front of the church that sums up his goals for the church body.
“Worshipping Christ” means to glorify God. Fellowship, according to Putnam, and committing ways that glorify God are two important parts of worshipping Christ.
“Walking with Christ” points to discipleship, teaching doctrine and the “why” of life.
“Working for Christ” brings the community together.
“That’s why we are having a BBQ in the Park and movies in the park,” he said.
Putnam’s dream is to find out what the community needs and work to help answer that need. He has encouraged his congregation to be community focused.
There is a solid background to the projects Putnam is keying on. When he hit bottom, he repented and cried out to God for help. This started his journey into theological and intellectual study of the Christian faith. Here is where he found answers to all his questions.
During this time Putnam started the Legacy Dads Ministry. This ministry shares his personal story; “the good, bad, and ugly.” Legacy Dads reaches thousands of listeners each week through podcasts, media, conferences, and other platforms where they advocate proven, Biblical principles for leaving a lasting legacy in Christ.
Putnam has received multiple combat tours and awards in Army Special Operations before retiring in 2021. He has now earned his Master’s Degree from Liberty University, both Lance and wife Jennifer are trained Chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and are trained in Biblical Soul Care Pastoral Counseling.
The list of accomplishments also includes instructor and technical manager for Samaritan’s Purse and Unusual Soldiers Ministries.
Lance and Jennifer founded Salt and Light Group ministry which conducts missions overseas.
His love of the outdoors keeps him in the Black Hills area. He loves history and has a “weakness” for classic rock.
If you have questions, Putnam is willing to answer any and all questions about faith, God, the Bible and theology.
His sermons can be found online on You Tube, Facebook, and the church website. Simply Google Newell Christian Fellowship and it will take you to the right place. Putnam’s email is newellcf@outlook. com. Church services are Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. at the church located at 308 4th St. in Newell.
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