This is Our Story. This is Our Heart.
Anchor Community Church was born out of a calling we couldn't shake.
After years of serving in ministry—through campus launches, pastoral care, and walking with people in their hardest moments—we felt God stirring something new. A vision for a church deeply rooted in His Word, committed to genuine relationships, and passionate about making disciples who make disciples.
We knew God was calling us to build something here in Lakeville. A church where Jesus is our foundation, community is our heartbeat, and every person matters.
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That's how it all began. And every day, we get to watch God write the next chapter.
Why We Exist & How We Live
Our Mission
We follow Jesus, grow together, and reach others.
Our Values
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Belonging – Find your people. Find your place. Welcome home.
Community isn't optional. It's essential. You're meant to be known, cared for, and connected.
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Reaching – We’re here to seek and send.
Our mission extends beyond our walls. We're here to reach people with the Gospel—both next door and around the world.
003
Growing – We’re always becoming, never arriving.
Faith is a journey, not a destination. We're committed to continual growth, both personally and as a church.
004
Serving – Hands in, love out.
When we serve together, we reflect the love of Jesus to everyone around us.
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Giving – Open hands and open hearts.
Generosity reflects the heart of God. We give freely because we've been given everything in Christ.
Our Impact: Planting Churches, Changing Lives
When healthy churches are planted, the Gospel spreads, disciples are made, and communities are transformed. That's why we're committed to being a church that plants churches here, near and far.
A Global Partnership: The Timothy Initiative
On our very first weekend, we gave 10% of every offering to The Timothy Initiative, supporting church planting in the least-reached places on earth. TTI partners with local believers to plant churches where the Gospel has never been heard—planting a new church every 11 minutes.
A Bold Vision for Our Region
Our mission doesn't stop overseas. We're also passionate about planting churches locally: equipping leaders, sending teams, and establishing Gospel-centered communities throughout the Twin Cities.
This is Kingdom work. And by being a part of Anchor, you’re stepping into it.
Meet the Team
Ryan Widdel | Lead Pastor
Ryan brings over a decade of ministry experience across rural Iowa and the Twin Cities, including serving on the staff team that helped launch a church and leading in campus ministry settings for more than 11 years.

Since 2019, he’s also served as a volunteer police and fire chaplain—walking with people through moments of joy, loss, crisis, and rebuilding. Those experiences have shaped the way he pastors: with presence, compassion, and deep biblical grounding.

Ryan is married to his wife, Cristina, and together they’re raising their two daughters, Macey (4) and Madison (2). When he’s not spending time with his family or investing in church life, you’ll probably find him on a pickleball court—he’s an avid fan of the game and loves any chance to play.

His heart is simple: help people know Jesus, understand God’s Word, and live it out together.
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What We Believe
We believe the Bible is God's Word, that Jesus is the only way to salvation, and that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith.
At Anchor Community Church, we're part of the Converge Network of churches and align with their statement of faith.
Our Mission. Your Invitation.
Now that you know our story, we’d love to know yours.
Come experience worship that inspires, teaching that equips, and community that feels like home.
Sundays at 10:30 AM
123 First Street, Lakeville, MN
Want a taste of what Sundays are like?
Check out recent messages where we dive into God's Word with clarity, depth, and practical application.
