Roxbury is an independent evangelical church that has its roots in the Restoration Movement. It began in 1952 as the Church of Christ when founding families purchased the YWCA building in downtown Janesville. In 1963 they relocated to their present location in a residential neighborhood on the north side of town.
Roxbury has 404 people in our Database as occasional attenders and 201 members with an in-person average attendance of 180. In addition, we have an on-line viewership of approximately 90 views per week. The largest age demographic within Roxbury is 50 to 70, but we are committed to growing younger (71:17 Initiative below). The budget for the current year is $441,877.
Roxbury has long been instrumental in ministering to the hurting and marginalized in our community and has played a part in the birthing of several ministries that serve the needy in the community. We have been known as “A haven for the hurting and a home for the spiritually hungry”.
About 5 years ago, several members of Roxbury’s leadership team visited Real Life Ministry in Post Falls, Idaho. Upon their return Roxbury began a DiscipleShift journey. We have made Life Groups with a relational emphasis our primary vehicle for making disciples of Jesus. The shift has gradually filtered down through the various ministries of the church. We presently have 11 Life Groups where 110 people meet regularly as together they journey from spiritual infancy to spiritual parents.
This vision is a ‘work in process’, a shift in ministry emphasis we began about 5 years ago with the adult members of our church family. More recently we saw the need to extend this relational, disciple making approach to ministry to our youth and emerging adults. Toward that end we have recently begun a
71:17 Initiative (Psalm 71:17-18 Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. 18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come). We have taken several initial steps with a core group of committed volunteers. These seven volunteers are ministering to approximately 35 students, some from our church family and others from outside the church. We are now seeking a like-minded individual to direct this initiative.
We have an exceptional staff with a long tenured Lead Pastor, a part-time Children’s Pastor, three-quarter time Office Administrator, a part-time custodian, and a gifted Worship Team.
Jon and his wife, Mary Beth have 4 adult children between them and 11 grandkids. He was raised in a Christian home, coming to faith early and recommitting himself as a follower of Jesus as a Junior in High School. He has been serving in pastoral ministry for 38 years, many of them at Roxbury. The verse that speaks to him is 1 Corinthians 15:10 “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect…”
Brenda and her husband, Isaac have 4 beautiful children. Brenda was raised in the church and baptized at Roxbury at age 10. She has always loved children and has a heart for discipling them! Her favorite Bible verse is Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Dori and her husband, Kyle have 4 wonderful children. She was baptized at age 10 and truly loves working in the office and serving God and the church in this capacity. Her favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear; for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
The church Facilities consist of the Worship Center, an attached classroom building and a Community Room with kitchen. There is a separate office building and conference room. We own three adjacent homes which provide both space and equity to expand.