Lincoln Square Resident Starts Church with Community Focus

If your life is a train wreck, you’re a perfect match for Jesus. That’s the gospel of Brian Fulton, who’s starting a come-as-you-are, service-oriented church in Lincoln Square.

Growing up in a 1,000-person town in Alabama, Fulton found himself constantly in trouble. He hit rock bottom at age 15, and was arrested for drugs and alcohol possession.

After that, Fulton used his story to motivate others to improve their lives, eventually earning a Masters in Divinity.

In August, he and his wife, along with their two young daughters, moved to Lincoln Square with the mission of building a church. Since then, Fulton has been meeting with residents and hosting gatherings around the neighborhood. 

“We want to be a church that exists for the needs of neighbors and the community. Instead of building a great church, we want to build a great city,” he said. 

To get off the ground, Fulton said the church will be a branch of the MissioDei network in Chicago. With locations in Wrigleyville, Wicker Park/Bucktown and Logan Square, MissioDei aims to create disciples of Jesus through building community.

Fulton describes future services as laid-back with a mix of hymns music, readings and liturgy.  

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MissioDei Lincoln Square is currently in a pre-launch stage. The church hopes to have a space for regular Sunday services by April 21. Until then, the 30 or so followers have been joining community service efforts and gathering in local businesses.

In December, members led caroling at the Christmas tree lighting in Giddings Plaza. The group passed out songbooks and held an impromptu caroling trip down Lincoln Avenue. 

Sunday, Fulton and other members passed out St. Patrick’s Day-themed buttons that said, “You Are Loved.”

“We’re a church that actually puts feet to our faith,” he said. “We’ll be constantly looking for ways to show neighbors we’re here to help.” 

The group has already donated food to the Lincoln Square Friendship Center, a new pantry aiming to combat the neighborhood’s hungry population.

“Imagine a circle of friends who are more like a supportive family,” Fulton said. “(We’ll) work creatively as a group to renew the city and bring justice to the poor and oppressed.”