About Us

In a world obsessed with identity, it’s easy to feel lost—even churches can get confused.

Some churches talk about Jesus but don’t fully trust the Bible. Others preach grace but slip into legalism. Some champion the poor but rarely spend time with them. And some call for justice but forget God’s law.

American Christianity can often feel confusing and contradictory. At Exodus, we’re not immune to these struggles—but the gospel keeps us grounded.

We won’t pretend to be perfect. But by God’s grace, when we speak of Jesus, we do so anchored in the full counsel of Scripture. We preach grace and truth, seeking to carry one another’s burdens gently. We want to care well for those in need—knowing there will always be more to do. And we long for justice in the world, trusting God to be the ultimate judge and jury.

So who are we? Our identity is found in our unity with Christ—He must increase; we must decrease.

Six people in a living room participating in a discussion or meeting, some holding papers, one person pointing, with bookshelves and decorated walls in the background.

Living in Unity with Christ

Because our true identity is rooted in Christ, everything we do flows from Him and His call on our lives. At Exodus, this means more than just beliefs written on a page—it means living out a shared life marked by faith, hope, and love.

We gather as a diverse group—downtown professionals, farmers on the outskirts, families in our historic neighborhoods—united in devotion to Jesus. Life in Springfield means knowing your neighbors and their stories while wrestling with the realities of a city that’s both hometown and capital.

At Exodus, we seek to live faithfully in this unique space. We want to be agents of redeeming grace in a small-town place facing big-city challenges. At the same time, we are a sent people—rooted in our Midwest locality and yet reaching beyond it with the good news of Jesus.

Group of healthcare professionals in a clinic, smiling for a photo, wearing scrubs, lab coats, and hair covers, with a green wall and medical cabinets in the background.

Exodus
Timeline

A group of men in suits and face masks standing on a stage, with one man kneeling in prayer in front of them, placing his hands on his shoulders.

2019

The Presbytery of Northern Illinois commissions Pastor Stephen Lawrence to plant a PCA church in Springfield.

Family of four smiling and posing outdoors against a brick wall. The father holds a young girl in a yellow dress, and the mother holds a young boy in a blue hoodie.

In October of 2020, Stephen, along with his wife, Courtney, and children arrive in Springfield in the midst of COVID-19 shutting down the world.

2020

Group of people sitting around a rectangular table in a small conference room, engaged in discussion.

After assembling a core team, the Lawrences began hosting Bible studies, then hosting several “vision nights” and “preview services” in the summer of 2021.

2021

A group of people attending a presentation in a casual cafe setting with a sign that reads 'Biscuits & Brunch' on the wall.

That September, Exodus began meeting every Sunday as a small congregation.

Group of ten people standing in a room, holding a framed certificate or award, smiling for the photo.

In September 2023, Exodus petitioned and was granted permission by the Presbytery of Northern Illinois to transition from being a “mission church” to a “particularized church” within the Presbyterian Church in America.

2023

On Sunday evening, November 19, members of Exodus, along with friends from the Presbytery of Northern Illinois, witnessed the organizing service, during which presbytery members installed our inaugural elders.