Our History

The Fellowship was formed in August of 1985 in San Antonio, Texas, during the American Soybean Association EXPO when a group of farmers met together to discuss the need for an organized Christian fellowship of the farming industry. It was felt by those in attendance that farmers and agri-business are in an occupation that is burdened with stress. Therefore, we need to build each other up by sharing our needs in prayer and putting an emphasis on Christian fellowship.

Steve Drake organized the first meeting after reading an article in "Guidepost" on the power of prayer. Thomas Herlong, a farmer in Johnston, SC, was serving as president of the SC Soybean Association at that time and responded to the leadership role and organization of the FCFI.

From that first meeting of about 26 persons, the membership has grown to several thousand. Lives have been changed as a result of the messages shared at FCFI meetings, articles in the newsletters and as a result of the organization's mission teams.

The FCFI has no affiliation with any particular commodity group or agricultural organization. It is a non-profit, nondenominational ministry.

View a movie about the Fellowship of Christian Farmer’s Ministry
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Our Objectives

• To promote Christian fellowship of the farming community in your local, state, national and international levels.
• To provide the organization for mission teams whereby farmers and persons in the agricultural industry can effectively utilize their resources for helping to meet the needs of the world.
• To publish the PROFIT newsletter as a means to communicate news of FCFI activities and articles that would encourage the reader to mature in their faith.
• To provide the structure for Christian leaders involved in agriculture to effectively work with farm or animations and businesses.

Home Office Contact Information

You can contact our home office by using the online Response Form or at any of the following addresses:

• Online: Response Form
  Mail: FCFI, P.O. Box 15, Lexington, IL 61753
  E-mail: fellowship@fcfi.org
  Phone: (309) 365-8710
  Fax: (309) 365-7023
  Website: www.fcfi.org

Executive Director      Dennis Schlagel
Chief Operations Officer     Ron Miller
Executive V.P. of Development    Mark Reiling
Area Leaders    Eldon Babcock SK, Canada, Gary Beery  Radnor, OH 
                        William Brown  Marcy, NY, OH, Walter Powell, GA