Helping People Connect with Jesus.

The purpose of Constance Free Church is to glorify God by creating an environment where people can...

Know: Establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ

Grow: Mature in their relationship with Christ and His Church

Go: Reach out to their community

What We Believe

We are part of the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) and aligned to the EFCA Statement of Faith.

Learn More about the EFCA >>

Our Story

Newspaper image of original building now preserved at Anoka Fairgrounds

Constance Free Church’s historical roots date back over 140 years. In 1880, Mrs. Hegland responded to the spiritual needs of children in the unincorporated community of Constance, Minnesota, by beginning a Sunday School. Other families moved to the area, and these pioneers reached out to friends and neighbors with the gospel message of Jesus.

In 1893, this group of Christians banded together and incorporated, forming this church. It was first known as the Free Church of God and later as Constance Community Church. A building committee was formed, and plans were made to build a church at a total cost of $175.

The original building was located west of the current cemetery. In 1948, the building was moved to the southwest corner of Crosstown Blvd and Constance Blvd. The basement of a new building was dedicated in 1968, and the old chapel was later moved to the Anoka County Fairgrounds. It was restored and now stands there as part of the Pioneer Village. The upper portion of the church was built on the basement in 1981 thanks to a generous gift from Mrs. Ruth Book Simonson Anderson, daughter of Rev. Magnus S. Book.

During the mid-1990s, the church saw significant growth under the ministry of Pastor Randy Discher as the Andover community developed. This paved the way for the construction of our current facility in 1995. An extended education wing was completed in 1999, and in 2004 we were blessed to add a worship auditorium and additional education space again to accommodate our growth.

Former pastors include many who were itinerant ministers, ministerial students, missionaries, and military chaplains. Three pastors spanned a significant number of years of service. Reverend Magnus S. Book (who also served as a missionary to China) served from 1912-1927. Reverend Clifford Danielson served from 1954-1978, and Reverend Jack Sowers served as interim pastor in 1978 and later as full-time pastor until 1985. Pastor Randy Discher served as Senior Pastor for nearly 40 years, from 1986 to November 2025, and recently passed the leadership baton to our new Lead Pastor, Travis Fox.

Front of remodeled exterior