Twenty years ago, I attended Remnant Ministry Center, not knowing what my future held. My life had previously been on a path towards destruction when I came to know Christ as my Savior. What greeted me at the top of stairs of the old Elks building on Laurel Street would forever change my life. Pastor Brian Kimbler was giving a message of truth, hope, and conviction along with relevant information of what we were facing as a nation. A month had passed since two jet airliners flew into the World Trade Center.
The church was founded by Kimbler in 1993; his heart for the lost and what some may call unworthiest of the world became his passion. Drug addicts, alcoholics, and the brokenhearted were regular attendees of the church. Pastor Brian along with his wife Carolyn began ministering to addicts on the streets of New York City. Soon, they would bring that ministry to the streets of Brainerd. They also embraced those who did not fit in at other churches. Remnant Ministry Center was founded on inter-denominational teachings and welcomes everyone regardless of denomination.
Embracing current events meshed with God’s message became a common theme at Remnant, and as the ministry grew, messages of hope and opportunity woven with repentance, love and mercy was and still is our mission.
The worship under Pastor Brian stood out to me as something I had never experienced before in my life. I quickly learned that God shows up in a tangible way when people seek Him with all their heart. Now, as pastor for two years, I continue that legacy with the same motivation and uncompromising gospel message that continues to bring hope and freedom.
Our church is committed in supporting an active presence in the community. We helped start Lakes Area Pregnancy Support Center — a judgment-free zone, offering compassion, help and assistance to anyone with unplanned pregnancy.
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A coffee house ministry started by the church called The Upper Room ministered to hundreds of teens looking for direction in life. Remnant was successful in helping Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge get started in the Brainerd lakes area. We continue to this day to assist with its rehabilitation efforts, seeing great successes and changed lives prayerfully and financially.
Remnant Ministry Center now supports and helps the Rising Hope Foundation. That foundation is a ministry for teenage girls who have been rescued out of human trafficking. Eighty percent of all trafficking victims are female and the goal is to provide housing and safety along with hope and healing for victims.
The church continues outreach ministry to those incarcerated in the Crow Wing County Jail. Remnant has also been an advocate for unity among area churches as well. Kimbler’s original support group for area ministers of all denominations continues and is now overseen by Pastor Eric Anderson of Life Spring Church in Crosby.
As Remnant Ministry Center’s latest pastor, I’ve been honored to witness many surrendering their hearts to the Lord. Our goal at Remnant is to share our love of the Gospel and welcome everyone. Our goal is not to be perfect as we are not.
Rather, come see for yourself if we’re a good fit for you at Halvorson Taylor Life Event Center, 512 S. Eighth St., Brainerd.
