About Us

The name Second Story Church is profoundly significant, embodying both our core values and our foundational theological belief in redemption and new beginnings through Jesus Christ. At its most immediate level, Second Story Church recognizes that every person has a unique and valuable narrative. We are a community explicitly for "people who have a story"—which is to say, everyone. Our name hopes to immediately signal a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where life experiences, both joyful and challenging, are acknowledged and honored. Second Story believes that our stories become infinitely better when Jesus is central. This offers a hopeful vision, positioning the church not as a place to hide the past, but as a place where the next, better chapter begins.

This concept is deepened and anchored by the name's powerful biblical reference to John 21, where Jesus reinstates Peter. This passage serves as the theological bedrock for our identity. Peter, having publicly and painfully denied Jesus three times, was at the lowest point of his own narrative. Yet, Jesus meets him, forgives him, and commissions him again, effectively giving Peter a "Second Story." This story is the ultimate embodiment of God's grace and the truth that God gives us second chances. By calling ourselves Second Story Church, we are declaring that just as Jesus offered Peter complete restoration, our church exists for all who are seeking a fresh start, a renewed purpose, or a completely Second Story in Him.

Ultimately, the name functions as our mission statement, a promise, and an invitation. It promises that no matter what someone's first story contains—whether disappointment, failure, or hurt—their journey does not end there. Second Story Church is a place where grace is tangible, where the past is redeemed, and where, through faith, individuals are empowered to live into the fulfilling and purposeful second story that God has already written for them. It is a powerful reminder that with Jesus, the best chapters are always yet to come.

BELIEVE: EVANGELISM / MISSIONS
To share the good news of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible in our community and throughout the world, helping others find a relationship with Jesus.

(Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, 2 Peter 3:9)

CONNECT: FELLOWSHIP
To encourage, support and pray for each other as members of the family of God and share our lives together.
(I John 1:7, Acts 2:44-47, Hebrews 10:23-25, Romans 15:5,7, John 13:34-35)

WORSHIP
To participate in public worship services together and to maintain the practice of spiritual disciplines so our lives are spiritual acts of worship.
(John 4:24, Romans 12:1; Hebrews 10:24-25, Psalm 122:1)

SERVE: MINISTRY
To serve unselfishly, in Jesus’ name, meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in our church, community and in the world.
(1 Peter 4:10-11, Matthew 25:34-40, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Galatians 5:13)

IMITATE: EDUCATION
To help people develop toward full maturity in Christ and train them for effective ministry. To promote personal, spiritual growth and discipleship.

(Ephesians 4:11-13, Matthew 18:20, 2 Timothy 2:2)

We exist to make committed followers of Jesus, leading people to believe in, connect with, worship, serve, and imitate Jesus Christ. Our mission is to faithfully tell the story of Jesus with relevance, imagination, compassion, and excellence; encountering God in faith, growing together in hope, and learning to live together in love.

The vision of Second Story Church is to be an intentional, authentic, culturally-relevant, missional church to reach our community and world for Jesus Christ.

Pastor Seth Hinrichs is the founding and Senior Pastor of Second Story Church. Seth holds multiple degrees from Bethel University (B.A. in English Literature, Master of Divinity, Masters of Teaching), and is currently finishing a Doctor of Ministry. He is an avid photographer, he loves the Boston Celtics, Disney World, spending time with his three children, and his Beagle, Rosie. Seth loves helping people find and live out a faith in Jesus that’s real and authentic so it can be lived out in their everyday lives.

Jess enjoys helping people of all ages find a relationship with Jesus that is real and relevant. She has a heart for helping people find areas to use their gifts to serve others. Jess has a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Education from Bethel University. She taught 7th grade science for 17 years. She also works for ESTHER Homes, a non-profit in St. Paul, that provides housing and support for pregnant women experiencing crisis and homelessnes. Her husband Jacob have two kids, Ann and Abe, and a sassy pug named Rory. She loves to read, enjoys the outdoors, loves crafts and Dunn Brother's Coffee..