This is Our Story. This is Our Heart.
Anchor Community Church didn’t start as a plan—it started as a calling that my wife Cristina and I couldn’t shake.
After years of serving in ministry—launching campuses, caring for people, and walking with others through some of life’s hardest moments and highest highs—we began to sense God leading us toward something new. Not just another church, but a community rooted in His Word, marked by genuine relationships, and focused on helping people follow Jesus in real, everyday life.
As we began to explore that calling, it wasn’t something we walked through alone. Trusted pastors, leaders, and church planting networks—including Converge—affirmed what we were sensing and helped guide us through a season of prayer, discernment, and preparation.
We believe God has called us to plant right here where we live in Lakeville—a place we love, with people we care deeply about. A church where Jesus is the foundation, community is the heartbeat, and every person truly matters.
This is just the beginning. And we’re trusting God with every step of what comes next.
— Ryan Widdel
Why We Exist & How We Live
WHAT DRIVES US
LOVE COMPELS EVERYTHING WE DO
Everything falls into place when we love God and love our neighbors.
Our Mission
We follow Jesus, grow together, and reach others.
Our Practices
Our Impact: Planting Churches, Changing Lives
When healthy churches are planted, the Gospel spreads, disciples are made, and communities are transformed. That's why we're committed to being a church that plants churches here, near and far.
A Global Partnership: The Timothy Initiative
On our very first weekend, we will give 10% of every offering to The Timothy Initiative, supporting church planting in the least-reached places on earth. TTI partners with local believers to plant churches where the Gospel has never been heard—planting a new church every 11 minutes.
A Bold Vision for Our Region
Our mission doesn't stop overseas. We're also passionate about planting churches locally: equipping leaders, sending teams, and establishing Gospel-centered communities throughout the Twin Cities.
This is Kingdom work. And by being a part of Anchor, you’re stepping into it.
Meet the Team
Ryan Widdel | Lead Pastor
Ryan has been in full-time ministry since 2014, serving as a youth pastor, worship pastor, operations pastor, and campus pastor before stepping into his current role as a church planter and lead pastor. Along the way, he’s had the opportunity to help launch churches and lead in growing ministry environments across both rural Iowa and the Twin Cities.
Since 2019, he’s also served as a volunteer police and fire chaplain—walking with people through moments of joy, loss, crisis, and rebuilding. Those experiences have shaped the way he pastors: with presence, compassion, and a deep passion for biblical teaching.
Ryan is married to his wife, Cristina, and together they’re raising their two daughters, Macey (4) and Madison (2). When he’s not spending time with his family or investing in church life, you’ll probably find him on a pickleball court, reading a good book, or enjoying time on the lake—he loves being active, being outside, and making the most of every season.
His heart is simple: help people find faith in Jesus, understand God’s Word, and live it out together.

That’s Anchor.
What We Believe
At Anchor Community Church, our core beliefs are the foundation of who we are and what we teach. They are centered around three areas: God, people, and the Church.
BELIEFS ABOUT GOD
- There is one living, sovereign God who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Revelation 1:8; Isaiah 43:10–11; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19)
- Jesus was sent by the Father to live on earth. He is fully God and fully human, yet without sin. Jesus willingly gave his life and, after three days, rose from the grave—paying the penalty for our sin. (Luke 1:31, 35; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
- The Holy Spirit was sent by the Father and the Son to convict the world of sin and to empower all who believe in Jesus. He lives in every believer and is our helper, teacher, and guide. (John 14:16–17)
BELIEFS ABOUT PEOPLE
- God created people in his image, and every person matters to God. (Genesis 1:26–27; Genesis 5:1–2)
- All people are sinners and in need of God’s forgiveness. (Romans 3:23)
- Those who turn from their sin and trust in Jesus Christ are saved by grace, become children of God, and receive the promise of eternal life. (John 3:16–17; Galatians 3:26)
Beliefs About the Church, the Bible, and Christ’s Return
- Jesus Christ is the head of the Church, and all believers are part of his body. (Ephesians 4:15–16)
- The Bible is the inspired Word of God and the ultimate authority for what we believe and how we live. (2 Timothy 3:16–17)
- Jesus Christ will return, and there will be a final judgment. (Matthew 24:3, 37)
Our Mission. Your Invitation.
Now that you know our story, we’d love to know yours.
Come experience worship that inspires, teaching that equips, and community that feels like home.
Sundays at 9 & 10:30 AM
