Louis Bolding started the Agape (meaning God's Love) Church 7 years ago. Their meetings began at the "Old Bedford" Church on Sunday nights before they started holding services in their home here in La Harpe.
After a year of meeting in their home with a gathering of around 32 people, they moved to the old hardware store on Main Street. They continued to grow and Louis moved his congregation to where they are now.
When Louis was saved, he became the pastor's helper at his church. One morning he was in prayer when God spoke to him and said he was to go into the ministry. Louis didn't feel that he could do this because he was lacking a certain gift... "a heart for people".
Two weeks later he was at the alter and God gave him that gift and he quit arguing with God. He became an ordained minister through Independent Assemblies out of Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1989 and started in the ministry in 1991. "I was called by God first and the people second," he said.
Louis is married to CJ Bolding and they just celebrated their 10th Anniversary by renewing their vows. He runs his own business L&B Construction during the week.
Agape Church service starts at 9:30 a.m. with Sunday school followed by their morning service at 10:30. Their evening Sunday Service starts at 6:30.
Louis also holds a Wednesday night Adult Bible Study starting at 7:00 p.m. He has two youth groups: Jr. High led by Aaron and Linda Baker Wednesday at 7 p.m. and High School Youth by Doug and Tracy Hobby.
The last Sunday of each month is "Family Fest Potluck" after church. It is a great time for fellowship. The church is also behind Operation Care and the Jail Ministries for Jesus, both located on Main Street in La Harpe.
Louis gets help from his assistant pastors...Aaron and Linda Baker and Bill and Heather Myers.
Up-coming events he is looking forward to at Agape is October 16-20, a revival with churches from Burlington and Macomb participating with the last night a gospel sing; the annual Harvest Party that is an alternative for Halloween with food, games, and prizes, but please, no costumes.