Faith Apostolic Church

Pastor Matthew Ball in front of Faith Apostolic Church.

Established back in 1979, Faith Apostolic Church has been a fixture in the city of Carmel. Faith Apostolic is in the midst of some exciting times in their history, as they have been experiencing a burst of growth in the past several years. I recently had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Pastor Matthew Ball about the mission of Faith Apostolic, both in the city of Carmel and beyond.

As you drive or walk onto the church’s campus you see a couple of different buildings. The older white building off of 116th Street was the original auditorium that held about 40 to 50 people. Pastor Ball tells me that this building was actually a dog kennel and garage before they renovated it! They quickly grew out of that cramped space and have been in a perpetual state of building expansion. Faith Apostolic loves Carmel and the people that reside here. Pastor Ball says their mission in relation to Carmel is, “We want to have a spiritual impact upon the city, and feel like we do a good job of connecting people to God.”

Pastor Ball tells me that their mission statement is, “First, connecting people to God, which is our primary objective. Second, connecting them to this local church. Third, connecting them to their purpose and mission in life.” Faith Apostolic accomplishes this mission through a variety of outlets.

Locally, Faith Apostolic ministers to the homeless of Indianapolis by bringing supplies such as food and clothing to them, as well as busing them up to Sunday morning services where they are fed by a team of volunteers, and cared for spiritually through the worship service. Members of Faith Apostolic also volunteer at many other places in the area such as the O’Conner House, Wheeler Mission, and Big Brothers and Sisters of Indiana.

Beyond the local level, Faith Apostolic is ministering to and serving people all over the world. Pastor Ball says, “We are heavily involved in Cuba right now, as well as Haiti, Uganda, and India.” A team from Faith Apostolic served in Haiti recently. Pastor Ball said this about their experience, “We just returned a few months ago from the earthquake in Haiti. We were one of the first groups on the ground with supplies, even before the airports were open. We went through the Dominican Republic and bought $20,000 worth of supplies and actually drove them over to some of the people in Haiti.” Pastor Ball says they have a mission trip planned to go back to Haiti, as well as trips to India and Cuba planned for this summer.

When asked what one thing he wanted to share with everyone in Carmel, he said, “True satisfaction in life only comes through pursuing a relationship with God.” I can tell you through my conversation with Pastor Ball that this is what Faith Apostolic Church is all about.

Faith Apostolic Church encourages you to check them out in person on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. at 1212 E. 116th Street in Carmel (if you want to walk or bicycle, the church is located almost right off the Monon Trail at 116th Street). You can also visit them online at www.faithapostolicofcarmel.org.