Homestead Community Church – Hastings | Jeff & Megan Merricks
Obedience and intentionality are values that brought Jeff and Megan Merricks from the secular workforce to plant and pastor Homestead Community Church in Hastings, MN. Jeff and Megan’s path to Homestead Community Church wasn’t direct, but it was deeply purposeful.
Jeff and Megan first met in high school, though it wasn’t until years later that they began dating and eventually married. Coming from different faith backgrounds, they committed to finding a church together—a commitment that led them to River Valley Church. There, they spent eight years growing in faith and friendship, and it was where they met Jeff and Kristie Kerr.
In 2015, when the Kerrs launched Homestead Church, the Merricks joined them as founding members. At the time, Jeff was serving in the National Guard, and both he and Megan actively volunteered at the church. During Jeff’s time in leadership, people began noticing his pastoral gifts.
Encouraged by their community, Jeff decided to pursue ministry credentials through MNSOM. Unsure whether his military schedule would conflict with the classes, he placed the matter in God’s hands. “Not one class date interfered,” he recalled. “So, I started taking classes.”
After retiring from the military in 2020, Jeff sensed a clear redirection from God; he was called to pastor. At the same time, Megan, who had worked for years in administrative and management roles, began to feel her own pull toward ministry. She left her job and joined the church staff full-time, overseeing finances and administration. Megan’s background had uniquely prepared her to manage Homestead’s building renovation. “Don’t discount what you’ve done in the past,” Megan said. “God uses every experience, even building restoration, to prepare you.”
Homestead Community Church flourished, tripling in size after opening its renovated campus during COVID-19. Yet, Jeff and Megan continued to feel a pull to reach new communities. In 2023, they began praying and visiting nearby towns, asking where God might lead next. Hastings soon stood out.
One day, while walking through downtown Hastings, Megan sensed God say, “They don’t know what they’re missing.” Over time, it became clear that this was where God wanted them.
Homestead Community Church in Hastings launched in April 2024 with a dedicated group from Farmington. Now averaging 60 attendees, they operate independently with live preaching and local ministries. “This is a mission field,” Jeff said. “It’s not a Jeff and Megan show. It’s about the group, the community.”
The Merricks encourage anyone sensing a similar call to step forward with trust. “Expect to be stretched,” Megan said. “That’s what strengthens your dependence on God.” Jeff agreed. “Just take that first step,” he added. “Once we committed to Hastings, doors started opening.”
