About Our Church
History | Honoring the Past
Peoples Church was founded as a non-denominational church in 2003 by Andy and Mary Fannette. Pastor Andy
had a vision to start a church in Jacksonville, TX where people from all walks of life could feel welcome and have
their spiritual and personal needs met. He loved using his gift of cooking and would hold regular events inviting
anyone from the community to come and enjoy a free meal and get to know one another. Pastor Andy had a
great heart for community outreach and took seriously Jesus’ teaching that if you meet a person’s physical
needs, you have a greater opportunity to speak to their spiritual needs. (James 2:14-17) (Matthew 14:13-21)
As he was aging, Pastor Andy began to see the need for Peoples Church to find the
pastor that would lead them into their next season. In 2009, David Butler followed Andy Fannette as the
Senior Pastor of Peoples Church. Andy Fannette passed away in 2013. His wife, Mary Fannette still serves as an
honored founding member of Peoples Church.
Pastor David and his wife Renee, served Peoples Church for just
over eight years, leaving in February 2018 to return to Florida for their next ministry opportunity. In March
2018, Peoples Church selected John Atkinson as Senior Pastor and welcomed the Atkinson family, John and wife
Betsy, and children Micah and Brooke, as beloved additions to our church family. Pastor John served five years,
until March 2023.
Present | Into the new
People's church now (2024) embarks on a new season of ministry as Pastor Austin Schmidt fills the role of Senior Pastor. The desire of seeing know Jesus and to make Him known remains the aim of the church as we move forward into all God has for the church.