Our Mission + Vision

The Mission of Love in the Name of Christ of Greater Canton is to provide help for those in need, transforming lives, through a united effort of area congregations.

“Let us stop just saying we love people, let us really love them, and show it by actions.”
1 John 3:16

Our local Love INC serves families who reside in Greater Canton or attend one of our Love INC partner churches. How? By mobilizing local churches to transform lives and communities In the Name of Christ. Here’s why that works:

Without Love INC

Churches serve their communities in different ways. One area may have a financial literacy program, while another has housing assistance. Yet, when care is not coordinated, needs can be overlooked or duplicated, and people are not served in a holistic manner.

With Love INC

Love INC fosters collaboration and organizes holistic care to help churches serve their neighbors through resources and relationships. By networking churches together, each church is able to lean into their strengths, knowing that their neighbors will be cared for by the body of Christ within their community.

Core Values

  1. We are Christian. Everything we think, say, and do is in the name of Christ.
  2. Prayer is an integral part of who we are.
  3. We follow Christ’s example of valuing the poor and needy.
  4. We value unity of the Body of Christ.
  5. We value transformation in the lives of people and communities.
  6. We value churches living out the two great commandments to love God.
  7. We value building Christ-like relationships.
  8. We value the content of the Love INC movement.
  9. We model excellence.
  10. We value continually maturing in our capacity to meet people’s needs.

Our Partner Churches

Christian churches from across at least six denominations partner together to form a Love INC. Within these partnerships, Love INC serves as the scaffolding upon which greater growth is possible. However, it is the Christians in these churches who model Christ’s love and answer God’s call to serve. Working together as the body of Christ, we can best love and serve our community.
Bethany Reformed Church
Celebrate Community Church
Redeemer Free Lutheran Church
Canton Lutheran Church
Grand Valley Lutheran Church
River of Life Community Church
Canton United Methodist Church
Moe Parish
Saint Dominic Catholic Church
Learn More About Church Partners

Our Staff

Shawna

Executive Director

Kaia

Connection Center Coordinator

Nancy
Administrative Assistant

Terri

Clothing Closet Manager

Board of Directors

Pastor Sheldon Hovaldt

Board President 
Celebrate Community Church

Paul Konietzko

Board Vice President 
St. Dominic Catholic Church

Randy Gehring

Board Secretary 
Grand Valley Lutheran Church

Jim Bradshaw

Board Treasurer
Moe Parish

Brenda Van Zee

Board Member
Bethany Reformed Church

Janet Henke

Board Member
Canton Lutheran Church

Jennifer Lunde

Board Member
Redeemer Free Lutheran Church