OUR HISTORY
A Legacy of Faith.
For more than sixty years, God has faithfully led Apostolic Faith Tabernacle from humble beginnings to a thriving church family in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Humble Beginnings
In the early 1960s, a burden for a church in Hutchinson, Kansas was placed on the hearts of Bro. & Sis. Lonnie Barker. They began holding services in an old theater in South Hutchinson before purchasing a small white church on the corner of 4th Avenue and Star Street, along with the neighboring parsonage. With the help of two young couples, this small congregation laid the foundation for what would become Apostolic Faith Tabernacle. After faithfully serving for a season, Bro. & Sis. Barker felt called to continue the work of God in another city.
Faithful Servants
Following the Barkers, Bro. & Sis. Bohde faithfully pastored the congregation for several years before also feeling led to another city. Although the congregation remained small, God was preparing the way for a new chapter. Through the prayers and faith of Sis. Beatrice Dean, God began directing a young man named Bro. Carl Elder toward Hutchinson, even before he realized the calling God had placed upon his life.
A New Chapter – 1967
In September of 1967, Bro. & Sis. Carl Elder and their three young children arrived in Hutchinson to pastor the little white church. At that time, only two families were attending faithfully. Together they prayed, fasted, knocked on doors, taught Bible studies, and faithfully preached the Gospel. God honored their dedication by adding precious souls to the church and establishing a strong Apostolic witness throughout the Hutchinson community.
Building on Faith
As revival continued, Pastor Elder recognized that the congregation had outgrown the little white church. The church began praying for land to build a new sanctuary. Through God’s provision and the generosity of Bro. Dave Unruh, property at 1319 East 17th Avenue was secured. The church family came together in unity to build a beautiful red brick sanctuary, where countless lives would be touched for decades to come.
A New Pastor
In April 2011, Pastor Carl Elder entered his eternal reward after decades of faithful ministry. God then placed Bro. & Sis. Nathan Karriker into pastoral leadership. Since then, Pastor and Sister Karriker have continued to faithfully preach the truth of God’s Word while leading Apostolic Faith Tabernacle with love, vision, and a passion for revival.
Early 1960s
Founded in South Hutchinson
1960s
Little White Church on 4th & Star
Sept 1967
Pastor Elder arrives
17th Ave
Brick Church built
2011
Pastor Nathan Karriker
2024
New sanctuary construction
2026
First service new sanctuary
A New Home for a Growing Church
As God continued to bless Apostolic Faith Tabernacle with remarkable growth, it became clear that additional space was needed to serve both the congregation and the Hutchinson community. In March 2024, construction officially began on a brand-new sanctuary designed to support the next generation of ministry while preserving the church’s rich Apostolic heritage.
After months of prayer, planning, and construction, the church celebrated its very first service in the new sanctuary on May 10, 2026. This milestone marked more than the completion of a building—it represented God’s continued faithfulness and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the life of Apostolic Faith Tabernacle.
Today, AFT continues to look forward with faith, believing the greatest days of revival are still ahead. While our location has changed, our mission remains the same: to preach the truth, reach our community, and see lives transformed by the power of Jesus Christ.
