Pray for Exodus Church in Carbondale, Illinois

We are praying for Exodus Church in Carbondale, Illinois.

Exodus Church Carbondale is a new church launching on September 20, 2026, in the heart of Carbondale, Illinois. Located near the campus of Southern Illinois University and alongside one of the city’s largest residential neighborhoods, the church has a unique opportunity to reach both college students and local families with the gospel.

With approximately 11,000 students representing 100 nations, the university provides an incredible mission field right outside the church’s doors. Exodus Church desires not only to impact Carbondale, but also to reach the nations through students who come from around the world.

The church inherited a large church facility that now serves as more than just a worship space. Through a food pantry and clothing ministry, Exodus Church is already ministering to approximately 150 people each week. The congregation is praying that these acts of compassion will open doors for gospel conversations, transformed lives, and salvation in Christ.

This fall, Exodus Church will launch international meals on Tuesday evenings with the hope of building relationships and creating opportunities for meaningful spiritual conversations. They are also hosting monthly block parties and preparing for a major outreach effort during college freshman move-in week.

Pastor Jacob and his wife Mary have been married since 2008 and are raising three children: Daniel, who enjoys music and video games, and twin daughters Nora and Emily, who love art and animals.

Prayer Requests:

• Pray for the outreach to college freshmen during move-in week and that many students would encounter the gospel from the moment they arrive on campus.
• Pray for the preview services during the summer of 2026 as the church prepares for its official launch.
• Pray for salvation and genuine faith in Jesus among skeptics, seekers, international students, and community members.
• Pray for spiritual protection over Pastor Jacob, Mary, their children, and the launch team.
• Pray that spiritually gifted people would join the launch team and help disciple and care for the people God sends to Exodus Church.
• Pray that the food pantry, clothing ministry, block parties, and international meals would lead to lasting gospel impact and transformed lives.

Thank you for praying for Exodus Church this week!