What is Connect?

Connect Church is a church that was started in February of 2008 by Pastor Russ and Kris Michaels and their church planting team consisting of people from Great Falls, Helena, and Bozeman. Connect is a growing community that is currently meeting in Belgrade’s River Rock Community Center.

What can you expect at Connect?

We are a friendly group of people who love to express our love to God through worship. One of the ways we worship in our services is through music. Later in the service, Pastor Russ teaches on practical subjects that help you discover the keys to a great life. We also leave plenty of time for coffee and donuts and meeting new friends.

Who is Connect For?

Connect is for anyone who is interested in having a great life, building relationships, and discovering who God is. We are specifically looking for people who don't have a church home in the Gallatin Valley yet, or people who are investigating Christianity. We'd love to get to know you!

Where Did Connect Come From?

Connect Church is linked with like-minded churches around Montana. While Connect has the flavor of a non-denominational church, and we welcome people from all backgrounds, our affiliation is with the Assemblies of God.

Pastor Russ Michaels

Pastor Russ Michaels is the lead pastor at Connect Church. Russ and his wife, Kris, moved to the Gallatin Valley in 2007 to launch Connect, and they are passionate about being on mission for Jesus.

Pastor John Krise

Pastor John Krise is the team leader for worship arts at Connect Church. A long-time resident of the Gallatin Valley, John is husband to Emily and dad to Annalee. John’s claim to fame is that his mother was born on Bob Dylan’s birthday.

Pastor Jill Riley

Pastor Jill Riley is a teaching pastor at Connect Church. Jill and her husband, Kyle, live in Billings with their four children. Jill and her ministry team are also leading Connect Church Billings.

Shoni Dykstra

Shoni is Connect’s director of Small Groups. Shoni grew up in the Gallatin Valley and serves in many other capacities as well. You can always find Shoni in a crowd by following her distinctive laugh.

Gen Schmautz

We're very excited to welcome Gen to our ministry leaders team. Gen and her husband, Harv, have pastored churches all over the Pacific Northwest and are now semi-retired in the Gallatin Valley. Gen has many years of children's ministry under her belt and is passionate about training leaders and helpers to love kids and help them experience Jesus. Pastor Jill, who is increasingly focused on our church plant in Billings, will be assisting during the transition process. Please welcome Gen to the Connect Kids team!