01/01/2026
Forty years ago, a small group of believers came together seeking something different—something deeply biblical. They longed for the church described in the book of Acts: a community devoted to Christ and committed to serving their neighbors, the poor, the vulnerable, and those unable to help themselves. They envisioned a family of believers striving every day to live more like Jesus. That vision has been the heart of Victory Christian Fellowship from the very beginning, and it continues to guide us as we step into a new era.
After 33 years of faithful, selfless service, Pastors Jerry and Brenda are stepping down as Senior Pastors of Victory Christian Fellowship. The love, care, and leadership they have poured into this congregation and community can never be fully measured. The imprint they have left will endure through the countless lives they have touched and the ministry they helped build.
Jerry and Brenda were part of that original group in 1986, led by Pastors Ron and Jill Stafford. When the Staffords felt called to the mission field after several years in Waverly, Jerry and Brenda—then serving as associate pastors—were installed as senior pastors on September 1, 1992. From the beginning, their journey was marked by faith, perseverance, and sacrifice. They led the church through the construction of a new building (and again nearly 30 years later), the devastating flood of 1993 that separated the congregation for months, and the many challenges of pastoring a small rural church—all while raising their three children.
Even in the midst of these demands, Jerry and Brenda saw opportunities to extend God’s love beyond the church walls. Their passion for serving others led to the creation of Shepherd’s Food Pantry, which continues to serve families in Lafayette, Carroll, and Saline counties. Recognizing the importance of raising up the next generation, Victory Christian Fellowship School was established in 1998. Brenda faithfully taught elementary classes for many years, investing deeply in the lives of students and families. Together, Jerry and Brenda poured their hearts and souls into this church and community, earning the respect, admiration, and love of all who know them.
The legacy of loving God and loving all people continues through our new Senior Pastors, Jimmy and Sydney Plaggemeyer. Jimmy, raised in a military family, was born in Guam and lived across the United States before returning to Waverly as a teenager. His early life was marked by addiction and incarceration, but in 2015 he experienced a powerful, life-changing encounter with God and fully surrendered his life to Christ—transforming from a “dope dealer” into a “hope dealer.” Jimmy attended Southwestern Assemblies of God University graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Church leadership with an emphasis in Pastoral Leadership and Addictions counseling. Sydney grew up in Arkansas, rooted in the church from an early age, and now serves the community as a registered nurse at Lexington Hospital. Together, they are joyfully expecting their first child in May 2026.
Jimmy and Sydney share a deep passion for helping people truly know God, live the full life that comes only through a relationship with their Creator, and build a multigenerational church marked by unity, grace, and the love and goodness of our Father God.
As we honor the past and look to the future, we give thanks for the faithful foundation laid by Pastors Jerry and Brenda and celebrate the continuing work of God at Victory Christian Fellowship.
Join us for Hand Off Weekend, January 10–11
Saturday | 7:00 PM
Pastor Jerry will take us on a heartfelt stroll down memory lane, sharing meaningful moments and memories from the last 33 years. Snacks and fellowship will follow as we celebrate together.
Sunday | 10:30 AM
We will joyfully set in Pastor Jimmy and Sydney as our Senior Pastors. Pastor Jimmy will share the vision for what lies ahead, followed by a catered dinner as we continue the celebration.
Come be part of this special weekend of gratitude, celebration, and vision. We would love to celebrate with you!
