Our History

Our History

Common Ground Church was established as a new church plant serving the Lake Elmo – Stillwater area in July 1999. Initially, the church met at the home of the Pastor, Gary Johnson.

Though a new church, we began establishing some of the ministries that continue today. Our congregation grew rapidly and soon outgrew the Johnsons’ living room. At that time we began looking for a new facility for our new church. Meanwhile, the members of a local church were seeking to sell their facility and contacted Pastor Gary Johnson. Discussions continued through the fall of 1999. In January 2000, Common Ground purchased the property on Stillwater Boulevard. God has blessed us with a wonderful building on 13 acres.

Since those early days, we have enjoyed an exciting period of growth. In 2003 Mark Anderson began serving the church as Associate Pastor. Pastor Mark had been active in the service of Common Ground Church since it was founded, as an Elder and Mission Team Leader. In the spring of 2006, Pastor Gary Johnson was called to plant a new CMA church in Duluth, MN. Pastor Mark was the unanimous choice to be our new Senior Pastor.

In May 2008 we launched the Hoof Prints Ministry after a long period of preparation. May 2008 also brought the return of Pastor Gary Johnson, as his mission in Duluth came to a close. Gary Johnson now serves again as Pastor. We feel blessed to have him serving our congregation.

Common Ground is a church whose members are actively involved in the work of ministry in various capacities. We look forward with great anticipation to the work God has planned for His church.