About Us
 
 
 
History of Victory
Victory began in 1998, when the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) called Pastor Phil Hoyer and Staff Minister Brent Bitter to start a new congregation in Jacksonville. The small group of Christians worshiped at the University of North Florida and rented a small ministry center before building its current facilty in 2005. In 2008, Victory opened its preschool. Then, in 2011, Mr. Bitter took a call to serve elsewhere in the WELS. In 2019, Pastor Hoyer retired and Pastor Troy Schreiner accepted the call to take his place. About a year later, Mrs. Anne Grotefend accepted the call to serve as preschool director. As the congregation and preschool grew, the need arose once again for more staff. In 2023, Staff Ministry graduate Jarrett Mielke was assigned to Victory by the WELS Assignment Committee. Today, by the grace of God, the ministry of Victory Lutheran Church and Preschool continues to grow, serving more and more souls in the Jacksonville area.
 
Who attends this church?
A mix of religious backgrounds, cultures, and life-stages are all represented at Victory. Over 150 worshipers gather each weekend to explore, grow in, and celebrate the blessing of life through Jesus Christ.
 
What is the purpose of this church?
Victory provides opportunities for people to learn about their great God, to develop strong friendships with other Christians and to serve their Savior with their time and talents.
Our mission statement is “Winning Souls for Christ, and Coaching Christians for Life.”
 
What is worship like at Victory?
Victory is a traditional Lutheran church which uses a liturgy with a blend of familiar Christian hymns and contemporary Christian songs.  The piano and the organ are the main instruments used in worship, but other instrumentalists are often used to complement your worship experience. 
 
Will I need to sign anything or stand up when I come for the first time?
No. Please visit, relax, enjoy, mingle, and get a feel of what this congregation is like. You are invited to enjoy a cup of coffee and a donut in the kitchen before worship, and please be sure to receive your visitor’s gift after the service before you leave. Friendship Registers are distributed during the offering and give you the opportunity to request more information about the church if you like.  We promise that you won’t be embarrassed or put on the spot when you visit Victory.  Please come and make yourself at home. 
 
What does Victory have for my kids?
Victory offers a variety of programs for kids of every age.  Victory Preschool provides the VPK program for 4 year-olds, as well as a program for 3-year olds. Children’s Church teaches important Bible stories to kids ages 4-10 on a weekly basis. Confirmation Class provides a solid foundation of the Bible’s teachings for 7th & 8th graders. There is something to include everyone in the family!
 
What does it mean to be a WELS congregation?
Victory is a member congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).  This means we share a common faith and mission with more than 1,200 other congregations.  WELS  churches work together in a variety of ways to share the Gospel all over the world.
 
What does Victory believe?
Like all WELS congregations, Victory recognizes the Bible as the inerrant Word of God.  Visit our What We Believe page to discover more details about what our congregation teaches.
 
Can I receive Communion at Victory?
Communion is offered on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. Please take a look at our communion note below. If you do come to the front for communion, you can be assured that ushers will help you get there and back to your seats comfortably. You’re encouraged to speak with a pastor before receiving communion. 
 

Communion Note: Jesus said, “Take and eat; this is my body … Drink of it all of you. This is my blood … for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:26-27)

Victory believes the Biblical teaching that in communion we receive the true body and blood of Jesus Christ with the bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins.
 

“Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.”  (I Corinthians 10:17)

Victory believes the Biblical teaching that a person professes unity in faith with the people whom they commune. For this reason we ask you to speak with our pastor and consider church membership before coming to Holy Communion.

If you are a baptized Christian who has been instructed in the Biblical teaching of communion, and if you have publicly agreed with our confession of faith, please feel free to commune. You may use the “Questions for Communion Preparation” below to prepare your heart and mind to receive this wonderful gift.

“Everyone should examine himself first, and then eat the bread and drink from the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.”

(I Corinthians 11:28-29)
 

Questions to Prepare for Holy Communion

Q: Do you believe you are a sinner?
A: Yes, I believe it; I have failed God and others in my life. I am a sinner.

Q: Are you sorry for your sins?
A: Yes, I am sorry that I have sinned.

Q: Do you need God’s help and forgiveness?
A: Yes, I need the gift of life He gives through Jesus Christ.

Q: What has Christ done for you?
A: He died for me and shed His blood for me on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins.

Q: Do you believe that in communion you receive the true body and blood of Christ with the bread and wine?
A: Yes, I believe it because of His Word and promise.

Q: Are you in agreement with everything that is taught at Victory Lutheran Church?
A:  Yes, I believe Victory and the WELS teaches God’s Word with accuracy. I understand that I am proclaiming unity with the congregation by receiving Holy Communion with the congregation. 

 


How do I become a member of Victory?
Church membership is important.  It connects you closely to a family of believers and shows your commitment to your Savior. Those interested in becoming a member of Victory are asked to complete our Bible Information Class called The Foundation of our Faith with pastor and other interested participants.  This short class is an opportunity for you to grow spiritually, gain a better understanding of the truths of God’s Word, and determine whether you share the same faith as the members at Victory. It’s also a time for you to get to know our pastor better, and a time for pastor to get to know you better, as well as a chance to get to know some of the other new members of the Victory family.   
 
 

Still have questions? 

Please e-mail us:

office@victorylutheran.org