About The Fort

Meet the Team

  • Jim Shade

    LEAD PASTOR

    Hi, I’m Jim Shade, Lead Pastor at The Fort Ministry. My wife Kim and I have raised four kids and are proud grandparents. We’ve done ministry in several states and now call Wyoming home. I love people, enjoy having fun, and most of all, I love Jesus.

  • Steven Schaffer

    EXECUTIVE PASTOR

    Hi, I’m Steven Shaffer, Associate Pastor at The Fort Ministry. I’ve been here seven years and have lived in Casper/Mills for nearly three decades. My wife, Sarah, and I love helping people connect with Jesus. I enjoy fishing, camping, and anything that builds real connection with others.

  • Karenna Penor

    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

    Hi, I’m Karenna Penor, Administrative Assistant at The Fort Ministry. I’m a wife, a mom, and most importantly, a daughter of the King. My husband and I love Casper and are passionate about seeing this community grow in the love and hope of God.

Our Mission, Vision, Strategy, & Values

  • Our mission is to bring people together in Christ to Abide in Him, to Acquire from Him, to Advance with Him.

  • Our vision is to create a world connected in Christ.

  • Our Strategy is to teach people to Abide by worshiping, discipling, and serving.

  • Our values are unity, authenticity, simplicity, generosity, & laughter.

Our church is a member of the International Church of the Nazarene, so we follow and agree with the doctrinal statement they provide. To read this statement, please visit their website by clicking here.

Church History

We are a church plant that started out in 2015 in a barn… in November. In a state like Wyoming, where the winters are brutally cold, this may not have been our most brilliant idea, but if Jesus could make his start in a barn, then we figured it wasn’t too terrible a plan. We have moved a few times since and are now happily settled at The Rialto Theater in downtown Casper.