When UNITED first began holding what they call “experiences” in Milford, they used Milford High School. Then the pandemic hit and they were no longer allowed to use the school. Like all churches, the congregation was not permitted to meet in 2020, but streamed services online. Even after their Dover location opened when the pandemic ended, they had no place to worship in Milford.
“In the fall of 2018, we first looked at the former Walmart building in its entirety,” David Vargas who was then Campus Pastor for UNITED, said in an interview in 2021. “It did not work out for us then and the building was purchased for a new movie theater by Art Helmick. Through network and connections, we were able to put in a contract with Art, and the conversation went from there.”
Kenneth Wagner is the lead pastor of UNITED. He attended Southern Wesleyan University in South Carolina where his passion and calling for ministry came to life. Throughout his college career, when he was not playing on his college baseball team, he was leading a Campus Ministry with a few of his closest friends.
“It was at college that I met my wife, Sherry,” Wagner said. “Together, we moved to Delaware, and I spent seven years as a student pastor in Harrington. In July 2013, I felt the clear call to plant UNITED Church.”
UNITED Church was born on September 20, 2015, partnered with the Association of Related Churches (ARC). On Launch Day, 515 people attended the experience. Since then, the church has created two locations and reached thousands with the life-giving message of the gospel.
The Milford location opened on Mother’s Day of 2021. In addition to the church, Legacy Coffee Shop is located in the front of the building. It is open to the public and there is no pressure for customers to attend experiences.
Experiences are held at 9 and 10:45 AM with online options still available.
Wagner, his wife and their son, Jase, live in Dover. Congregants say that he leads the church with integrity and authenticity every day.
“God has given Pastor Kenneth a vision and passion to Love Delaware until their heart beats like His,” a congregant said. “We believe this is just the beginning.”
UNITED Church is located at 985 North Dupont Boulevard, Milford. Virtual experiences can be viewed by visiting them online and clicking the “Watch” button.
