Our Story

Apostolic Truth Church was founded on January 3, 1982 by Rev. & Mrs. Michael Schmalz in the town of Little Chute, Wisconsin. The first service was held in the basement of Floyd and Joan VanDenEng’s home. Although the congregation was small, Pastor Schmalz had a big vision. In just a few months, Floyd and Joan’s basement was full. Land was purchased on Buchanan Street; construction of a new church building began.


On July 16, 1983, Apostolic Truth Church members proudly dedicated their new facility to the Lord - the church building consisted of 2 classrooms and a small sanctuary. Apostolic Truth Church flourished under the capable leadership of Pastor Schmalz. His remarkable gifts for leadership training, administration and teaching Bible studies, kept the church in a constant state of growth. As membership grew, the church began to distinguish itself for its commitment to excellence and generous support of national efforts. In 1989, a larger sanctuary and additional classrooms were added to meet the demands of growing membership. By 1992, the congregation had outgrown the Buchanan Street facility altogether. Two services were being held every Sunday morning with no room for expansion. Members began to prayerfully seek God about the need for relocation. Finally in December of 1994, ATC purchased a beautiful church facility located at 2720 Kesting Court in Appleton, Wisconsin. With a 600-seat auditorium, 22 classrooms, fellowship hall, kitchen, and offices, ATC now had room to grow! Relocation and larger facilities allowed the ministries and membership of ATC to thrive. Ministries were established to meet the needs of children, youth, families and the community. Additionally, six daughter churches were planted across Wisconsin by the efforts and generosity of ATC.


On October 15, 2006, Apostolic Truth Church invited Reverend and Mrs. Aaron Soto to carry the pastoral mantle along with Senior Pastor and Mrs. Michael Schmalz. Both pastors demonstrated visionary leadership and a passion for spiritual renewal in the Fox Valley. In July 2007, doctors discovered cancer in Pastor Schmalz's body. The diagnosis was bleak, but Pastor Schmalz, his family and the church body prayed fervently for a healing. Apostolic Truth Church celebrated its 25th anniversary in May 2008. An elegant banquet and special visits from the leaders in the United Pentecostal Church were the highlights of this special weekend. The event provided the church and the community a unique opportunity to reflect on the proceeding 25 years and redouble its efforts reaches the lost and save souls. On September 5th, 2008, God called his good and faithful servant, the Reverend Michael Schmalz, home. Although his body may have succumbed to the effects of cancer, Pastor Schmalz's indomitable spirit did not. He remained positive and encouraged others throughout the final days of his journey. In spite of their profound loss, the ATC family was resilient. The church continued to thrive, launch new ministries, and grow. The faithful members of Apostolic Truth Church have enjoyed a rich heritage of apostolic ministry and divine blessing.