The Early Years
Apostolic Truth Church story began on January 3, 1982. Michael and Penny Schmalz were encouraged by Pastor John Bridges to start a bible study in the basement of Floyd and Joan VanEng’s home. It wasn’t long before every chair in the basement was full. Mike was given permission to transition to full church status. Apostolic Truth Church’s first official service was held May 7, 1983.
ATC grew rapidly under the dynamic leadership of Pastor Schmalz. Ministries were born and leaders were raised up to expand the reach of ATC. Through the sacrifice of the founding families, ATC constructed their first house of worship in Little Chute, it was dedicated July 16, 1983. As the church steadily advanced, the congregation once again sacrificed to attach a larger sanctuary to their existing campus – it was dedicated May 7, 1989.
At the beginning of 1994, Pastor Schmalz made a bold move and asked members to help purchase a property in North Appleton. Pastor Schmalz had the privilege to name the new road on the property, Glory Lane. At the end of 1994 a building located in the heart of Appleton came available - it was perfectly suited to accommodate ATC’s growth needs into the foreseeable future. Pastor Schmalz wisely kept the Glory Lane Property and championed yet another generosity campaign to purchase the facility (ATC would build on that property 30 years later)
ATC experienced exponential growth in this season.
ATC grew rapidly under the dynamic leadership of Pastor Schmalz. Ministries were born and leaders were raised up to expand the reach of ATC. Through the sacrifice of the founding families, ATC constructed their first house of worship in Little Chute, it was dedicated July 16, 1983. As the church steadily advanced, the congregation once again sacrificed to attach a larger sanctuary to their existing campus – it was dedicated May 7, 1989.
At the beginning of 1994, Pastor Schmalz made a bold move and asked members to help purchase a property in North Appleton. Pastor Schmalz had the privilege to name the new road on the property, Glory Lane. At the end of 1994 a building located in the heart of Appleton came available - it was perfectly suited to accommodate ATC’s growth needs into the foreseeable future. Pastor Schmalz wisely kept the Glory Lane Property and championed yet another generosity campaign to purchase the facility (ATC would build on that property 30 years later)
ATC experienced exponential growth in this season.
Transition
On October 16, 2006, the ATC family invited Pastor Aaron and Heather Soto to join Michael and Penny in pastoral leadership. Their co-laboring season was cut short by Pastor Schmalz’s death in September 5, 2008. Although the season was difficult the Pastor Soto and the flock weathered the storm and rallied.
ATC continued to launch ministries and develop leaders to meet needs. The church also began to more fully engage the community through services and outreach.
In April of 2017 ATC transitioned to two services to accommodate their burgeoning congregation. In 2018, ATC began a season of planning and designing a new church home on Glory Lane. The church united in a season of courageous generosity under the banner of: “Together: From Here to Glory”
In 2023, Pastor and Heather Soto invited Dustin (Mindi) Hoffman to join them in pastoral leadership and Troy (Vicki) Weyer to serve as Executive Pastor. An associate pastor team was also created to serve and lead.
ATC held their first service at their new church home on Glory Lane, September 28, 2025.
ATC continued to launch ministries and develop leaders to meet needs. The church also began to more fully engage the community through services and outreach.
In April of 2017 ATC transitioned to two services to accommodate their burgeoning congregation. In 2018, ATC began a season of planning and designing a new church home on Glory Lane. The church united in a season of courageous generosity under the banner of: “Together: From Here to Glory”
In 2023, Pastor and Heather Soto invited Dustin (Mindi) Hoffman to join them in pastoral leadership and Troy (Vicki) Weyer to serve as Executive Pastor. An associate pastor team was also created to serve and lead.
ATC held their first service at their new church home on Glory Lane, September 28, 2025.
ATC Today
Today, ATC is a strong congregation with a heart to serve Jesus Christ’s stated mission of the church, to live as disciples and make disciples of all nations.
ATC strives to embody the first century church as described in Acts 2:42-47:
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ [a]doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and [b]sold their possessions and goods, and divided[c] them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added [d]to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
ATC strives to embody the first century church as described in Acts 2:42-47:
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ [a]doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and [b]sold their possessions and goods, and divided[c] them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added [d]to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
