about
Gen One is a radical youth movement for youth and young adults in Missoula, Montana. We are the youth ministry of our extraordinary church, Clark Fork City Church which is also located in Missoula, Montana.
WE ARE………….A movement that strives for Christ-like living; to challenge the culture around us, so that they may know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
WE LIVE…………As God-sent missionaries to our Jr. High’s, High School’s, and the University of Montana. We are a youth movement on a mission to reach the lost, hurt, or broken; preach Jesus and His resurrection, and raise up lifelong members of the body of Christ.
WE BELIEVE……That we are called to be a city inside of our city, and therefore in the world but not of it. We do not seek to merely preach Jesus but show him to our city through love, service, and any other way that presents itself.
WE KNOW……….Jesus has called us to GO to Missoula and MAKE disciples.
We do this through a few key ways:
1. We host weekly services that include pre-service prayer, passionate praise and worship, dynamic spirit-filled preaching, and ministry time. These Wednesday night services encourage our young people in their daily walk with the Lord, and are directed at youth and young adults age 13-25.
2. Age-specific smaller group settings.
For our Jr. High youth (12-15) we have Jr. High Discipleship class that occurs the first and third Sunday mornings at Clark Fork City Church in the Prayer Room. In these meetings we dig into scripture and tackle relevant topics for young teens.
In addition to these regular meetings we hold monthly age-specific events, have small groups frequently running, attend local and regional conferences, as well as go on mission trips both locally and nationally. There is always something happening, and we would love to have you join us!
Our Leaders
Andrew & Carla Squires
Carla and Andrew have been married since January 1, 2005 and have 5 wonderful children (3 boys, and 7 month old adorable twin girls). Carla grew up in the Swan Valley of Montana and has lived in Missoula since 2004. She has a passion for leading godly women, and always has a great piece of advice for any situation. Carla has an amazing life testimony and has learned firsthand what it means to “trust in the Lord with all her heart.” When Carla isn’t chasing around her wild kids, she can be found taking pictures or enjoying a cup of coffee around town. Andrew has felt the call to be a “father to this generation” since he was a child growing up in Montana. Andrew loves spending time with his family, and has a hard time believing how good God has been! Andrew was an avid baseball player in high school, and spent four years traveling the world while in the Air Force. When he is not wrestling with his boys or playing his girls Andrew can be found watching sports, or reading a book. His favorite teams are the: Lakers, Griz, Mariners, and Seahawks.
Ben Ritner
Well, My name is Benjamin Andrew Ritner, I’m 20 years old. I was born in Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo, Mexico. My Parents were missionaries throughout Mexico for nearly nine years. I have two sisters and four brothers whom I think are the greatest. I’ve been a Christian all my life thanks to my amazing parents. I’ve been in Missoula for almost two years now and attend the University of Montana pursuing a major in photojournalism and graphic design.
Becky Donnelly
I have grown up in Missoula. I graduated from Valley Christian School and have been a part of Clark Fork City Church my entire life. I lived in the Seattle area for four years and moved back to Missoula in October of 2008. I am passionate for Jesus and love coming to know him more everyday of my life. God has given me a heart for young people, and a vision to see them come to truly know him and receive a vision from Him for the rest of their lives.
Arlina Duong
My name is Arlina Duong and I am originally from Spokane, Washington. I moved to Missoula, Montana 4 years ago to attend The School of Ministry at Clark Fork City Church! Since then I’ve been deeply involved with the youth in terms of small groups, missions, discipleship and worship! I have a great deisre to see that the youth of our generation have an opportunity to be raised up with a genuine faith and the ability to walk in true love even in the midst of the opposite pressures of their age. I personally enjoy music, worship, and dance and am currently attending college here in Missoula to work towards becoming a wedding planner! I believe in local church, I believe in this generation, and I believe in God’s always unfailing love.
Anna Martin
Originally from California, I’ve grown up in Montana and love it here. I’ve known the Lord from a young age, but at the age of 18 the Lord really captivated my heart and I started earnestly living my life for Him. I started attending Clark Fork the Summer of 2008 and really think of it as my home. I have a love of young people and seeing them learn and grow, I look forward to serving as a part of this youth ministry!
Ariel Brinda
Ello! My name is Ariel Brinda. I am 19. I was homeschooled by my AMAZING parents who pushed me to be the best I could be. I have been going to CFCC for about 11 years. I started serving in G1 when I was 16. I then got involved in worship classes given by Heather Thomas and Arlina Duong. I was able to learn alot through them and other leaders in the church. I am now serving as a worship leader for G1. I have a heart for purity and I want to see young men and women of God get a revalation of their value in Christ. I desire to see God’s heart released over Missoula and I want to be used as a tool for His kingdom.
Heather Thomas
Heather Thomas found her way to CFCC as a child with her family and she has never left. Heather is a graduate of the CFCC School of Ministry and has served as an intern, youth worship leader, jr. high leader and so much more! Heather is a passionate preacher, and a genuinely great young woman!
Garrett Koepke
I was born into the Koepke family in 1991, in Missoula, MT. Missoula is my hometown, and most likely always will be. I grew up in a house full of noise, with four siblings, three of which are brothers. I was raised camping and fishing with my family every summer, and all other manner of activities that all young boys do. I love the outdoors, sports, music, but most importantly, my savior Jesus Christ. It was my Father Gods love and faithfulness that got my family and me through a very hard time in 2004 when my father, Gary Koepke, passed away. I can attribute the strength my family possesses completely to what God took us through during that time. I played football for six years, tennis for two, and have played drums for ten years. Also, I have recently picked up acoustic guitar. This Fall I am entering the University of Montana as a freshman, and am majoring in Recreation Management and minoring in Wildlife Biology.
Bobby & Emilee Phelps
Hi my name is Bobby Phelps Jr. I have grown up in Montana my whole life. I was raised in Potomac, a small hick town east of Missoula. So needless to say I grew up hunting all the time, and that is one of my favorite hobbies. I have been going to Gen One for almost 10 years now. In that time I got involved in the youth ministry and started to serve in any way could. My passion is for the younger generation and working in outreach ministries as well as young men’s purity. The church has been an awesome place for me to grow in God. I have met my best friends, and the love of my life while being a part of this body. My wife and I met in the church were we courted for almost 2 years then were married on August 21, 2010. Emilee grew up attending CFCC as her home church for the past 11 years, then started attending Gen One were she has been since jr high. Emilee grew up in Lolo where she was a big part of 4-H and the home school community. She has a passion for the young girls ministries and purity for young men and women.
