History of Parkway: Where We Came From and Where We're Going

As we embrace the new year, we are looking forward to growth and multiplication as we strengthen our purpose, to Love: God. Love Others. Love Mission. Parkway Church has a rich history of pursuing this purpose through the decades. In 2022, we produced a 50th anniversary publication detailing the five decades of the church. Today, we want to share excerpts of this publication to remind our Parkway family of where we came from and where we are going.

“The Church in the Corn Field” – The First Decade

Parkway origins trace back to Frank and Angeline Tamel, a couple whose deep love for God and people led them to respond to a spiritual need in Milwaukee County: the lack of an Apostolic place of worship on the south side. Pastor Frank Tamel preached his first sermon to 44 people gathered in a basement. Their early momentum came through powerful home Bible studies taught passionately among community members. This focus on teaching and discipleship brought rapid growth, which they saw as the anointing of God multiplying their efforts.

Though community tensions arose (neighbors and government officials complained about the church’s exuberance) these challenges ultimately brought increased visibility and even public support. Parkway emerged from these conflicts with a growing reputation and influence in Oak Creek.

“The People Had a Heart to Work” – The Second Decade

Within ten years, Parkway had grown too large for Frank and Angeline to lead alone. God began raising up ministers, teachers, musicians, and leaders from within the congregation. Their creative energies yielded plays, music, and programs that energized the church culture and contributed to numerical and spiritual growth.

This period also marked the beginning of Parkway’s influence abroad. Their first missionary, Genny Miller, launched what would become a 25‑year career ministering in Europe and Asia. Parkway’s impact reached beyond their local context as members’ talents were used both in the church and in international missions.

“Full Speed Ahead” – The Third Decade

By the third decade, Parkway’s evangelistic passion propelled them into global influence. Many members matured into callings that brought them across the state, the nation, and the world to minister in pastoral roles or as missionaries in Africa, Europe, and Asia. Parkway increasingly saw itself as a launching point for broader ministry.

At home, the church faced a challenge: its large numbers made personal connection and discipleship difficult. In response, Parkway transitioned into a small‑group church through Home Friendship Groups, which met in houses to disciple believers, build relationships, and teach the gospel. More than 80 homes became active ministry centers across the Milwaukee area. Pastor Anthony Tamel championed the small group model, providing training and resources for other churches interested in small‑group culture.

“Revival Fires” – The Fourth Decade

After 30 years of faithful leadership, Frank and Angeline Tamel passed the pastoral mantle to their son, Anthony Tamel, and his wife, Diane, at the dawn of the 21st century. Though the mission remained unchanged, Pastor Anthony brought a fresh vision suited to a new generation. He created a streamlined five‑lesson home Bible study, From Grace to Glory. Its flexible format—paper charts, digital resources, and DVD lessons—allowed anyone to teach it easily. This made Bible study more accessible while preserving apostolic doctrine.

Pastor Anthony also introduced Faith Initiatives, a unified fundraising strategy that replaced numerous small fundraisers with one major annual charitable effort. Early on, this took the form of a large charity auction that drew significant community participation. Later, the campaign evolved into an annual pledge drive accompanied by an “IF” publication highlighting Parkway’s charitable giving which continues today.

“Days of Challenge and Expectation” – The Fifth Decade

The fifth decade brought a significant leadership transition. After the passing of Frank Tamel in 2014 and the retirement of Anthony Tamel in 2018, Tim and Melissa Peters became Parkway’s new senior pastors. Arriving from Elk Mound, Wisconsin, they quickly established themselves as loving, servant‑hearted leaders whose passion for people shaped their ministry. A five‑year transition plan was put in place: Tim and Melissa would build relationships, gain trust, and eventually become co‑pastors with Anthony and Diane Tamel.

On September 2, 2018, Tim and Melissa Peters were officially installed as Parkway’s third senior pastoral team, joined by their children—Dakota, Cameron, and Meghan. Once he became senior pastor, Tim Peters restructured ministries, clarified organizational systems, and set a forward‑looking vision. The church was gaining momentum when a major challenge arose: the COVID‑19 pandemic struck in early 2020. Despite fear, restrictions, and uncertainty, Pastor Peters refused to allow Parkway’s mission to pause.

During shutdowns, Parkway transitioned rapidly to an online‑only format, maintaining connection and ministry through livestreamed services. Parkway also expanded its social media presence, strengthening digital engagement during lockdown. Despite not being able to gather, Parkway grew in online viewership and was able to reach more people through its livestream.

Even once in‑person services resumed, Pastor Peters continued offering online access, ensuring inclusivity for those unable to attend physically. Parkway also invested heavily in upgraded production quality—sound, lighting, and cameras—to enhance both online and in‑person worship experiences with the goal of reaching more souls for the Kingdom.

Forward Look: Parkway’s Future

While remembering the past is essential, Pastor Peters’ vision for the future is to guide Parkway into deeper intimacy with Christ and renewed outreach at home and abroad.

During the last week of December 2025, Pastor Peters shared that our theme for 2026 is “Multiply.” When introducing this vision to the Parkway family, he referenced the story of the fishermen’s net in Luke 5. A fisherman’s hook represents addition, but a fisherman’s net represents multiplication. Pastor’s desire is that, as each of us leans into our calling to be fishers of men—just as the apostles were—the harvest we bring in will not be small or incremental, but abundant, powerful, and overwhelming, like the moment when the disciples caught so many fish that their nets were on the verge of breaking.

In that biblical account, Peter and Andrew had to call for reinforcements because the catch was too large for them to handle alone. In the same way, Pastor Peters envisions every member of Parkway taking part in bringing in the Kingdom harvest—helping to carry the weight of the net, caring for new believers, and discipling those whom God draws into our church family.

We are excited to see what God will do in 2026 as the Parkway family steps into this calling and multiplies together. Let this be a year of growth, unity, and overflowing Kingdom impact as we continue to live out our historic mission to Love God, Love Others, Love Mission.