God has called me as a pastor and our family as local missionaries to join Him in the work of starting and developing a church of all abilities. We define all abilities as those with and without disabilities, who equally belong together as the church. We are reminded that we are all necessary parts of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:22, 27) and God calls us to bring in those sitting silently apart, the forgotten (Luke 14:21, 23).
The City of Grand Rapids population is just over 200,800 people, with the larger area having about 570,000 people. According to local records, 7.2 percent of people have some moderate to profound special needs. This means that 14,457 people and 41,040 people respectively are largely missing out in the life of the church. This is unacceptable. City Hope GR is working to narrow that gap by embracing all abilities. As a church, we create space, environments, and opportunities for an integrated and growing worship community.
In accomplishing the broad reach of our mission/vision above, City Hope GR has various “Ministry Partners.” These consist of various churches, individuals, and supporting businesses and services. God has opened the door for official partnerships/networks non-denominationally and cross-denominationally. Right from the start God gave a clear vision that City Hope GR was to be a church that existed with multiple ministry partners, rather than exclusively in one set group. Along with other churches, both the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) and the Reformed Church (RCA) have partnered in this planting effort. We are part of both denominations. Coram Deo Association of Churches is the non-denominational church planting ministry we’re also part of as a 501c3 non-profit. Coram Deo brings the advantage of an experienced church-starting background and includes support for City Hope GR in the areas of coaching, networking, planning, bookkeeping, and fundraising. Visit Coram Deo online. We’re also excited to announce the special needs ministry, Joni & Friends as a partner. Their partnership involves coaching, respite, and specific networking support resources.
City Hope GR worships in a newly remodeled universal design location provided through Monroe Community Church (CRC) in downtown Grand Rapids.
God has been opening hearts and doors. We represent the church as God's people with all abilities. Our vision for City Hope GR includes being a church that helps identify, deploy, fund, coach, and start new churches with similar visions.
As God continues to build this incredible church, we look forward to an amazing journey together!
In Jesus, 
Dave (Lead Pastor - City Hope GR ), Julianne, Jae, and Emily Vander Woude
Please also visit, like, and follow City Hope GR on Facebook.
- The Bible is the inspired Word of God and our ultimate and final authority for faith and practice.
- In one God, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- God, our perfect heavenly Father, loves and cares for all.
- God created all humans in His image and that sin has brought separation between God and humans.
- Jesus Christ, the eternal son of God, became a human and sacrificially died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin.
- The only way to no longer be separated from God and find salvation is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting in Him as Lord and Savior. Through faith we become children of God.
- The Holy Spirit was sent by God to live in and transform the lives of believers into the likeness of Christ, filling us with power and enabling us to live the way God intended.
- The Church, also known as Christ's bride, is a spiritual body made up of all believers, each of whom is a vital part of God's plan.
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