Providence Christian Reformed Church
7730 Eastern Avenue SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
616-698-7930
At Providence Christian Reformed Church, they seek to be positive, energetic, and passionate about following Christ and caring for people.
Part of how they care for people is meeting them where they’re at, being vulnerable together, and speaking honestly about both joys and struggles – from the pulpit as well as in the pews. This naturally leads to praying together. They challenge themselves to increase the time they spend in prayer, and to find new ways to pray together.
Even their worship style is an act of caring: they call it “servant worship,” reminding people that it is the act of a servant to sing along on songs they may not like, because someone else there is worshiping wholeheartedly through that same song.
They also provide many opportunities for people to deepen their faith in Bible studies and fellowship. They offer women's Bible studies, a mom's group, men's study groups as well as groups for middle school and high school youth. Many family activities are offered throughout the year as well.
There are numerous ministries to get involved in, both in their surrounding community and internationally. They do one-on-one mentoring with students from Glenwood Elementary through Kids Hope. Their Master’s Builders team rebuilds houses damaged by natural disasters, both in and outside the U.S. Providence has been blessed with excellent facilities, and they constantly seek ways to use their building for the kingdom.
Prayer Ministry
Several years ago, Providence felt called to deepen their prayer ministry and to be more consistent in seeking the Lord through prayer. One of their simple changes was to make prayer part of every meeting at the church. There is a dedicated group that meets to pray every Sunday before the morning service. They regularly offer healing prayer. The prayer leadership team seeks to build on the prayer they currently do while expanding their prayer horizons.
ReFuel
Wednesday night is a busy and vibrant night at Providence. Both church and community members gather for a meal which is followed by KIDZ Club, GEMS, Cadets, adult classes on parenting, finances, etc., a nursery for the young ones and opportunities for fellowship. Whether someone needs food, fellowship, spiritual encouragement, or practical skills, ReFuel meets everyone where they’re at.
Upward Basketball
This unique program draws boys and girls (kindergarten through 6th grade) from all over the Grand Rapids area. It is a basketball league founded on Christian principles that meets from December through February. Practices are in December, with eight games in January and February. Upwards team members lead devotions during halftime. There is a fee for this program which is set by the national Upward program. Registrations begin in September until the first week of October. Providence sees Upwards Basketball as a seed-planting ministry: you never know when what a kid learned about Jesus while they thought they were only learning basketball will bear fruit.