Family Leadership Initiative

Beginning in September 2011, nearly 40 Grand Rapids congregations rolled out new leadership programs for families interested in learning new ways to support their children’s academic achievement. Designed by the congregations that participated in Gatherings of Hope workshops, the Family Leadership Initiative is serving families with school-age children.

Each congregation ran its 12-week program independently, incorporating four common elements:

  • family dinner
  • parent education in a small group setting
  • child education using online Khan Academy tools
  • group worship

The congregational pastors and leaders who designed the program believe that supporting families in relating, parenting, education and worship help build positive networks of support for youth, and a strong foundation for success in school, in work, and in life.

Family Literacy Night

Family Literacy NightGatherings of Hope congregations have begun a collaboration with the Literacy Center of West Michigan to create Family Literacy Night. Currently serving the community through Iglesia Adventista Maranatha with plans to roll out Family Literacy Night to more churches in the future.

Program Schedule (or view calendar)

Location: Iglesia Adventista Marantha
68 Banner Street SW, Grand Rapids

Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Dates: December 19, January 30, February 27, March 26, April 30, May 28

Leading Community-Based Ministry

Gatherings of Hope has partnered with Grand Rapids Theological Seminary at Cornerstone University to offer the course Leading Community-Based Ministry, an opportunity for clergy and church leadership associates. University President Dr. Joseph M. Stowell welcomed the 20 students in September and affirmed their commitment to reach deeper into their communities for Christ as they hone their leadership skills together. The course allows students to spend time mining practical applications from books like The Externally Focused Quest: Becoming the Best Church for the Community and being challenged by questions like, “What if the Good Samaritan came to our community?”

Students are growing and learning together through this relevant curriculum. One student noted this motivation to implement personal changes to improve his ministry potential: “…to educate myself in all facets academically, in the Word, or in any area of my life that is needed to impact those I teach. In fact, the Word of God says, ‘My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge’ (Hosea 4:6a KJV). That is why I am in this class…so that I can serve more effectively.”

A Place of Refuge, A Beacon of Light

By on June 20, 2011 in Programs
A Place of Refuge, A Beacon of Light

In a neighborhood where children’s lives have been lost to gun violence, Pastor Lawrence McFall and Lamb of God Church are on a mission. They are saving children.