History of Our Church

Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church had its beginning in 1952 when the Michigan Synod of the United Lutheran Church in America (ULCA) appointed Rev. Robert Lignell to start a mission church in the northeast section of Grand Rapids. At that time, Rev. Lignell was Assistant Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids. Starting on November 23, 1952, until 1956, while a new church was being built, the new congregation met at Aberdeen Elementary School. On April 29, 1956, the congregation held its first service in what is now the church Fellowship Hall. The current sanctuary was completed in 1965.

In 1965 Faith Lutheran transferred its affiliation from ULCA to the Lutheran Church in America (LCA). Then, in 1988, we became a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

As the years passed, the congregation of Faith Lutheran Church grew both in numbers and enthusiasm. By 1980 Faith had a membership of 1,505, which made it the largest church in the Michigan Synod. Property was added for parking and recreational use. Youth programs included Luther League, Confirmation classes, and camp experiences. In 1957, Faith began to sponsor Boy Scout Troop #367, and this relationship continues to the present day. The women of Faith became an active group, hosting fund-raising activities, two Women’s Circles (Martha and Sarah), and supporting the missions of this congregation through dedicated service and with monetary support. Church softball teams joined various leagues over the years, and in 1990 and 1991 were the “Champions” of their league.

Mission has long been a passion for the people of Faith Lutheran Church as members supported Food Pantry’s God’s Kitchen, the Cupboards of Faith (now The Glenn Moerdyk Cupboards of Faith), food drives, and the preparation of holiday food baskets for distribution to those in need in our community.

In 2002, Faith Lutheran was blessed to have a Praise Band join in the leadership of one of our services. We continue to have a Praise Band today and their musical gifts inspire us at our weekly casual service as well as at the concerts and other special events that they participate in.

On November 11, 2012, Faith Lutheran Church celebrated 60 years of active worship, service, and fellowship. We continue to be a church dedicated to gathering around the Word and the Sacraments. Today we seek to build on the traditions of our past as we explore exciting new ways to serve our community and share the Word of God’s grace through Christ Jesus.

On November 23, 2022, Faith Lutheran marks 70 years of worship services, fellowship, and serving others and spreading the Word of God in Grand Rapids and in missions around the world.
 

The timeline below lists changes in our leadership over the years.

Rev Robert Lignell—Senior Pastor, 1952-1987; Pastor Emeritus, 1987-2009)
Rev. George Stegmier—Assistant Pastor, 1964-1975.
Rev. James Parks—Associate Pastor, 1972-1981
Rev. Raymond Peterson—Senior Pastor, 1988-1991
Rev. Pauline Atkins Standley—Assistant Pastor, 1989-1995; Interim Pastor, 1991-1992
Rev. Daniel B. Ward—Senior Pastor, 1992-1995
Rev. Julie Schneider-Thomas—Supply Pastor, 9/1/1995-10/15/1995
Rev. W. Thomas Zollman—Interim Pastor, 1995-1996
Rev. Gordon Peterson—Pastor, 1996-2000
Rev. Stephen Kauffman—Supply Pastor, 2/6/2000-11/5/2000
Rev. Dennis Smith—Pastor/Developer, 2000-2004
Mary Climer—Intern, 2003; Partner in Ministry, 2004
Ben Bruin—Intern, 2005
Rev. Stephen Kauffman—Senior Pastor, 2005-2009
Rev. W. Thomas Zollman—Intentional Interim Pastor, 2009-2010
Rev. Kevin Sullivan (Pastor—12/19/2010-Present