East Leonard Christian Reformed Church is in Grand Rapids and is known for a simple conviction: “We follow Jesus so we can take His church to our neighbors.” Founded in 1925, it has been a foundation of faith for many in the Grand Rapids area, with a mission rooted in Matthew 28:18-20 and a concern for worship, prayer, family life and young people.
A Foundation of Faith Since 1925
The church's mission is based on Matthew 28:18-20: “God is reconciling the world to himself through the work of Jesus and the sending of His Spirit-filled church.” East Leonard's response is to follow Jesus and carry the church to its neighbors. The statement joins reconciliation accomplished through Jesus with the sending of his church by the Holy Spirit.
Worship, Prayer, Family and Youth
- Worship: Worship connects the church to God and celebrates his providential care and goodness.
- Prayer: Prayer is intentional and shared as a community, with an emphasis on growing in prayer.
- Family: Healthy family relationships offer rest and security and invite others into relationship with God.
- Youth: Children and young people are valued, and the church works to give them a safe, encouraging place to grow and thrive in relationship with Jesus.
Jesus Christ and the Triune God
East Leonard believes in one God who exists eternally as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, united in glory, power and purpose. The Bible is the inspired Word of God and a trustworthy authority for faith and life, revealing who God is, what he has done and how he calls people to live.
God created the heavens and the earth and continues to sustain and govern everything. Jesus Christ is Lord over every part of creation, so every area of life belongs to God and matters to him. People are created in the image of God and possess God-given dignity and worth, while human rebellion has brought sin and brokenness into lives, relationships and the world.
Salvation by Grace Through Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human. His perfect life, sacrificial death, bodily resurrection, ascension and return defeat sin and death and accomplish salvation for God's people. Salvation is entirely a gift of grace and cannot be earned through good works. People are forgiven, made right with God and given eternal life through faith in Jesus. God's grace awakens faith, preserves believers and keeps salvation grounded in God's faithfulness rather than human strength.
The Holy Spirit gives spiritual life, unites believers to Christ and helps them understand God's Word. The Spirit transforms believers, produces Christlike character and equips the church with gifts for worship and service.
A Church Gathered for Worship and Mission
The church is the worldwide community of people who belong to Jesus Christ. God gathers it to worship, hear his Word, care for one another, grow in faith and share the gospel with the world. Jesus gave the church two sacraments, baptism and the Lord's Supper. Through these visible signs and seals, God confirms his promises, strengthens faith and reminds believers of Christ's saving work.
In response to God's grace, Christians are called to live with gratitude, faith and obedience. Following Jesus affects daily life through love for neighbors, pursuit of holiness, service to those in need and work for justice and peace. East Leonard also looks ahead to Christ's return, when he will judge evil, raise the dead and complete redemption. God will renew creation, and his people will live with him forever in a world made whole.
A Grand Rapids Church with an Outward Calling
East Leonard's identity joins its 1925 founding with a mission for the Grand Rapids area. Grounded in biblical faith, it centers worship and prayer, strengthens family relationships, makes room for young people and points to Jesus Christ as Lord. Its calling is to follow Jesus, share the gospel, care for neighbors and form a community of gratitude, faith and obedience.