Sunday Mornings at 9:30
Faith Christian Reformed Church meets each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. at 85 West 26th Street in Holland, Michigan, where the congregation gathers for a liturgically-driven service with vibrant, participatory worship and faithful, biblical teaching. Songs range from hymns to contemporary pieces, and prayers intentionally unite the body across generations. Communion is part of the weekly liturgy, and all are welcome at the table. The motto that greets newcomers says it plainly: "You will not find perfect people here, for we are a community of the broken who have been restored in a relationship with both God and each other."
Worship is available in person, online through the Faith Christian Reformed Church YouTube channel, and on cable via WCSG Channel 24. Sunday School classes for preschool through fifth grade meet immediately after the morning service in the basement studio, and Faith Student Ministries (FSM) gathers three Sunday evenings a month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. for students in grades 6 through 12.
Wednesday Evenings Around the Table
Wednesday nights at Faith are structured around relationships and a shared meal. The rhythm unfolds in three parts during the school year. Aprendiendo Juntos, which means "Learning Together," runs from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. on alternate Wednesdays and serves children from a local housing community with a large Central American population. Tutors and mentors help with homework, play games, and build friendships with kids who are often learning English. At 5:30 p.m. the congregation and neighbors gather for Soul Food, a community dinner served until 6:15 p.m. From 6:15 to 7:45 p.m., second through fifth graders head to Soul Kids, where groups split by gender for games, hands-on creativity, friendly competition, and mentorship. Annual highlights include a fishing trip, camping trips, and a spring Pinewood Derby.
Children and Youth at Every Stage
Faith takes its work with children seriously, beginning in the nursery for infants through age three. Two rooms (an Infant Room and a Toddler Room) are staffed by trained volunteers with completed background checks, and parents receive a text alert for diaper changes or other needs. A private Mother's Room is available any time. During worship, children ages three through first grade are dismissed after the singing to Children's Worship Center classrooms downstairs, where they follow a flow that mirrors the adult service. Second through fifth graders move into Sunday School, where teachers focus on Bible stories and how Scripture connects to everyday life. Middle School Sunday School meets during the Sunday School hour for topical biblical and theological sessions taught by passionate adults from the congregation.
Faith Student Ministries serves middle and high school students with Sunday night gatherings, retreats, before-school breakfasts, and intergenerational mission trips. Director of Student Ministries Ryan King, who joined the staff in 2024 after years of ministry in other church and college settings, is currently completing a Master of Divinity at Western Theological Seminary. He works alongside caring adult leaders to help students develop lifelong friendships and a deep love for Jesus and the Church.
Adults Growing Together
Spiritual formation for adults happens in smaller circles. Faith offers small groups and large group opportunities tuned for women, men, and retirees, all designed to help members be more present at home, at work, and in the neighborhood. Women's Bible Studies, Men's Breakfasts, and Retirees Gatherings foster what Faith calls "spiritual companionship," and the Senior Saints meet regularly for breakfast at Russ' on 8th Street. The congregation has also committed to a church-wide Faith Practices journey, intentionally practicing Sabbath, Prayer, Generosity, Fasting, and other historic rhythms that shape disciples over time.
Eight Values That Shape the Church
Faith describes itself through eight values. Hospitality calls the church to welcome all people as loved by God and uniquely created in God's image. Belonging insists that every person who enters helps mold the community into a fuller body. Restoration names sin as real but declares that through the death and resurrection of Christ, the Holy Spirit is still at work restoring people and all of creation. Diversity is embraced as ethnic, economic, theological, and neurodiverse, and differences are lived out together. Curiosity is welcomed; questions about God, humanity, and the world are encouraged. Transformation reflects the belief that the Spirit continues to sanctify each person. Participation invites every member to discern and use their gifts. Hope holds that God is moving creation forward into a better future.
Belief, as the congregation puts it, is rooted in the gospel and reliant on the Holy Spirit and Jesus the Lord to inspire and guide faith. Anyone is welcome into this community of grace, where members disciple one another with a message of hope and healing.
Reaching Out in Holland and Beyond
Faith's ministry extends well beyond its walls. The Holland Free Health Clinic was started by Faith Church to ensure access to free, holistic health care for the underserved, addressing needs of mind, body, and spirit. The church continues to support the clinic through service and giving. Through Hand2Hand, members shop, source food, and deliver meal kits to local schools to relieve weekend hunger for kids. Aprendiendo Juntos also partners with First Tee, blending friendship, mentoring, tutoring, and golf skills for children from the Lincoln Estates and Willow Park neighborhood. Faith has a growing relationship with Jefferson Elementary, a local school with a significant population of children in need, supporting staff and meeting needs as they arise.
Globally, Faith supports Multiplication Network, Restavek, and missionaries in Thailand, Colorado, and Mexico. The church encourages intergenerational mission trips and staying connected to brothers and sisters around the world.
Leadership and a Season of Transition
Pastor Tom Swierenga serves Faith as a Specialized Transitional Minister, a seasoned pastor trained to walk a congregation through a season of change. He preaches, asks thoughtful questions, and creates space for conversation with leaders and members. Director of Student Ministries Ryan King oversees youth ministry. Custodian Jon Cornell, who joined in 2021, keeps the building clean, sets up and re-organizes events, and supports both regular rhythms and special uses of the facility.
Visiting Faith
Guests are invited any week. The address is 85 West 26th Street, Holland, Michigan 49423, and the office can be reached at (616) 396-7934 or office@faithcrc.org. Giving envelopes are available at the Welcome Center along with electronic giving forms, and gifts can also be mailed to the office or made online. A cart and Church Connect account are available for members who want to stay plugged in to the life of the church.