Third Reformed Church sits on 13th Street in Holland, Michigan, with its 1874 sanctuary in the heart of a city shaped by Dutch immigration. Founded in 1867 under the leadership of Dr. Albertus C. Van Raalte, the congregation has spent more than 150 years rooted in the Reformed tradition while continually reforming. Today the church is known for its bilingual English and Spanish ministry, its energetic mid-week LIFT gatherings, and a deep commitment to forming disciples across every age and stage.
With Heart, Head, and Hands
The mission of Third Reformed Church is "To know Christ and to make Christ known with heart, head, and hands." The threefold phrase shapes everything the congregation does. "With Heart" describes an active and joyful community that gathers to experience Christ's love, learn about God's kingdom, and support one another through the Holy Spirit. "With Head" reflects a commitment to spiritual formation that welcomes many types of ongoing learning and intentionally equips all of God's people for work in God's kingdom. "With Hands" calls the congregation to proclaim the good news of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ and to serve neighbors, community, and world in Christ's name. The vision is rooted in the Reformed tradition and traces its theology back to John Calvin, while adopting an ecumenical ethos that works extensively with community partners.
Sunday Worship at 10:00 AM
Sunday worship at Third Reformed Church begins at 10:00 AM, with coffee ready before and after the service for fellowship time. Pastor Ryan Boes, Pastor of Preaching, Leadership, and Vision, was called to Third Church in the spring of 2021 and brings a Doctorate of Ministry from Western Theological Seminary focused on the liturgy of the church, the Eucharist, and the everyday meals believers share. Pastor Janelle López-Koolhaas, Pastor of Connection and Care, helps plan worship, liturgy, and preaching. A Family Room is available during the service, stocked with toys and streaming the service live for parents and children who want more space and flexibility to worship together.
El Encuentro: A Bilingual Congregation
Third Church describes itself as "increasingly becoming a bilingual congregation that looks to remove the dividing lines of race, class, gender, sexuality, language, age, and ability." El Encuentro, the Spanish-speaking ministry, is co-led by Pastors Janelle and Angel López. Pastor Angel, Pastor of Missional Engagement, has lived between cultures in Chiapas, Mexico, then Canada, and now Michigan. He is deeply committed to welcoming immigrants and newcomers and walking with them in the small and large experiences of starting life in a new home. Spanish-language worship is offered on Sunday mornings, and Third Church was the first Dutch immigrant congregation in Holland to use English exclusively in worship and is now actively serving its neighborhood with services in both English and Spanish.
Children in Worship and Young Levites
Children ages four through second grade begin the sanctuary service with their families and then leave for "Children in Worship," a program offered throughout the year that includes singing, Bible story, response to God's Word, and prayer in a way that makes worship accessible. Young Levites is a worship leadership team for older children and youth who not only learn about worship but help create and lead parts of the service on Sunday mornings. Sunday education classes for ages three through elementary school walk children from Genesis to Revelation with gifted volunteer teachers, while middle and high school students gather for fellowship, worship, discovery, and service.
Wednesday Nights: LIFT
Life In Faith Together, or LIFT, is the midweek hub of the congregation. Each Wednesday evening during most of the year, LIFT begins with a community meal at 5:30 PM, followed by children's programming at 6:15 PM and Middle School Youth Group. Art activities for high schoolers and adults with the church's Artist in Residence begin at 6:30 PM alongside adult programming. All ages are welcome, from Bible studies to Youth and Kid programming to a Classics Book Club. LIFT typically runs from early September through mid-December each fall, with programming continuing through the winter and spring.
Sunday Morning Education Hour
Following worship, an Education Hour runs from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM during the school year, with classes for ages pre-K through adult. The flagship adult offering is the Mosaic series, which meets in the chapel or on Zoom and offers a downloadable seasonal course catalog. Children's classes span Genesis to Revelation with gifted volunteer teachers, and middle school and high school students gather for fellowship, worship, discovery, and service during the education hour, complemented by retreats, special events, trips, and service projects throughout the year.
Music at Third Church
Linda Strouf has served as Minister of Music at Third Reformed Church since 1996. She plays the organ, leads the adult singing choirs and the handbell choir, oversees the youth music program, and is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music at Hope College. The adult choir, called Kamerkoor, sings weekly at the 10:00 AM service with rehearsals on Sunday mornings at 8:45 AM. High school students through adults are welcome to join.
A 150-Year Story on 13th Street
Third Reformed Church was organized on September 9, 1867, under the leadership of Dr. Albertus C. Van Raalte, founder of Holland and pastor of the First Reformed Church. Although the congregation was Holland's second Dutch-immigrant congregation affiliated with the Reformed Church, it was called "Third" because Hope Reformed Church, an English-speaking congregation, had been founded in 1862. The first sanctuary was lost in the fire that destroyed two-thirds of Holland on October 9, 1871. While a second structure was being built, its framework was demolished in a high wind on January 2, 1873. With help from donors across the East and Middle West, the present sanctuary was completed in November 1874 and underwent extensive restoration during the centennial celebration of 1967 and 1968. Isaac Cappon, who served on the first consistory, was the first mayor of Holland in 1867 and the first president of the school board in 1874. The congregation has long supported Hope College and Western Theological Seminary.
Building and Facilities
After a discernment process in which the congregation chose to remain in its current location, the facilities were greatly expanded and reopened in 1995. The expansion added a nursery suite, a Gathering Space, a courtyard, a church library, a full kitchen, a multipurpose fellowship hall, a chapel, and an expansive lower-level educational complex. The property also includes a parsonage connected to the church by a large parking lot and a great lawn, with ample street parking available.
Bible Studies and Small Groups
A robust schedule of Bible studies and small groups meets throughout the week. A Women's Bible Study led by Laurie Orlow meets Wednesday mornings at 9:00 AM via Zoom. A Men's Bible Study meets Wednesday mornings at 6:15 AM in the chapel or on Zoom. Wednesday Morning Prayers are held at 8:30 AM via Zoom. Sunrise Saints gathers Thursday mornings at 8:00 AM in the chapel or on Zoom. Monthly women's Bible studies include the Hannah/Elizabeth, Lydia, Martha, Miriam, Rachel, and Ruth circles, each with its own schedule and leader, meeting in the church library or off-site. Small groups include Men's and Women's ministries, in-home Bible studies, and book groups.
Outreach and Justice
Third Reformed Church lives out its call to mercy, love, and justice in tangible ways. The Justice and Equity Team (JET) curates recommended reading and offers programming around closing racial and social gaps. Youth and adult members participate in mission trips, with recent trips going to Frontera de Gracia on the US-Mexico border. The Micro-Pantry serves neighbors facing food insecurity. The church partners with local organizations, including the I Am Academy. Pastor Angel brings a deep commitment to advocacy and walking alongside newcomers as they build life in a new home.
Leadership and Governance
Pastors Ryan Boes, Janelle López-Koolhaas, and Angel López share the preaching and ministry staff. Linda Strouf directs music, and Nick Loubert directs youth ministry. A Church Administrator, Office Manager, Lead Custodian, and Tech Support keep the congregation running day to day. The Consistory includes Governing Elders who provide administrative leadership and Care Elders who provide spiritual care to families across four quadrants of the congregation. Deacons provide ministries of mercy and compassion. A Walk-in Choir and a Tech Team round out volunteer leadership.
Getting Connected
First-time visitors are warmly welcomed at 10:00 AM Sunday worship. Coffee is served before and after the service, and a Fellowship Pad form invites visitors and members to share contact information. Worship is also accessible via Zoom and through recordings posted on the church's YouTube channel. A Church Directory, calendar, newsletter, and prayer community are available, and giving can be made through the church's giving portal.