Our Story
How it all started...
Sunrise Ministries, led by Pastor Dave Breen, held its first worship service on October 19, 2003. At that time, 35 families were a part of this brand-new congregation. After worshipping in rented spaces for 13 years, in March of 2016, Sunrise stepped out in faith to begin a capital campaign to raise funds for a permanent home. The former Friendship Chapel in Jenison was purchased and renovated, and the first service was celebrated in this new home on November 19, 2017.
Expanding the vision...
The mission statement of Sunrise Ministries communicates that we believe we are called to “Transform the World Through God’s Grace and Love.” Sunrise is committed to transforming its families, its community, and the world through God’s indescribable grace and unending love.
Today Sunrise Ministries is a growing, healthy church that has been in existence for more than 19 years. Sunrise worship is a creative celebration designed to communicate the grace of God in fresh ways. It is an independent church and members from a wide spectrum of ages and many different backgrounds have found a home here. The community is energetic and maintains a passionate commitment to be real people who bring the message of grace to the world.
Today Sunrise Ministries is a growing, healthy church that has been in existence for more than 19 years. Sunrise worship is a creative celebration designed to communicate the grace of God in fresh ways. It is an independent church and members from a wide spectrum of ages and many different backgrounds have found a home here. The community is energetic and maintains a passionate commitment to be real people who bring the message of grace to the world.
Where we are headed...
The vision for 2023 – 2026 calls for Sunrise Ministries to:
1) grow deeper in its relationship to God by knowing Him better through personal Bible reading and prayer as well as through discipleship training;
2) grow closer in its relationships to each other by providing a safe environment that promotes authenticity and care for each other as well as through community building activities and opportunities;
3) grow wider through awareness and involvement in the Sunrise Ministries community as well as local and world partnerships.
1) grow deeper in its relationship to God by knowing Him better through personal Bible reading and prayer as well as through discipleship training;
2) grow closer in its relationships to each other by providing a safe environment that promotes authenticity and care for each other as well as through community building activities and opportunities;
3) grow wider through awareness and involvement in the Sunrise Ministries community as well as local and world partnerships.
We will be Biblical
Incorporating Scripture into every area of our lives
Scripture is God’s living word. It is alive and active, shaping our paths in the world. It guides us to a proper relationship with our Creator. We believe that it speaks into every aspect of life, work, ministry, teaching, play, thinking, conversation, relationship, giving, etc. Our life is governed by God’s Word so we can live in an intimate relationship with God.
We will be Evangelistic
Sharing God’s message of grace through word and deed
Jesus announced to the world that He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). He explained that the way to reconciliation with God comes through trusting and following Him. Jesus met people wherever they were and spoke this truth in both word and deed. We are called to do the same. We will meet people where they are and share Jesus’ message of being the way, the truth, and the life. We will share this message in our words but also in our lifestyles and deeds.
We will be Authentic
Open to share our lives and journey with each other
God intends for us to live in community that is marked by intimacy, trust, and raw honesty. We were created to be known and to know others. Sin disrupted this community and introduced isolation, shame, and the fear of being known. We strive to overcome this by living in relationships marked by openness, trust, and honesty. We will share our journeys and lives openly on Sundays, in groups, and in everyday life by providing care, accountability, and love for one another. We are real people living real lives with a real God.
We will be Compassionate
Caring for the needs of the poor and disenfranchised
Jesus modeled a life marked by care and compassion to the forgotten, outcast, poor, and oppressed. He explained that the way you treat the “least” is the way that you treat Him (Matthew 25:40). For us to live in God’s Kingdom is to have a heart that is transformed by God’s mercy towards our own brokenness. When our hearts are transformed by God’s grace, we, in turn, will have hearts bent towards loving the “least.” We will be compassionate, caring for those who are broken and in need.
We will be Thankful
Celebrating God’s grace shown to us
God’s grace is amazing. Grace restores our relationship with our Creator and allows us to live in harmony with the world and each other. God’s grace allows us to find fulfillment and purpose in our lives. Our response to His grace is thankfulness. Therefore, we seek creative, passionate, God-honoring thanks that transforms our hearts. We will focus our time, effort, energy, and excellence in creating corporate forms of worship that are passionate expressions of thanks and celebration. But it doesn’t stop on Sunday morning. In everything else we do (work, play, relationship, groups, etc.), our focus is to bring God glory and praise.