Church Planting

At First Pres we are involved in church planting in Michigan and around the world. We believe that church planting is an essential way that the gospel is taken to our communities. We seek to apply our vision to MAKE, MATURE, and MULTIPLY disciples to our church planting endeavors as well. Contact us if you'd like to find out how you can get involved.

MAKING an investment

As members of Acts 29, we support several church plants financially; both in Michigan and overseas.

Restore Church

Detroit, MI

Pastors Mike Hanafee and Clete Bontrager  moved from Portland, OR to plant Restore Church in Detroit in 2010. Since then they have been joined by Charles Bovan.

Learn More

Cornerstone Church

Detroit, MI

Pastor Tyler St.Clair grew up on the west side of Detroit and has a strong desire for the people of his city to come to know and serve Christ. Cornerstone Church was planted in 2016.

Learn More

New City Presbyterian Church

South Bend, In

Pastor Luke Potter is seeking to reach the surrounding neighborhoods in South Bend, Indiana.  

Learn More

New Life Church

Middlesbrough, England

Pastor Ian Williamson is planting in the council estates (government housing) of Middlesbrough.

Learn More

Merkinch Free Church

Inverness, Scotland

Pastor Chris Davidson is planting Merkinch Free Church in Inverness, Scotland.

Learn More

MATURING planters

Our church planting residency is a 2-3 year program in which planters are prepared to be sent out to their chosen location. Planters meet regularly with other church planters in the area and are given extensive theological and practical training.

Church Planting Residents

Image

Dom Marko

2024-Present

Image

Jerry Croyts

2022-2024

Image

Eric Keel

2021-present

Image

Mela Siona

2022

Image

Jeremy Roth

2020-2022

Image

Chris Caldwell

2019-2022

Completed residency in 2022 and is now serving as Associate Pastor at Springbrook Church Antigo in White Lake, Wisconsin.

Image

Josh Speyers

2018-2019

Completed residency in 2019 and planted Abundant Mercy Church in Detroit, Michigan.

Image

Jason Aaron

2017-2018

Completed residency in 2018 and planted Outpost Church in Monroe, Michigan.

Image

Brian Evans

2015-2016

Completed residency in 2016 and planted 5 Point 7 Church in Detroit, Michigan.

Image

Jim Mong

 2015

Completed residency in 2015 and planted Redeemer A2 Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

MULTIPLYING churches

We have helped several of our residents plant and continue to support them as they minister in their various contexts.

Redeemer A2

Ann Arbor, MI
Learn More

5point7 Community Church

Detroit, MI
Learn More

Outpost Community Church

Monroe, MI
Learn More

Abundant Mercy Church

Detroit, MI
Learn More