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.
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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.
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New City Presbyterian Church
South Bend, In
Pastor Luke Potter is seeking to reach the surrounding neighborhoods in South Bend, Indiana.
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New Life Church
Middlesbrough, England
Pastor Ian Williamson is planting in the council estates (government housing) of Middlesbrough.
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Merkinch Free Church
Inverness, Scotland
Pastor Chris Davidson is planting Merkinch Free Church in Inverness, Scotland.
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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

Jim Mong
2015

Brian Evans
2015-2016

Jason Aaron
2017-2018

Josh Speyers
2018-2019

Chris Caldwell
2019-present

Jeremy Roth
2020-present

Eric Keel
2021-present
MULTIPLYING churches
We have helped several of our residents plant and continue to support them as they minister in their various contexts.