authentic.relational.Christianity

OUR CHURCH

History

Beliefs

Vision

Ministry Staff

It's often amazing to see what can happen when people have a common goal. The Word of God tells us not to despise small beginnings. The history of Lake Michigan Christian Center is an account of how the small can grow into something no one could have imagined.

In 1929 four families united together and began German-speaking services in Bridgman. They purchased a facility and held regular meetings led by their own brethren. The small church experienced growth and after a number of years felt the need for pastoral oversight. Brother and Sister Alfred Jensen answered that call and assumed the ministry for a number of years. After their departure Wm. Grams pastored the flock for several years. It was in 1939 that the church decided to become affiliated with the Assemblies of God.

In the early 1950's the church began to build toward its current form. A few notable people had a large impact on the progress of the growing fellowship. Among these were Frank and Elizabeth Wolf, Chester Brey, and Alma Hildebrand, each of whom contributed countless hours and faithful support to what became Bridgman Assembly of God.

In 1952 Reverend and Mrs. Arnold Ratter began pastoral ministry at the Bridgman Assembly church. They ministered faithfully until 1977. Within time the assembly grew as the Lord blessed and the people were saved. It was evident that a new facility was needed. Some land was acquired from the district and construction of a new building was under way. Many hours of labor by the faithful congregation saw what some believed to be "Too big a project for so few" become a reality. The facility was dedicated in 1978, and now serves as the home of Kidnation.

Due to declining health, Reverend Ratter decided to pull back from full-time ministry. The Reverend and Mrs. Alfred Ziefle were called to the Pastoral position in 1978 and ministered faithfully for seven years. Under Reverend Ziefle's ministry, the building project was completed and the congregation grew into a solid group of stable, committed believers. During his pastorate the church established itself. They were able to support a full-time pastor, and brought on a part-time youth pastor. Feeling a call to return to Germany in ministry, Reverend Ziefle left the Pastorate in March of 1985.

In April of 1985 Rev. and Mrs. Larry Olson came to assume the Pastoral ministry of Bridgman Assembly. Pastor Larry had served for more than four years as Associate Pastor at First Assembly of God, formerly in Benton Harbor, Michigan. During that time he had ministered at Bridgman Assembly several times and had established a close relationship with the congregation.

Pastors Larry & Karyn OlsonUnder Pastor Larry's ministry the church continued to grow and within two years it was decided to offer a second morning worship service on Sunday. This would allow for new families to more easily integrate into the Assembly. During this time the Assembly approached their District leadership concerning the purchase of an additional four acres of land adjacent to the church property. This purchase was approved at the district council and the concept of an additional facility became more realistic.

Within a few months the assembly unanimously approved the construction of a new sanctuary facility. On July 17, 1988 groundbreaking ceremonies were held and construction was under way. The assembly served as its own general contractor with Fritz Wolf serving in building oversight. R.G. Rogien Construction of Eau Claire, MI, and Pollee Masonry Construction of Stevensville did the majority of the construction.

Despite all of the help from outside businesses, there were many jobs that the people of Bridgman Assembly accomplished themselves. Among these were the roofing, closing-in of the west wall, the finishing of the platform area and off platform rooms, the sanctuary lighting and the installation of the sound system. In January of 1992 dedication plans were tentatively made for July of 1992 during district family camp. Conflicts prevented this from happening and the dedication was rescheduled for October 10, 11, and 12.

Since the dedication of the bigger facilities, our church has been called to be a regional Christian center, while the church name of Bridgman Assembly of God reflected a localized ministry. Therefore in 1996, a near unanimous vote was passed approving for the church's name of Bridgman Assembly of God to be henceforth known as Lake Michigan Christian Center; however the name change would not change the church's affiliation with the Assemblies of God on a district or national level.

LAKE MICHIGAN CHRISTIAN CENTER
9955 S. Church Street
Bridgman, MI 49106
(269)465-5337