Beginnings
Covenant CRC began as a daughter of River Terrace CRC in East Lansing in order to provide a worship center on Lansing’s west side. Services began in the Lansing Christian Elementary School building, located on Barnes Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard in May, 1979. Rapid growth and exciting ministry characterized the early years of Covenant. By June, 1980 we had grown to 40 families and were formally organized as an independent congregation.

Asian Ministry
During the summer of 1980, a Laotian and a Hmong (tribal group in the Laotian mountain area, who had migrated originally from China) refugee family were brought to the church. Since we were committed to cross cultural evangelism, we began special classes to instruct them. The classes attracted other Asian refugees and the Holy Spirit worked mightily. On Pentecost Sunday, June 7, 1981, sixteen Asian people professed their faith in the Lord Jesus. For a time, Asians and Anglos worshiped side-by-side. To overcome some of the language difficulties we called in 1987 a Hmong Evangelist Houa Yang, to preach and minister to the Hmong. The Laotians chose to continue worshipping with the Anglos. Since then the group has been served by Evangelists: Daniel Moua, Cher Houa Yang and currently by a son of the congregation, Nenghoua Vang - who is presently attending Calvin Seminary. They now meet every Sunday afternoon. The Hmong church has grown to over 19 families, including 105 people. Their goal is to grow to become an independent congregation.

The Need for Permanent Space to Worship
In 1982 the Lord provided 24 acres of land at St. Joseph Highway and I-96 for a future building site. Plans were developed in 1988 for a 9400 square foot worship center but funds were not available to construct the hoped for building. In 1990 we were able to purchase our current building from a Seventh Day Adventist Congregation. In 2000 we sold a portion of our land, while retaining 8.5 acres. The proceeds from this sale were used to pay off the debt on our building in Grand Ledge.

Ministers
Rev. Jacob Heerema, from Reformed Bible College, became our first pastor in 1982. Rev. Heerema served Covenant CRC until 1988 when he left to take a position at the Christian Reformed Church denominational headquarters.

In 1989 Covenant CRC called Rev. Robert Broekema from Lynwood, Washington. In 1994, Rev. Broekema took a call to Alameda, California.

In 1995, Rev. Ronald Baker came to us from Iowa. In the fall of 1999 Rev. Baker took a position of leadership in the Holland Deacons Conference, Holland, Michigan.

In 2000, Pastor Spencer Tuttle became our interim pastor. In January 2001, Pastor Tuttle accepted a call to serve our congregation as our fourth pastor. In the spring of 2006 he left the ministry of Covenant CRC.

Rev. Sidney Draayer is currently serving as Covenant’s Interim Pastor.

The congregation of Covenant CRC will have our final worship service on May 20.

Many Blessings
God has richly blessed us and we look forward to continuing to serve Him in Grand Ledge and Lansing’s west side.