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Discovering Forest Park
Our Story
In 1875, Swedish immigrants who called themselves "Mission Friends" began arriving in Muskegon and gathering together for worship and Christian fellowship. One June 7, 1881, the group officially organized and call themselves "The Swedish Christian Evangelical Lutheran Mission Church" of Muskegon.
In April 1882, their first pastor, J.P. Lindell, was called to serve the church and in December 1883, their first church building was erected on the corner of Yuba and Gidding Streets. When the Swedish Evangelical Mission Covenant denomination was formed on September 26, 1885, the Muskegon church was one of its charter members.
Our Purpose
Believing the Bible is the Word of God, our mission is to demonstrate that Jesus Christ meets the deepest needs of people in every generation.
Our vision provides a glimpse at who we are becoming-a community of believers who strive to help people Connect to God, Connect to one another, and Connect to the world.
We value the power of the Word of God to change lives.
- For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Our Beliefs
Our denomination, the Evangelical Covenant Church has historically held six primary theological affirmations:
- The Centrality of Scripture. The Bible is God's Word to us and is the only reliable authoritative source for life. It is a practical book which not only informs us but also guides and encourages us.
- The New Life in Christ. There is a spiritual change in us that takes place when we, by faith, establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We become "born anew" and "new creatures.
- The Church as a Fellowship of Believers. Close relationships with other believers for friendship, accountability and support, have always been seen as an important part of our spiritual life with Christ.
- God's active role in our daily life through his Holy Spirit. One of God's greatest gifts is his Spirit which helps us in understanding the Bible and in the daily decisions we all face.
- The Reality of Freedom in Christ. The Covenant Church has always sought to keep "the main things the main things" and to allow for diversity of viewpoints on the secondary issues of faith.
- Mission is the driving force of the Church. We exist as much for the people outside our doors as for the people inside them. God calls us to find the lost and help the hurting through ministries of evangelism and compassion.
For a more detailed explanation of Covenant Affirmations, visit the Evangelical Covenant Church of America web site.
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For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace… Everything
should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
-1 Corinthians 14:33-40
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone
was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs
were done by the apostles. All the believers were together
and had everything in common.
- Acts 2:42-44
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can
see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.
- John 3:3
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone,
the new has come!
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
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