What can I expect on my first visit?

Don’t worry, we won’t make you stand up in the service or anything like that. One thing we do each week is “Pass the Peace of Christ.” At most churches this is a quick handshake. Ours…is a little longer. We intentionally make it about 10 minutes so you can refill coffee, actually talk with those sitting near you, meet someone new, ya know, fellowship. We try to make sure that introverts feel welcome, too. So, if you aren’t wanting to chat with anyone it’s ok to say just say hi and then stay seated.

Where are you located exactly?

121 Sheldon Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI. It’s got a large sign on it that says “The Vault.” It’s nestled in between Dwelling Place and Dégagé Ministries. Feel free to park in the parking lots on either side of the building, or on the street (it’s free on Sundays)

What should I wear?

You will find people from jeans and a t-shirt, to a button up and tie, to a sundress, to a romper. The pastors will even wear any and all combinations of those items as well. Many people wear City Chapel “CHAPEL” shirts, and if you’d like one stop on by and ask for one! They go for $10, but if that is what stops you from asking for one, we’d gladly give it to you for free.

Do you do communion and what should I do?

We do communion every week. Anyone who has given their life to Christ as their Lord and Savior is welcome to participate in communion with us! We partake in communion by a term called “intinction.” Which means we dip the bread into the cup of grape juice and then return to our seats eating the dipped bread on the way. Because of COVID-19, we have been doing it differently for health reasons — everyone is handed a piece of bread and a mini cup from someone who has just used hand sanitizer. We do it this way for the foreseeable future to minimize germ spread.

Do you offer childcare?

Yes! We offer childcare to children 0-5 years old. Our volunteers must pass a background check. We also love having children in the main worship space, so feel free to bring them in with you!

Is your building ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant?

Yes! With that said, we realize we are not experts in disability justice, so we gladly want any feedback in this regard.

It’s the fifth Sunday of the month…why aren’t you here?

That means it’s an EMBRACE SUNDAY!
Every month that has 5 Sundays in it, that fifth Sunday is what we call an Embrace Sunday where we do a service project in the city to practice loving our neighbors well. You can find out more HERE!

What if I hear or read something that confuses/frustrates me in a blog or sermon?

One thing we VALUE at City Chapel is the “Desire to Listen & Learn.” Please, reach out to either Pastor Ron or Pastor Anna (Contact Us). If you’d rather talk to someone who is not a Pastor but still a leader in the church, reach out to Elizabeth Bosscher or Garrett Stier and they can point you in the right direction.

How long are your Sunday Services, generally speaking?

They last about 1 hour…generally speaking. Give or take 15mins…generally speaking.

What does “Discipleship” mean?

Great question! We wrote about what discipleship at City Chapel means at length HERE.

Can I attend City Chapel virtually?

Yep! While we hope, if you’re available, feeling healthy, and able, to join us in person, we realize that isn’t always possible, for various reasons. And so we want to be as accessible as possible. You can join us virtually via: Instagram Live, Facebook Live, or Youtube Live.

Go to THIS PAGE to find all resources for Sunday Services

Instagram: instagram.com/citychapelgr
Facebook: facebook.com/citychapelgr
Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UCtKmlIqAf4VmvsVS_RhbF2A

What does your Leadership look like?

Have you been listening to “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill” podcast, too? Same. Thank you for asking.

City Chapel has a Governing Board that comprises of a pastor from 2 of our sending churches, 2 Lay Leaders from the sending churches, 2 Lay Leaders from City Chapel, and one pastor from City Chapel (Ron). This Board meets every month.

We also have a Leadership Team of 4 Staff (Pastor Anna, Pastor Ron, Liturgical Arts Director Garrett, & Communications Coordinator Elizabeth) and 4 Lay Leaders.

We learn from many diverse voices (female, male, black, white) including preaching.

If you would like to see our budget contact us and we’ll get you a copy

More info can be found HERE.