Hello.
I'm Eric Peterson, Pastor of The Church of Benjamin’s Hope. We believe those affected by disability should never feel disconnected from the essential role they play in furthering the Kingdom of God. Sometimes, those with disabilities struggle with the belief church is not made for them. With that in mind, we have worked hard to offer a radically inclusive gathering space for all.
From the start, our worship gatherings have always been geared towards those of all abilities. Now, that mindset is woven into everything we do, including Club Connect: a weekly gathering for all, focused on relationship building and co-hosted with Hope College.
Having a vision for persons of all abilities, worshipping, serving and growing together is at the heart of all that we do. This is what Jesus taught about, and embodied. For us, it’s really all about connection with God through Christ and connection with one another.
Welcome to The Church of Benjamin’s Hope,
Eric
Dignity-Based Communication
We presume intelligence, and communicate with one another accordingly.
Transcendent Hope
We share an unwavering belief in the transforming power of the love of God seen in the good news of Jesus Christ.
EVERYBODY MATTERS
We strive to have all persons co-laboring in all aspects of church mission and ministry.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
We celebrate all expressions of worship including traditional and non-traditional sounds and movements.
OUR MINISTRIES
THE Church of Benjamin’s Hope
Our Sunday evening service draws people from all over West Michigan together for a time of worship, teaching and connection. Supported by churches throughout the region, The Church of Benjamin’s Hope is an interdenominational community for people of all abilities.
CLUB CONNECT
This weekly friendship club for people of all abilities offers a space to facilitate authentic relationships, play, and connection. From 6-7:30 on Thursday nights, Club Connect is run by Director Justine Watson under the supervision of our lead pastor Eric Peterson. Generally the night will consist of some organic hangout time, brief period of worship & prayer, and then a large group game. All people high school aged and up are welcome to come and connect! An intake form found on the Club Connect tab of this website is required before coming. Email for more information: clubconnect@benjaminshope.net.
VISIT ON SUNDAY
When: 6 pm every Sunday
Where: Benjamin’s Hope (15468 Riley St, Holland, MI 49424)
How long: Services tend to be one hour. During that time, we engage in communal worship and teaching as well as general fellowship.
Who: Everyone. Young and old. Loud and quiet. Every race. Every ethnicity. Every ability. Every gender. All beloved children of God.
What else: We want people to feel comfortable, so we don’t tend to dress up. But also, if you love getting dressed up on a Sunday, we would love to be a place where you can be fancy. Mostly, we want you know that who you are as you are is completely welcome here.
“Belonging to this particular Body of Christ means all participants are invited to lead in ways that naturally fit their abilities. We see this come alive at The Church of Benjamin’s Hope on Sunday nights through those who sing, play drums, pray, greet, pass offering baskets and engage with Pastor Eric to make his sermon a dialogue.”
GET INVOLVED
If you are moved to support the work of The Church of Benjamin’s Hope,
we welcome you to get involved!
Partner Churches
If your church wishes to explore a deeper connection with us, click here to drop us a line and get the conversation started.