How We Got Started!

A Vision for Church Planting

There are nearly 5 million people in Metro Detroit. It seems like there are a lot of churches, but did you know that Metro Detroit is one of the most "unchurched" areas of the nation? There are not nearly enough churches for the number of people in our city!

Bell Creek Community Church's first Sunday service was March 2, 2003. Bell Creek began as a 'church-plant' from Oak Pointe Church (OPC) in Novi, MI. OPC is itself a plant from Highland Park Baptist Church, and was launched in 1997 by pastors Bob Shirock, Joel Lindman, Paul Jenkinson, and a great group of people who were excited about seeing what God wanted to do in the city of Novi. OPC began with a vision to plant more churches, and after four years into the ministry there, Joel Lindman felt God speaking to his heart to launch another church. In September of 2003, with the blessing and strong support of OPC, the Bell Creek Church Plant team began to pray and plan for a launch in Livonia. With 40 adults and 30 kids, we set out and enjoyed our first service in the Franklin High School auditorium on the corner of Joy and Merriman.

Why Plant a Church in Livonia?

It's simple. We wanted to go where the people live. There are a 100,000 people in Livonia, and there are churches in the area, but many who live in Livonia and the surrounding communities have given up on church...but they are still interested in who God is. Ten years after we started we are about 400 people.

Who are we affiliated with?

We are not part of a denomination but we are connected locally, nationally and internationally by relationships with other evangelicals for mutual encouragement and accountability. We draw from the friends and churches we are connected with for their wisdom and experience. God has given us some priceless relationships with friends from Africa, France, the U.K. and the U.S.

Where are we going?

Do we need a permanent building? We would be thrilled if God provided us with a bigger facility, but our primary focus will always be on teaching the Word of God, Prayer and Discipleship no matter where we meet.

Our story has just started so it's a great time to join in. God has already taken us on some unexpected twists and turns and we're excited to see what happens next!