Grand Rapids Metro Ministry

Metro Ministry’s official history began in Grand Rapids in October 1954. The ministry was stablished by the Grand Rapids District Conference of the United Methodist Church to address issues of affordable housing, hunger and GR District new church development. In recent years, our mission has ben updated to emphasize training/equipping United Methodists to be more effective in community outreach efforts.

The Grand Rapids District and Metro leadership is critically aware of the challenges urban churches face in transitional neighborhoods. Several of our churches are facing closure within 2-4 years if we do not address these issues. The neighborhoods surrounding our urban churches are also in crisis.

Beginning in 2006, Metro Ministry formed a partnership with the District Superintendent and others (known as the Urban Ministries Task Force} to examine issues and causes. We have been committed to building relationships for effective collaborations across our Grand Rapids United Methodist connections. In recent years the task force has organized many opportunities for learning, worship and fellowship among UM clergy and laity in metropolitan Grand Rapids.
 

Our Mission

The United Methodist Metropolitan Ministry is committed to inspire and equip United Methodists to serve Christ in transforming the Greater Grand Rapids area.
 

Our Goals and Vision

To see the day when Christ’s peace and justice is a reality for all people in the Greater Grand Rapids area.
 

Form more information, please download a copy of our 2009 Annual Report and our 2011 Application for Funding from the United Methodist Grand Rapids District Conference. These documents outline our ministry successes and goals for the future.