Learn about us.

Find out more about Downtown Church.

Who we are.

OUR MISSION

Together we are a community of believers. What does that mean, the word community? We believe that together in fellowship we grow closer to God and one another. The bible speaks about iron sharpening iron. We believe that together we grow stronger. We are a community of believers. 

OUR VISION

We strive to be a church without walls. Jesus calls for us to go outside the walls to reach the lost and the broken. It is there that the lost will be found. Most churches find it is comfortable to stay within the walls, but we make it an effort to be like the church from the book of Acts, to see our city changed.

OUR VALUES

We highly value our relationships with one another. We look to grow through fellowship, and ultimately growing closer to God. We value the word of God, and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We look to extend grace to all of the lost and broken, and lead those with no hope to the hope of Jesus Christ.

Our history.

Small beginnings

1.   Founded in 1953 by a small group of believers in the city of Battle Creek.  The church had 17 people in their first service.

 

2.  The church started on Grand Truck Street and later moved to Goaguac Street.

 

3.  In 1998 the church relocated to 226 Capital Ave NE, and remained there for the next 24 years.

 

4. Currently, the church is meeting at DoubleTree by Hilton Battle Creek (formerly McCamly Plaza Hotel)
50 SW Capital Ave / Hamblin Ave Battle Creek MI 49017. until the construction of the new building is finished in the late Fall of 2024.


5. The church is currently redesigning its new home at 135 Hamblin Ave and should have its grand opening in the late Fall of 2024.

Our Leadeship.

Mark & Julie Hopper

Senior Pastors

Mark & Julie Hopper have been leading the church since 1996. Prior to coming to Downtown Church they were Associate Pastors at Christ Apostolic Church in Louisville, KY. They were also world evangelists ministering mainly to children and youth. They have had the opportunity to minister in over 80 youth camps and campmeetings. Pastor has also taught hundreds of seminars and is know for his solid Bible teachings. Pastor Hopper was also the former Principle of South Louisville Christian School. Julie is a recording artist and has traveled and her singing has blessing many.  

 

The Hopper's have a true heart for Battle Creek and Calhoun County. They want to see true change in this area and will not stop until that dream is fulfilled.

Austin and Stephanie Hopper

Lead Pastors

Austin and Stephanie Hopper have been the Lead Pastors since June 2023. Prior to coming back to Downtown Church they served as the Senior Pastors at Lighthouse Church in Dowagiac, MI. Pastor Austin has also served as the UPC Michigan District Youth President and Secretary. They also served at this church as both Youth and Music Pastors before going to Dowagiac.

 

Stephanie was born and raised in Detroit, MI. Together with Austin they have three beautiful children, Jackson, Juliana, and Jace.

 

Downtown Church is priveledged to have this energetic team leading the future of the church.