Logo 180x125 at Downtown Church in Battle Creek, MI

Learn about us

Find out more about Downtown Church.

Who we are

Our Mission new Downtown Church in Battle Creek, MI

OUR MISSION

Love God, Love People. Serve God, Serve People.

Our Vision new Downtown Church in Battle Creek, MI

OUR VISION

“We strive to be a church that looks beyond our walls—reaching the lost, serving those in need, and bringing lasting change to our city, just like the early church in Acts.”

Our Values new Downtown Church in Battle Creek, MI

OUR VALUES

“We treasure our relationships and nurture them through fellowship, drawing closer to God together. We honor God’s Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our heart is to extend grace to the lost and broken and lead the hopeless to hope in Jesus Christ.”

Meet Our Leadership

Austin and Stephanie Newest Cut at Downtown Church in Battle Creek, MI

Pastor Austin and Stephanie Hopper

Senior Pastor

Pastor Austin and Stephanie Hopper share a deep love for God, family, and people. Together, they have dedicated their lives to serving others through ministry, education, and community involvement.

 

Austin serves as Senior Pastor of Downtown Church. His ministry experience includes serving as Music Director, Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, and Executive Pastor. Stephanie is an educator with a caring heart for children and families and has faithfully served alongside Austin throughout their years of ministry.

 

They believe church should be a family where people feel loved, find encouragement, and grow in their relationship with Jesus. Austin and Stephanie are the proud parents of Jackson, Juliana, and Jase and consider their family one of God’s greatest gifts.

Newest Bishop and Wife at Downtown Church in Battle Creek, MI

Bishop Mark & Julie Hopper

Bishop and Wife

Bishop Mark and Julie Hopper have dedicated more than four decades to ministry, sharing a deep love for God, people, and the local church.

 

Since coming to Battle Creek in 1996, they have invested their lives in Downtown Church and the surrounding community. Mark served as Senior Pastor for 30 years, guiding the congregation through growth, change, and expansion. In August 2026, he became Bishop of Downtown Church and continues to offer encouragement, mentorship, and spiritual support as Pastor Austin leads the congregation.

 

Mark continues to share practical, Bible-based teaching through preaching, speaking, and writing. Julie serves as Church Administrator, helping support the church’s ministries, communications, and community outreach. Her love for encouraging others also finds expression through music and writing.

 

Both are authors of Christian books, devotionals, novels, prayer guides, Bible study resources, and children’s books. Through these resources, they help readers grow in faith and apply God’s Word to everyday life.

 

Their roles have changed, but their commitment remains strong. Mark and Julie continue to serve Downtown Church, Battle Creek, and Calhoun County with a desire to strengthen families, encourage believers, and share the hope of Jesus Christ.