WHO WE ARE
We officially launched Unison Christian Church on April 5, 2015, in the multi-purpose space of Buchanan Elementary. Since the launch, we have worked with many local churches and community organizations to spread the truth of Jesus Christ and instill hope into the hearts of those in the 49507 community.
We have earmarked this specific community of Grand Rapids, MI for a couple of reasons:
The residents of this community have the most even spread of ethnic diversity in all of West Michigan and it is about 47% non-Christian (and growing.) As a new church plant, dedicated to healthy multi-ethnic ministry, there was no way we could ignore those stats. We want to be a part of reversing the trend of decline in the Church.
A large part of Unison’s vision is to foster relationships with other local churches in this region for practical ministry and fellowship together. This community has many churches that are currently separated by ethnic, doctrinal and socioeconomic lines. While these churches have served the community well in the past, the growing number of unchurched members in this community has inspired us to launch a new ministry that is dedicated to reaching those far from Christ in this ever evolving culture.
OUR STAFF
Chase Rashad
Lead Pastor
My hope for Unison Christian Church is that we will become a community dedicated to loving, growing, and serving together. My hope is that the light of Christ will shine through us so brightly that people from all walks of life will be brought together, united around the truth of Jesus.
I pray that the 49507 community is deeply impacted by the love of Christ through the unity of the Church and as a result, students will perform better in school, adults will gain valuable skills that will advance them in the marketplace, violence and crime will diminish, employment will rise, and hope will flourish.
OUR MISSION
Kristina Carpenter
Outreach Pastor
My hope for Unison is to be a church that exudes the love of Christ from the moment you walk through our doors - a place where people of all ages, cultures, or race immediately feel accepted, loved, and welcomed. And through that love others would come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior so that together we can grow in Christ and serve each other and the community.
My hope for this community is that Unison would be an instrument God uses to unite the body of Christ to love and serve the community together and reach those without hope with the saving love of Jesus Christ! My prayer is that we would be known as a safe place that loves, serves, accepts, disciples, and equips others to be all that God created them to be.
Lieza Bates
Spiritual Formtaions Director
My hope for Unison is that we will be a place where people walk in and feel known. I want them to feel a warmth and belonging they haven't known before. I am so passionate about connection - first with God and then out of that overflow, onto others.
My hope for this community is that they would see how much we love them: simply for who they are. I'm excited to see the relationships develop and impact the 49507 zip code.
Christine Stancle
Director of Operations
My hope for Unison is that we will have a great impact on the Kingdom of God. I want it to be a place where people feel a real presence and connection with Jesus and become excited about growing in their relationship with our Savior.
My hope for the 49507 zip code is that they would see Unison as a beacon of light and hope. That Unison would be viewed as a positive resource, where people can build relationships and grow in their relationship with Christ.
Candace Martin
Executive Director
My hope for Unison is to be a church that exudes the love of Christ from the moment you walk through our doors - a place where people of all ages, cultures, or race immediately feel accepted, loved, and welcomed. And through that love others would come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior so that together we can grow in Christ and serve each other and the community.
My hope for this community is that Unison would be an instrument God uses to unite the body of Christ to love and serve the community together and reach those without hope with the saving love of Jesus Christ! My prayer is that we would be known as a safe place that loves, serves, accepts, disciples, and equips others to be all that God created them to be.