Frequently Asked Questions

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What’s a Lutheran congregation?

Fair question. We are part of the oldest Protestant tradition in the wider Christian church. Lutheran churches, like ours, are the direct fruit of what happened when Martin Luther began certain reforms back in 1517. Our denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), is the biggest Lutheran body in the United States. We are also one of the oldest congregations in Grand Rapids, having been organized back in 1873. While we have a particular story within the Swedish tradition, we also strive to be ecumencial and find partnerships with everyone interested in the health and vitality of our communities.

Your building doesn’t look like a typical church?

No it doesn’t. Back in 2007 we left our neo-gothic sanctuary in Heritage Hill and relocated within the heart and soul of the Heartside neighborhood. Our current building was once a parking lot and repair garage for the Post Office. We repurposed the space to have an indoor garage on the first floor and a beautiful sanctuary and intergenerational center on the second floor. Being part of Heartside has also reenergized our commitment to ecumenical partnership and social justice. While we no longer have a steeple, we are now happily centered in one of the most exciting and diverse neighborhoods in West Michigan. We care deeply about accessibility and have a gender inclusive bathroom available.

What is worship at Bethlehem like?

The rhythm of our worship involves four main movements: being gathered as a broken and loved people; experiencing God’s Word; sharing the meal of God’s grace; being sent back into the world to embody the gospel of God’s love. People of all ages worship together, though we also have a nursery during worship. Our main musical instrument is a piano. You will also experience our choir, bell choir, cello, flue, guitar, and various types of other instruments. The stereotype that Lutherans love music fits our congregation. We are also committed to providing safe space for people who have been raised in the faith as well as for those with questions, curiosity, and doubt.

Who is invited to celebrate at this weekly communion?

Short answer, everyone! We believe that the meal is a means of God’s amazing grace and we would love for people to experience and grow in such grace.

Can my child be baptized?

Like Holy Communion, we believe that baptism is also a gift of God’s grace. Our tradition celebrates infant baptism, as well as adult baptism for those who haven’t been baptized as children/youth. We also believe that it takes a village to raise our children in the faith, which is why would want at least one of the parents/guardians to be invested members within our church family. Feel free to contact the pastor for more information. We love talking about baptism and deeper growth in faith.

Can I get married in Bethlehem’s sanctuary?

Yes and we would love to have a deeper relationship with you. It is our practice that people married at Bethlehem are either members or
people in the process of becoming members. As a Reconciling in Christ congregation, please also know that we celebrate LGBTQ weddings. Contact the pastor for more information on our wedding policy.

Do you have a welcoming statement?

Yes we do. Bethlehem Church welcomes all of God’s children. We welcome people of every age, size, color, culture, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, marital status, ability, and challenge. ALL are welcome here!