Impact Report 2025
God has moved in big ways in and through Encounter in 2025! Let's look at how he has impacted our church and the surrounding communities throughout this year.
Numerical Impact
This year, our church experienced incredible numerical growth, a clear reflection of the impact God is making through our community.
8.5%
average monthly increase in attendance, even while under construction!
17
individuals who said “yes” to showing the world they’ve been raised with Christ by getting baptized
11
babies who took their first steps of faith through baptism this year
Every number is a name
“I just wanted to let you know how thankful I am that God led us to Encounter. There seems to be many hard and heavy things in my life right now and I am so very grateful that I have a place to rest in Him and soak in what He has for me every week.” - Jennifer
Kids!
God continues to make a big impact in our Kids! Ministry
371
Kids! Checked in
102
Adult leaders
26
Student Leaders (under the age of 18) - another generation of leaders is rising up!
Favorite Craft
An overwhelming favorite was the Celebration Shaker from the Sunday Kids! learned the Luke 15 Bible story
Favorite Game
Christmas Rock n’ Roll from the Sunday Kids! learned about the Luke 1 Bible story
Every metric has meaning
“Camp helped squash my fears of God not being real. That thought had been haunting me at home and at church, but after I gave my life to Jesus I felt my fears drift away.”
YOUTH
Our 6th through 12th grade students continue to be impacted by what God is doing in and through the YOUTH ministry at Encounter.
32
students and leaders sent to Never The Same Camp
18
schools represented in our ministry
44
ones identified by students during the Next Yes Campaign
“[At Camp] I found faith for myself
instead of just my parents’ faith. It was the first time I really felt the presence of God... I worry less about certain things because I know that He is with me and has a plan for my life.”
Each stat is a story
“My faith truly became my own about four years ago when I began seeking God for myself. Through that season, God used my struggles to discipline and show me His grace, leading me to experience the peace described in Philippians 4:7 and now I’m choosing to trust His plan fully and live boldly without looking back.” - Aguma's baptism testimony
Guest Experience
God uses our Guest Experience ministry to create amazingly hospitable environments that impact how people feel about God.
10
new volunteers - Plus, 1 ENTIRE family choosing to serve together!
16
GE teams successfully combined into one serving force during our “all together” time
11,808
cups of coffee served. That's 1968 more than last year!
9,960
bagels served
6,000
muffins served
24
hours spent this summer using our newest GE space: the big tent on the lawn at FH. That's a whole day of bringing the church outside for our neighbors to see and be invited into!
Every number is a story
“I love this church and my small group and the ministry. I encountered a compassionate, loving God who embraced me despite my frustration.” - David
Groups
God uses the groups ministry at Encounter to impact people not just on Sundays but throughout the week
26
different groups gathered as Encounter family - that's 4 more than last year!
36
total group leaders
3
Book studies were launched
Every person matters
“I met Jesus during a time when I was searching for peace and purpose. In the middle of uncertainty, I encountered His love in a way that was deeply personal, through Scripture, prayer, and the quiet assurance that I wasn’t alone. His grace transformed my heart, and from that moment, my life took on new meaning. I'm grateful every day for that encounter and for the journey of growing closer to Him.” - Cyianna's baptism testimony
Worship
God uses the worship ministry at Encounter to impact people through music and production
Top Songs
My Testimony by Elevation Worship and Worship! by TAYA were the most popular songs this year at Encounter
2
broadcast location moves
Each number is a life
“I didn’t grow up in a Christian home and spent years knowing Christ but still chasing a world that led me into addiction and emptiness. At Encounter, God met me, broke me, and renewed me. Then, when I finally surrendered, He welcomed me back, made me new, and set me free.” - Melody's's baptism testimony
Young Adults
God uses the young adults ministry, After Hours, at Encounter to impact people aged 18-29 in the Grand Rapids metro.
>30
People involved in After Hours
14
New people involved since the beginning of the fall semester
14
Times After Hours has gathered to study the Bible
323
“Ones” we committed to praying would come to Christ
204
financial commitments to remove the barriers preventing people from experiencing Jesus
161
days Kentwood and Fulton Heights were combined into one BIG location
52
weeks, to the day, between announcing the Next Yes Campaign and the projected Grand Opening
2,295,640
dollars committed to bringing people far from God to new life in Christ!!
3
Encounter locations receiving an investment: Kentwood, Fulton Heights, and Nepal
60,000
approximate square feet of ministry space being upgraded
God made a huge impact through Doing Good month this year. As a church, we raised $30,018.15 for ICCF Community Homes. Because of your generosity, we get to renovate one house in the Grand Rapids area and help end generational poverty one family at a time.
A note from Dirk
Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support! Your generosity brings people far from God to new life in Christ. Help finish the year strong by making a year-end gift.
On Mission Together,
Dirk VanEyk
Lead Pastor
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All Rights Reserved.