Vision

It’s September 1st, 2026, and Ann Arbor Community Church continues to thrive. Housed in a space that was once the World of Wheels skating rink, transformed into the Ann Arbor Civic Theater, and now our permanent home, our church embraces change that leads to new life.

Ann Arbor Community Church began as a sanctuary for those grappling with anxiety, loss, and a lack of purpose. Entering the building, visitors are immediately enveloped by a comforting sense of belonging, greeted warmly as though returning old friends.

The gallery space offers not only donuts and good coffee but also donated mugs, each with its own story, reminding us of home. This space serves as a platform for artists and creatives and a place for connection. Overflow screens in the gallery vividly depict scenes from past events, activities, and gatherings, presenting the diverse and vibrant faces of our community. The atmosphere is lively, filled with the sounds of children playing, conversations, laughter, tears, and joy. Through these screens and connection points, we trace our journey through the years, seeing the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit in every shared moment.

Entering the worship space, the stage reflects diversity across generations. Song melodies and lyrics resonate with a reminder that God acknowledges, cherishes, and welcomes each of us. It’s not just the songs but the stories they tell—narratives of hope, struggle, faith, and redemption. It’s the story of a community that has weathered storms, celebrated milestones, and grown in spirit and number, always under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

We’re encouraged to release our anxieties and stresses, fostering a connection with a God who truly sees and loves us. It’s more than just a worship session; it’s an ongoing dialogue with the Holy Spirit, a constant learning and relearning, a journey that we undertake together as a community. Embracing our past, celebrating our present, and looking forward to a future where the Holy Spirit continues to lead us, shape us, and inspire us.

Post-worship, there’s a collective moment of reflection and anticipation as we delve into the word of God. It’s not just about understanding our world and our place in it but acknowledging the benevolent nature of the God Jesus entrusted his life to, and the journey we’re on to grow closer to Him. Through scriptures, testimonies, and shared experiences, the narrative depth of our collective journey unfolds.

For those who join us in spirit but are unable to attend in person, our digital presence continues to grow. Through our live streams, podcasts, and engaging social media activities, we make sure that our messages of hope, unity, inclusion, and love reach a wide audience, bridging gaps and fostering connections—especially for those who have been navigating a period of spiritual deconstruction.

Our church stands as a symbol of unity and acceptance by actively fostering deep connections among people from diverse backgrounds. We go beyond merely welcoming multi-ethnic and multi-racial families; we are dedicated to building meaningful cross-racial friendships, promoting mutual understanding, and facilitating healing from past racial wounds. Our congregation is a vibrant tapestry of cultures. We celebrate this diversity through various cultural events like an annual Juneteenth celebration, educational programs, and dialogues that enrich our understanding and appreciation of each other’s heritage. This commitment underscores our firm stance against racial discrimination, as we work towards a community that truly embodies the spirit of inclusivity and reconciliation that scripture describes.

Embracing the same dignity, respect, and kindness that we have received from God’s generous welcome, Ann Arbor Community Church extends a heartfelt embrace to members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their integral place in our church is marked by grace and acceptance. Embracing each individual’s journey, we affirm their full participation in all church ministries, sacraments, and celebrations of faith, including communion, baptism, and child dedication. Our commitment to inclusivity transcends race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, political ideology, economic status, or background.

In our congregation, we cherish the vibrant tapestry of life stages and experiences. As we look around, we see college students immersed in their pursuit of knowledge, sharing space with dedicated grad students and pioneering post-docs. Young singles find companionship and community, while newly married couples learn the rhythms of shared life. Couples without children contribute their unique perspectives, just as families with adopted children add to the richness of our shared experience.

We admire the uninhibited energy and curiosity of our children and youth, recognizing them as fundamental members of our community. In this nurturing environment, young minds are encouraged to ask questions, explore their faith, and grow in their understanding of God’s work. We commit to guiding them through their spiritual journey with mentorship and support, fostering spaces where they can express their passions and connect deeply with their community. Our church becomes a sanctuary where they can experience authenticity, love, and the transcendent joy of faith, contributing their unique voices to the rich tapestry of our diverse congregation.

Empty nesters offer wisdom gleaned from full nests now flown, while widows and widowers find solace and strength in the company of friends. Those in their golden years grace us with the legacy of long-lived faith. Each group, named and acknowledged, is a thread in the fabric of our community, vital to the pattern we are weaving together under God’s loving guidance.

Starting in our sanctuary and radiating outward into our city, we’ve cultivated contagious joy through our commitment to show up consistently for God and for each other. We’ve unleashed a wildfire of joy that spreads through every interaction, every act of service, every prayer whispered, and each hand held. Our spiritual practices are not just routines; they are the heartbeat of our community, sustaining us through trials and triumphs. Every moment of contemplation, every scripture meditated upon, every fast, and every sabbath is a unique tile in the mosaic of our collective spiritual journey.

We’ve built trust through vulnerability with God, self, and others, investing in community practices like storytelling, celebration, discernment, lament, and confession. Personal spiritual practices, including contemplation, intercession, scripture meditation, fasting, solitude, and sabbath, have become cornerstones of our collective spiritual journey. We embrace the understanding that faithfulness will look different for each person in our community and should be led by the Holy Spirit.

Our congregation radiates with the strength of commitment—a commitment that is both celebrated and deeply ingrained in the very fabric of our community. We have redefined membership to signify more than mere attendance; it is a covenant of mutual dedication to our church, community, mission, ministries, and outreach efforts. During their time with us, our members are firmly rooted, recognizing that their presence and active participation are vital to our collective journey as a church. They embrace a shared responsibility to nourish the welcome and spiritual growth of the community and to engage in all aspects of church life.

Each congregant is conscious of how their steady, year-long financial support is as vital to our mission as prayer and service—sustaining staff, maintaining our meeting space, and empowering our ministries. We have cultivated an ethos of consistent generosity beyond the high tides of Easter and Christmas, moving the congregation into a sustainable model. This work of education and commitment allows us to secure a predictable financial foundation, reinforcing the message that giving is a cornerstone of worship and a testament to our collective faith and commitment to God’s work.

Our commitment extends beyond our walls to the local community as a vibrant, collective effort that involves every member of our church, not just the staff and a few volunteers. Each congregant plays a vital role in serving those facing houselessness at Liberty Plaza, hosting the Thanksgiving meal, and advocating for more housing in Ann Arbor. Our partnerships with organizations like Hope Clinic, SOS, ICPJ, and others are strengthened by the active participation of our entire church family. Our quarterly congregation outreach days are not just events, but a reflection of our church’s heart for service, where every member contributes to giving back and serving those in need in our community.

This is a place where commitment is visibly embodied: in the faces of those who linger to lock up after services, who arrive early to meet newcomers and guests, in the hands of those who toil in the soils of our gardens, whether out back or up front, in the voices that advocate for social justice, and in the hearts of those who serve our children and youth. In our congregation, commitment is evident not just in words, but also in deeds.