The LIFE Story

Our begining...

The origin of Life Fellowship Chapel can be summed up in one word: vision.

With a conviction that God was calling for a new local church in Lapeer, Michigan, a group of 11 men formed a planning committee in October 2006. Their work led to the church’s first worship service on Sunday, October 29 in a barn owned by Dan and Mary Miller. The frosty fall morning featured Pastor Larry Crabtree preaching in a wool overcoat and 244 attendees huddled under blankets.

The turnout and interest warmed the hearts of the LFC Planning Committee, which had adopted the slogan, “The Vision Stands Firm,” to emphasize their commitment to promoting the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the weeks to follow, the committee and the church experienced provisions that could only be attributed to the hand of God.

For example, where would the new church meet? Pastor Jim Olah and the people of Calvary Baptist Church of Davison heard of LFC’s birth, and almost immediately offered the use of their facilities. For about three months, LFC worshipped on Sundays at 9:00 am in the Davison sanctuary, with Calvary Baptist continuing their regular services at 11:00 am. The two churches cooperated in several ministry areas, including children’s programs and a joint Christmas music and worship celebration.

Meanwhile, the LFC Planning Committee leased space in the recently renovated Ponderosa restaurant in Lapeer. The men of the church threw themselves into additional construction work to create a worship center, nursery, and children’s activity room, while church offices were located in an adjacent house. Unexpected gifts helped purchase furniture, audio-video equipment and other items needed for worship and ministry. Activities began at the Lapeer worship center on February 4, 2007.

In the midst of building a physical church presence, the LFC Planning Committee engaged in “building” of a different kind, working on a constitution, statement of faith, mission statement, and core values. Their commitment was to establish a church faithful to biblical doctrine, consistent with the original vision, and vibrant in appealing to the 21st century culture. A group of men spent 13 weeks studying the concept of biblical eldership, and Elders and Deacons were eventually chosen to replace the planning committee.

Also key to the new church’s founding was the organization of LIFE Groups, to promote more intimate Bible study, fellowship, and outreach. “Turbo” groups were founded to help train coaches and leaders, and in a few short months new groups were “birthed” throughout the community. From the start, the church leadership expressed the expectation that all LFC members would be part of a LIFE Group.

While the original vision focused on the Lapeer area, it included the intent to multiply throughout the thumb area of Michigan as a “multi-site” church. This part of the vision would become reality sooner than many expected.

The leadership of Calvary Baptist Church of Davison had been on a spiritual journey of their own, seeking God’s will on how to build on their almost-40-year history of ministry and outreach. The sharing of facilities with LFC led not only to new friendships and fellowship, but also to the discovery of virtually identical doctrine and vision.

After much research, discussion, and prayer, the memberships of the two churches voted to merge, effective in September 2007. Pastor Jim Olah became the Davison “campus pastor,” men from Davison were chosen to join the Elder and Deacon boards, and many from Davison became involved in active leadership and ministry.

Using broadband video technology, the two campuses were able to enjoy Sunday preaching simultaneously. Praise team and choir rehearsed together and presented joint holiday programs, but also led live worship at both campuses on Sundays. Youth and children’s programs trained and planned together, but also provided ministry and outreach at both campuses.

LFC continues based on the original vision of presenting the message of salvation through Jesus Christ and building disciples, currently in two communities but seeking opportunities for new campuses in the future…