A brick church with a steeple topped with a cross, large arched stained glass windows, and a small set of stairs leading to the entrance. Surrounding the church are well-maintained lawns, bushes, and a sidewalk. A sign in front reads 'East Leonard Christian Reformed Church.' The sky is partly cloudy with sunlight illuminating the scene.

Who We Are

East Leonard Christian Reformed Church was founded in 1925 and has since been a foundation of faith for many in the Grand Rapids area. The mission of our church is based on Matthew 28:18-20 which states; God is reconciling the world to himself through the work of Jesus and the sending of His Spirit-filled church.

Our Values

WORSHIP

We value worship connecting us to God and celebrate His providential care and goodness to us.

PRAYER

We value intentional, corporate prayer and seek opportunities to grow in our prayer lives.

FAMILY

We value healthy family relationships which provide rest, security, and invite others into relationship with God.

YOUTH

We value our children and young people and strive to provide a safe and encouraging space for them to grow and thrive in their relationship with Jesus.

A large stained glass window on the brick exterior of the East Leonard Church, organized and erected between 1925 and 1929.

  • We believe in one God who exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, united in glory, power, and purpose.

  • We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and our trustworthy authority for faith and life. Through Scripture, God reveals who he is, what he has done, and how he calls us to live.

  • We believe God created the heavens and the earth and continues to sustain and govern all things. Jesus Christ is Lord over every part of creation, so every area of life belongs to God and matters to him.

  • We believe every person is created in the image of God and therefore possesses God-given dignity and worth. Humanity’s rebellion against God has brought sin and brokenness into our lives, our relationships, and the world.

  • We believe Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human. Through his perfect life, sacrificial death, bodily resurrection, ascension, and eventual return, Jesus defeated sin and death and accomplished salvation for his people.

  • We believe salvation is entirely a gift of God’s grace and cannot be earned through good works. We are forgiven, made right with God, and given eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

  • We believe God lovingly takes the initiative in saving people who could not save themselves. His grace awakens faith, preserves believers, and gives us confidence that our salvation rests in God’s faithfulness rather than our own strength.

  • We believe the Holy Spirit gives spiritual life, unites us to Christ, and helps us understand God’s Word. The Spirit transforms believers, produces Christlike character, and equips the church with gifts for worship and service.

  • We believe the church is the worldwide community of people who belong to Jesus Christ. God gathers the church to worship, hear his Word, care for one another, grow in faith, and share the gospel with the world.

  • We believe Jesus gave the church two sacraments: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Through these visible signs and seals, God confirms his promises, strengthens our faith, and reminds us of the saving work of Christ.

  • We believe Christians are called to respond to God’s grace with gratitude, faith, and obedience. Following Jesus affects every part of life as we love our neighbors, pursue holiness, serve those in need, and work for justice and peace.

  • We believe Jesus Christ will return to judge evil, raise the dead, and complete his work of redemption. God will renew creation, and his people will live with him forever in a world made whole.

Need more details? Visit our church and talk with our elders! We love seeing new faces and will enjoy talking with you.

Our Core Beliefs