Who is Genesis Church?

By Jamie Woodall

I remember when I was in sixth grade and my step brother moved in and began coming to my school.  I didn’t know how it was going to turn out. 

He was an unknown commodity–an X-factor who I suspected could stir the pot of my middle school experience in all the wrong ways.  

There are certainly other times when the unknown or unfamiliar steps into our lives.

Genesis Church is unfamiliar and has stepped into the community.  You may have heard a smidgen, but it is mostly still an unknown commodity in Boyne City–an X-factor.  Is it legit?  Does it teach the Bible?  Is it Bible-banging?  What denomination is it?  Is it a cult?  Are they normal people, or weirdos?  Why are they coming?  Will they disturb the community or encourage the community?  If you have heard of Genesis Church and are asking any of these questions, then I understand. 

I would ask these questions too.

Our family moved into town to build friendships and begin this new church, currently known as an X-factor to most Boyne City residents.  

We’ve come to believe it’s what God wants us to do.  For this reason, I thought it was time to write a bit about Genesis Church. I’m sure I won’t answer many of your questions, but I hope to answer some.

Let me share up front one reason we have NOT come. 

We have not come to target members from other churches.  In fact, if you have a Boyne City church family, please remain there serving and stay involved. 

We are members of the ministerial association and view ourselves as co-laboring encouragers in the community. 

Before we even decided to come to Boyne City, a clergy friend who has ministered in Boyne City for years said, “I would estimate 70-80% of Boyne City residents don’t attend church anywhere.”  

I immediately asked myself why?  Then I remembered all the reasons I had no appetite for church at one time in my life.  Church for many can sound about as exciting as waking up early for a root canal party.  

For the past four years Genesis Church has been meeting in the Petoskey Cinema at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings with multiple smaller groups meeting at other times throughout the week.   

Genesis simply means “new beginnings” or in other words “a fresh start.”

We are a non-denominational Bible-teaching church that strives to know and follow Jesus, build genuine supporting relationships, and serve others sincerely. 

We want to create safe and comfortable environments for friends who have never been to church, or for friends who no longer attend church, to explore life and spiritual things. 

In an upside down sort of way we hope to be a church for those who aren’t too fond of the idea of church or “churchy.”

We strive to be authentic and vibrant with artistic expressions of modern praise and worship. Genesis church in Petoskey has a large and growing culture of band musicians and leaders. 

We see this worship-band culture on the horizon for Boyne City as well, because of those already involved.

A Genesis Sunday morning talk relates to every-day situations that we all go through in life. 

We speak on topics like relationships, forgiveness, hope, fear, goal-setting, real success, gaining true personal freedom, overcoming difficulty, etc.  

We also discuss big questions like, how is God good when our world is full of pain and suffering? 

Is the Bible really true? and What is heaven like? 

We strive to be passionate, creative, and encouraging, while still challenging for true inner change. During these big group times we encourage people to wear jeans, “come as you are,” grab a cup of coffee, say hi to someone, and get comfy. 

I’ll certainly be in jeans with a cup of joe.   

We believe kids should have a blast at church with their friends. 

Each child should learn one new spiritual truth they can apply to their lives each week.  And did we mention that F-U-N is an important part of their experience? 

After all, God did give us the idea of fun!

Currently Boyne City Genesis Church is a growing network of friends committed to serving the community, and building supporting relationships in groups that meet throughout the community.  These are safe environments where your questions will be discussed, and your ideas explored as we look at the person of Jesus and the Bible. 

We currently have two group opportunities on Wednesday evenings 6:30pm that meet in Boyne City homes.  We believe that open positive dialogue builds real friendship regardless of differing beliefs or opinions shared.

We also have “Iron Man,” a weekly men’s group that meets in Robert’s Restaurant Wednesday mornings at 6:00am.  Eight to ten men come together and discuss how we can be growing servant leaders who serve in every context of life. 

If you are interested in knowing more about Genesis Church or trial-running a group then please call Jamie and Kris Woodall at 231-459-4216, or email Jamie@genesiswired.com. 

We plan to launch a Boyne City Genesis Church worship gathering this fall.  Our goal date is 10-10-10.  We hope to be able to rent the Boyne Elementary School auditorium for these gathering times.   You can taste test Genesis Church Petoskey at the Petoskey Cinema Sunday mornings, or check out genesiswired.com.

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).   I used to not believe that, but now I do. 

He is filling my life up, and has led me on the greatest adventure with other friends.

We hope, if you do not have a solid church home, that you will consider investigating Genesis Church worship gathering coming to Boyne City 10-10-10.