In Detroit, Michigan, a city with a rich history that’s often overlooked and misunderstood, Micah and Megan Williams are planting Unity Church.
The Call to Detroit
Their profound commitment is fueled by a love for the people in their neighborhood and a belief in its potential.
Megan, raised in a Detroit suburb, developed a deep love for the city through her volunteer work with Central Detroit Christian (CDC). Micah, who grew up in Lansing, felt a strong call to attend Wayne State University, which is in the heart of the city. As he invested in relationships, God drew his heart to put roots down in the neighborhood and plant a church.
Micah and Megan believe God uses the church to bring hope to the entire world. “We want to see His kingdom advance right here in Detroit. We want our schools, neighborhoods, families, and children— everyone—to reflect the glory of the kingdom of God right here in Detroit,” Megan explains.
There’s not a church in their neighborhood.
“I never thought about how churches started,” Megan says. “They’re just always there.” But long before their arrival, people prayed that God would build a community of believers. Prior launches hadn’t gone well. The Williamses recognized the neighbors’ resiliency, grit, and determination in the context of a tough history.
More Than Ministry
The challenges of physical and relational poverty exacerbate spiritual poverty. “How in the world do you have time to process the good news of the gospel, that there is something far greater to live for here on earth, when these problems and these struggles are just filling your mind all day?” Micah observes.
The Williamses moved into the neighborhood because living in the city offers an entirely different experience. “You actually get to talk with your neighbors and understand even how they got into the position they did,” Micah says. God is establishing His presence by using a community that extends beyond their neighborhood streets.
The Power of Partnership
Partnerships enable them to serve the neighborhood they love.
Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation: The CDC, under the leadership of long-time World Impact partner Lisa Johannan, has offered invaluable support, from fundraising assistance to providing a space for Unity Church to hold its services.
“Lisa Johannan has been an incredible champion for us,” Micah says. “We love Central Detroit Christian. We love this neighborhood. We got engaged on the roof of this building. I got dressed for our wedding in this room. We got married in a field right around the corner from here. This is our neighborhood. These are our people. We are so grateful we get to do it with them.”
Rebuilding Homes Together
This local program gives homeownership opportunities to Black and Brown residents and other lower-income residents who have not previously had homeownership opportunities. Hudson Webber Foundation CEO and president Donald Rencher is passionate about providing tools to move the city forward.
Megan and Micah purchased their first home seven blocks from the CDC through this program. As their family grows (they’re expecting their second child), they’re surrounded by a community that supports them and prays for their marriage and family.
Equipped and Empowered by World Impact
When Micah researched training options, he realized many organizations were geared toward a suburban context. He knew they needed training specifically for serving their urban neighbors. World Impact’s Evangel School of Urban Church Planting was a perfect fit. The curriculum “gave us the structure, framework, and encouragement that will help guide us into this call the Lord has placed on our hearts,” Micah says.
The Evangel School’s training equipped their whole team. Together, they articulated their vision while eating Dunkin Donuts and plotted their 12-month plan on sticky notes. The team also benefitted from learning alongside other church planters. The camaraderie is encouraging and strategic as they look ahead to the next stage of their ministry plan alongside a World Impact church planting coach.
An Invitation to Join the Story
Micah and Megan are grateful for your donations to support future church planter efforts to declare and demonstrate Christ in their communities.
“Everyone everywhere needs Jesus,” says Megan. “Even if you’re 5000 miles from Detroit, you can still impact what we’re doing here. And we can do the same for you. I think that’s what’s special about the body of Christ; we can love everyone everywhere without even having to be there.”
