New church looks to make an impact on Novi

NOVI — Impact Church Metro Detroit, located at 22104 Novi Road, officially opened its doors in Novi with its grand opening celebration the weekend of Oct. 1-2. The church is an independent affiliate of Impact Church in Jacksonville, Florida.

The celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a tour of the church and light refreshments Oct. 1, and services Oct. 2 that included a performance by Grammy-nominated artist Kierra Sheard-Kelly.

“We really want to be known as the community church. Like the church that’s everywhere in the community, always meeting the need and filling the gaps,” said the Rev. David John. “That’s the main thing that people will know us for, is that we bring an element of hope. “

John said that he, along with his wife, and the pastor at the Florida church were thinking about and praying about where they should open the church, and they decided to open it in Novi because it connected to a large number of communities in metro Detroit.

“We really felt it was right for the type of church that we have in terms of being a hub that all of our ministries and resources can really go out of Novi and really touch everything in a 20- to 30-mile radius. So, it was really strategic in that way,” said John.

He said that he hopes the church can be a “bridge” and fulfill the needs of the community and be a place that connects people to community resources. John said the church can be defined in four phrases — know God, find freedom, serve a purpose, make a difference.

One program the church is focusing on is called “Celebrate Recovery.” The program is similar to a 12-step recovery program, but rather than just alcohol and drugs, the program focuses on helping people recover from anything that could have a person addicted, John said, such as gambling.

The church also recently partnered with the Novi Police Department for Faith and Blue in an effort to engage the community with knowledge of what both organizations have to offer.

“Law Enforcement and faith-based groups, like Impact Church, are key pillars in a community that can help neighborhoods thrive,” said Novi Police Cmdr. Jason Meier.

“I am hopeful that Impact Church will be an extension of the love of God, which transcends race, ethnicity, income and education status,” said Mario Dewberry, team lead for Impact Church Detroit operations. “Many of our congregants live, work and play here. Now that we have made Novi our home, we look forward to becoming a significant contributor to the city.”

John said it is hard to say an exact number of parishioners, but the church sees about 100 people every Sunday, not counting kids, volunteers or those who attend virtually. However, he said he believes they have a network of approximately 200 people. John said that Impact adds to the tapestry of church offerings in the community, as there is no other church like it in the area.

“Our doors and hearts are open to all, as we are a place where you are welcome to come and be your most authentic self,” said Dewberry. “We invite all to worship with us. We are excited to be members of this beautiful community and look forward to a future of positive impact.”