Known as the headquarters for the “Big Three” in the auto industry — Ford, Chrysler and General Motors — the Motor City has experienced prosperity, population explosion and most recently overwhelming urban decay through the years.
From financial crisis to automotive industry cuts to clean water issues, Detroit’s struggle has affected the entire metro population of more than 4 million people. Violent crimes rank among the highest in the nation. Less than 10 percent of eighth graders in the inner city are proficient in reading. This is a city of hurting people who need hope.
Missionaries Travis and Jennifer Whittaker want to see Christ bring lasting hope to the metro area by transforming people who will then transform their city. The Whittakers chose a name for their new church inspired by a different side of the city’s heritage: the grid system with roads placed one mile apart. In September 2015, Mile City Church held its first service.
Church for today and tomorrow
Every week Mile City Church meets in the Detroit suburb of Livonia on the campus of Schoolcraft College about 15 miles from the downtown area.
“We value helping, we value people and we value helping people move forward,” Travis Whittaker said.
As a church in rented space, each Sunday begins early with a flurry of volunteers setting up signage, nursery space and children’s ministry equipment and turning a conference center into a vibrant and welcoming worship center.
The church’s messaging is relevant and approachable — it’s a church for today and tomorrow.
Families are drawn to the hospitality and children’s ministry with people of all ages responding to the gospel message. An online “first-time visitor” video gives guests the lay of the land before they ever set foot on the property. And when they arrive, they are greeted with a smile, a handshake and free coffee. The idea: Make everyone feel welcome.
‘Warm and welcoming’
Brenda was one of those people seeking hope. After her husband left and her parents died, she was looking for something to hold on to. Her children started going to Mile City Church and she decided to go with them.
“It was so warm and welcoming,” she said. They all attended the Starting Point group together. “It was an awakening. I could breathe. I found out that no matter where I go or what I do, Christ was there to rescue me.” Travis Whittaker baptized Brenda, and her story is one of many lives changed and celebrated at Mile City.
“The vision of our church is helping people move toward God,” he said. “Our discipleship track has seven mile markers: faith, weekly gathering, daily encounter, groups, coaching, generosity and serving.”
Travis Whittaker considers raising up and equipping leaders a high priority, both within his community of believers at Mile City and outside the walls as well. “Mile City was never started to build buildings; it was to build His Church and make disciples,” he said.
As the plans for Mile City develop, growth is the goal — both spiritually and physically. A more permanent meeting location as well as a second church plant in another part of the city are both on the horizon.
But Whittaker isn’t as concerned with plans as he is about the first priority which is always “making Jesus the big deal.” (Missions Mosaic, NAMB)
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