About Pastor Gary Petersen
Pastor Gary Petersen has dedicated his life to ministry and making disciples of Jesus Christ. With over 48 years of experience in church ministry, Pastor Gary has developed strong convictions in regard to how a church operates and how to build effective communities. He spent the early days of his ministry career as a Worship Pastor, leading the music ministry and helping to lead the congregation in God-honoring worship. Today, he is the Lead Pastor at Rock Urban Church in Grandville, Michigan, which he founded in 2013.
Following God’s call to reach people with the Gospel, Pastor Gary Petersen launched Rock Urban Church. While it started out as a small congregation meeting in a rented office space, today, it is made up of roughly 300 faithful attendees who gather in a renovated tractor store. In the ten years the church has been operating, it has impacted hundreds of lives through services, community outreach, and more.
One of the unique things about Pastor Gary Petersen’s approach to ministry is his passion for the creative elements. After purchasing a former tractor store to house the church, Pastor Gary headed up the efforts to design and decorate the facility, turning it into a welcoming and functional space for the church’s ministry efforts. Beyond interior decorating, Pastor Gary also loves worship music and organizing large performances designed to share the good news of the Gospel.
Another creative passion Pastor Gary Petersen has turned into a ministry is cooking. Food has become a key component of his outreach and fellowship ministry, allowing him to connect with people on a deeper, more personal level. Pastor Gary and his dedicated team host a weekly mentoring lunch for local businesspeople every week. These gatherings provide a delicious gourmet meal and serve as a platform for networking and personal growth. Pastor Gary loves this opportunity to prepare gourmet meals and offer brief, encouraging messages on spiritual matters, blending his culinary skills with spiritual guidance. Outside of this regular ministry opportunity, Pastor Gary also frequently makes and delivers meals for families in need, ensuring that those going through tough times receive both nourishment and a reminder that they are cared for by their community. His commitment to using cooking as a form of ministry extends beyond just providing food; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and support among those he serves.
Beyond his own local community, Pastor Gary Petersen is also deeply passionate about international outreach. He launched a mission to Vietnam over twenty years ago and makes an effort to visit the country every year. In partnership with his church, Pastor Gary supports multiple Vietnamese pastors and was blessed to be able to support several families who lost their income as a result of lockdowns. Additionally, Pastor Gary has led mission trips to Mexico and Uganda and has supported mission efforts in China.
To learn more about Pastor Gary Petersen and his passion for Christian service, connect with him on Social Media or visit PastorGaryPetersen.net.
