THE ROAD TO THE ROOM
On March 30, 2021, after prayerful reflection, consideration and some intersections and junctures along the way, Rev Dr. Genetta Y. Hatcher met with a small group of people to begin an exploratory conversation about starting a new church. From that meeting all participants excitedly confirmed that they believed that this was a move of God and fully committed to moving forward.
Encouraged by their support, Pastor Genetta then invited additional select people who had repeatedly expressed their support for a church plant to a Zoom meeting that was held on April 15, 2021. In this meeting, she shared that The Lord has released her to start The Room Church. After sharing her vision pertaining to The Room Church, all fourteen participants readily prepared to move forward as founding members of The Room Church.
These members began supporting the mission of the Church financially and were instrumental in the planning stages. On this day April 15, 2021, we became the Room Church even as we were not officially incorporated with the State of Michigan until May 25, 2021.
Initially the church’s name was to be Rehoboth (which means room, spacious place), but while in her prayer closet after one of those “junctures”, she asked The Lord, “now what”? It is then that she was shown a vision of herself standing with an empty church as her backdrop and she heard, “The Room Church: There is room for you here”. She immediately checked with the State of Michigan and there was no other church with that name and she knew that it was time. She could no longer delay.
And so after sharing together in communion, bible class and fellowships, The Room Church set September 12, 2021 as her official launch date.
There have been many visionaries who have believed in and waited for the fulfillment of The Room Church. Sadly, some would not live to see the vision come to pass. We pause to remember Mother Barbara Branch, Mother Willie Mae Turner and Brother George Jones among others, of whom God had entrusted to “see” the birthing of this new church. Surely, they are looking down from heaven smiling and asking, “what took you so long”?
The guiding scripture for the Room Church comes from Genesis 26:22 when after quarreling and arguing over two wells, Isaac gets to the third well and there is no contention or dispute over who it belongs to. He then excitedly exclaims,
“Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.” (NIV).
As many live isolated lives and deal daily with feelings of rejection and despondency we want to create a sacred space (room) where all can feel a sense of belonging and communion with The Lord Jesus Christ and with other sisters and brothers who are also on this journey of faith.
It does not matter about one’s past because God still has a plan for us all and has made room for us in God’s Kingdom as we submit to The Word and become transformed by The Holy Spirit who enables us to become Christlike.
At The Room Church, Our Mission is to encourage believers in The Lord Jesus, attract non-believers and create impact in the community and culture around us. It is our vision that through High Worship (Inward) we will be empowered by The Holy Spirit for High Impact (Outward).
As we worship God, we understand more fully that the image of God exists in all humanity and therefore we both worship and work. Each month a percentage of our tithes and offerings will be used to support those in need and/or assist with community outreach as well as helping small businesses to thrive not just survive.
This is our story and the rest is still unfolding….