We are a Bible teaching and preaching church, whose focus is to win souls for Christ, build disciples and encourage the hearts of believers. As we seek to fulfill our mission, the ministries of Messiah are designed to support kingdom building, strengthen families, and meet the ever-growing needs of Christians in today’s culture.

We invite you to come and experience the gospel of Jesus Christ with us at any time. We have a place for everyone to study the Scriptures, fellowship together, and minister to others through numerous service opportunities and outreach ministry.

Our Pastor, Rev. Dr. Clifton Rhodes, Jr. is fully committed to teaching the word of God, to living according to the word of God and preaching the word of God. In June 1972 Pastor Clifton Rhodes was called to Pastor and was installed as Pastor of Messiah on August 20, 1972.

Messiah is the oldest black Baptist church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Messiah Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1890 by Sister Catherine Carter and was organized with the help of Rev. Holt, a Baptist Minister from Amesburg, Canada. On September 16, 1890 Messiah Missionary Baptist Church was officially recorded as a church by the state of Michigan in the county of Kent. The Reverend Gillard was the first pastor, serving for five years. Under his pastorate our present site was purchased and a wooden frame building erected.