Our Mission

One broad responsibility assigned by the Reformed Church in America to the regional synods is “to create whatever organization it desires for the furtherance of the work of the gospel within its bounds. . . .” Fulfilling that responsibility we have created a missional arm called Luminex which aims to develop leaders into the disciples and disciple makers that Jesus commissioned them to be.  These are the leaders who will multiply the church and strengthen the body of Christ for mission in the world.

Where is the Great Lakes Region?

One of eight regions in the Reformed Church in America (RCA), the Great Lakes Region serves over 180 Reformed churches primarily in Michigan and Ohio. About 75 percent of these churches, and an even larger majority of our members, are located in five West Michigan counties: Allegan, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa.

Meet Our Team

  • John Messer
    John Messer Regional Executive / Leadership Development & Systems Thinking Catalyst

    John came to the Great Lakes Region in 2017 after serving as the senior pastor at Good News Community Church in Okoboji, IA. John has also served as a RCA Transformational Equipping Team member in NW Iowa, an Adjunct Instructor at Northwestern College in Orange City, Pastor of Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Walker, MN, and an Army intelligence officer.

    John is a graduate of Denver Seminary, and has completed Th. M. coursework at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL. John is currently pursuing a doctorate in strategic leadership at Regent University. John is married to Lynette, and they have three adult children.

    Email
    jmesser@rcagl.org

  • Tom Grabill
    Tom Grabill Transition Ministry / Church Vitality Catalyst

    Tom understands the challenges and rigors congregations face today and believes some are signs that God is up to something new! Framing church transitions in the context of God’s emerging future invites renewed freedom, creativity and experimentation, while catalyzing growing excitement, passion and energy for a new day!

    Tom and his wife Michelle have been in local church ministry for over 33 years, serving in various roles and churches throughout Michigan. Since 2018 Tom has been serving congregations going through pastoral transitions.

    He is a graduate of Hope College, Western Theological Seminary (M Div) and Western Michigan University (MA Marriage and Family Therapy). Tom is a licensed therapist in the Lakeshore area and enjoys family, home renovations and following college sports

    Email
    tom.grabill@gmail.com

  • Alison DeBoer
    Alison DeBoer Operations Manager

    Born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI, Alison is married to Kenny and they have two children. Alison has been on the Great Lakes Region staff since 2005, and as Operations Manager plays a vital role. Alison enjoys being part of the team and working with a variety of Great Lakes Region pastors, churches, and classes.