The central points of this section of our guide are on issues of belief, faith, religion, and spirituality in Portage, Michigan.
While these terms are often used interchangeably, and appropriately so in some contexts, they are not synonymous.
Belief and faith are closely related terms, but they are not the same. A belief is something that someone accepts as being true, while faith stems from a strong belief, and is a matter of trust that leads to action. Although the words are not necessarily applied to religion, in the context of religion, someone might believe that a deity exists, yet fail to have trust in that deity. According to the Christian Bible, for example, Satan believes that God exists, but he does not have faith in Him.
Religion refers to a personal set or institutional system of religious beliefs, attitudes, and practices. It suggests the service and worship of a deity. As examples, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism are religions. Although Buddhism does not include the concept of a deity, it fits enough of the definition criteria to be included.
Spirituality connotes a connection to something larger than oneself. This may be a firmly believed worldview or, in the context of a religion, a spiritual person can be said to be living everyday life in a reverent and sacred manner.
In any context, the definitions may blur. For example, many people consider themselves to be spiritual but not religious, and a large percentage of people who consider themselves to be devoutly religious do not live lives that most of us would consider deeply spiritual.
However, for the most part, resources in this category will consist of online resources for ministries or places of worship in Portage, Michigan. The majority of these are Protestant Christian churches, although there are more Catholics in Portage than members of any individual Protestant church.
The Catholics are followed closely by the Presbyterians, and more distantly by the Methodists, Baptists, Lutherans, Pentecostals, Mormons, Episcopalians, and various non-denominational churches. Followers of Islam make up about one percent of Portage residents, which is more than the Pentecostals, Mormons, and Episcopalians. Smaller numbers are affiliated with Judaism or various Eastern religions.
Regardless of the particular religion, denomination, or sect, places of worship or ministries in Portage are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
First Reformed Church of Portage
Founded in 1903, the Portage, Michigan congregation is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America, and it's Southwest Michigan Classis. The history of the church is told briefly, and an introduction is provided for those who may be new. Staff contacts, office hours, a telephone number, and an email address are included. Weekly bulletins and a message are posted, a calendar of events is included, and an overview of its Bible studies, youth ministries, and outreach programs are included.
https://frcportage.org/
Part of Life Changing Ministries, International, with ministries in Kenya, Africa, the congregation meets at its facilities on East Kilgore Road in Portage, Michigan. An overview of its mission in Kenya is provided, including photographs, and a map shows the location of its facilities in Portage. Its jail ministries, addiction recovery programs, youth ministries, Bible studies, and a calendar of Sunday services and upcoming programs and events are set forth.
https://www.lcmkzoo.com/
The congregation meets at its facilities on Oakland Drive in Portage, Michigan. Its location is shown on a map, and its office hours, phone number, and an online contact form are provided. Its regular worship schedule, policy information, and a list of special or irregular events are included on the site. Also provided is a map of the building, demographics, staff contacts, and information about opportunities to become active in the programs of the church, or ways to contribute.
https://pchum.org/
Prairie Edge Christian Reformed Church
Affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church in North America, the Protestant Christian congregation meets at its facilities on Oakland Drive, Portage, Michigan. A brief history of the church is provided, along with a statement of beliefs, and a link to the denominational site. Worship schedules, a calendar of upcoming programs and events, staff introductions, and an overview of its ministries to children, youth, and adults are included. Services may also be viewed through live streaming media.
https://pecrc.org/
Planted by Resurrection Life Church in Grand Rapids, Radiant Church was founded in Richland in 1996, and currently has campuses in Kalamazoo, Richland, and Portage. Addresses are posted, along with service times, an introduction to the pastoral staff, overseers, and elders, and an introduction to the church for those who are new. Service opportunities, Bible and discipleship classes, local and global outreach activities, Christian educational programs, and contacts are included.
https://www.radiant.church/
