The focus of this portion of our web guide is on belief, faith, religion, and spirituality in the Village of Spring Lake, Michigan.
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they are separate words with unique definitions.
Belief can be used to refer to the acceptance of something as being true, but the thing being accepted as true may also be a deity or the tenets of a particular religion.
Faith is a little more difficult to define as it may mean something different to everyone. On the one hand, the word can be used to imply a general religious attitude, or it could be a reference to a specific set of beliefs. In a sense, faith predates religion, as the implications are directly related to trust. Even when we cannot know, we can have faith in the word of another person, a concept, or an idea. In that sense, faith adds trust and confidence to belief.
Whether someone is a believer, an agnostic, or an atheist, that decision is based on faith, although less so for the agnostic than for the believer or the atheist.
The distinctions between belief, faith, religion, and spirituality can be fuzzy. Often, they are used as synonyms, and there are contexts in which this would be accurate and reasonable. While someone may have faith in a specific set of beliefs, that set of beliefs is known as a religion. In order for someone to be spiritual, or to have spirituality, they must attempt to live a life that is guided by the spirit of their faith, whatever that might be. To a large extent, both religion and spirituality are a function of faith. Faith is, in other words, the guiding principle through which a believer is either religious or spiritual.
Further complicating matters, it is possible for someone to have faith without being religious, and it is also possible for someone to have faith and be religious, yet lack spirituality. Religion and spirituality are not required for faith. Conversely, a person can be spiritual or religious, and still have a faith that they do not reflect upon, thereby lacking spirituality. Satan believed in God, and seemingly knew that Jesus was the Son of God, yet most Christians would not consider Satan to be a Believer.
For the purposes of this category, it isn't necessary to delve into the distinctions between belief, faith, religion, and spirituality, however.
For the most part, the resources found in this category will represent ministries or places of worship in Spring Lake, Michigan. These are likely to be Christian churches or ministries, as no other religions are significantly represented in Spring Lake.
Residents of Spring Lake are more religious than those in the average locality in Michigan or in the United States. By far, the Presbyterians outnumber those of other denominations in the village. They are followed distantly by the Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Pentecostals, Mormons, Episcopalians, and Baptists, as well as other denominations and non-denominational churches.
Regardless of the particular religion, denomination, or sect, places of worship and ministries in Spring Lake, are appropriate topics for this category.
Recommended Resources
First Baptist Church of Spring Lake
Organized in 1867, the congregation is located along East Exchange Street in Spring Lake, Michigan. Its address, telephone number, and email address are published on the site, which includes the history of the church, statements of belief, vision, and values. Also included are a calendar of upcoming events, a sermon video archive, a church newsletter, and an introduction to the church for those who will be attending for the first time. An overview of its ministries and missions is included.
https://fbcsl.com/
Affiliated with the Assemblies of God denomination, the congregation was founded in 2001 and is located on Maple Street in the village of Spring Lake, Michigan. Its mission, an overview of the denomination, and an introduction to its leadership team are presented, with details of its ministries, service schedules, a calendar of events, and contacts. Past sermon series may be viewed online, and its age-defined programs for children and youth are included, along with contacts.
https://thegateway.church/
Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church
Founded in the early 1880s, the Spring Lake, Michigan congregation took its current name in 1937. A timeline of its history is published on the site, along with its weekly schedules, an introduction to its age-related fellowship groups. Also included are schedules for its Bible study programs, senior programs, and food pantry program. The address of the church, office telephone number, email address, and leadership contacts are included, and contributions may be made online.
https://www.slcrc.org/
Spring Lake Presbyterian Church
The Spring Lake, Michigan congregation meets for worship services on Sunday mornings. Services are also live-streamed, and may be viewed on its website or Facebook page, or listened to on WGHN. Information is available on its site, including its policies on weddings and funerals, as well as its community ministries and missions. Congregational fellowships, adult groups, youth groups, and music ministries are defined, and their leadership staff, office hours, and contacts are included.
http://www.slpc.org/
St. Mary's Catholic Church & School
The Roman Catholic parish and PK-8th-grade Catholic school are featured, including parish and school schedules. Mass schedules, parish bulletins, faith formation programs for children and adults, sacrament policies and schedules, and an overview of its ministries are set forth. School calendars, classroom highlights, and an introduction to the school's programs and services are featured. Enrollment information, dress codes, and a parent-student handbook are included.
https://www.stmarysl.org/
Associated with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, the Spring Lake, Michigan congregation was founded in 1969 by a group of Christians from surrounding congregations. Its address, contacts, and office hours are posted, along with a statement of beliefs, mission, and church life. An introduction to the church for those who will be attending for the first time is provided, along with service times, and information about its Bible study and youth education programs.
https://www.smslm.org/
