Our History

In the fall of 2005, Greater Life Church of Ludington was launched by Pastor Jeff and Dina Hackert. From the very beginning, our founding pastors faithfully ministered throughout Manistee and Mason counties. After holding services in several temporary locations, they found a home in the middle of downtown Ludington in an old movie theater which they had to renovate heavily. As the church grew in numbers and influence, the Hackerts handed the leadership reigns off to Pastor Al and Beth Verhagen, who served for two years. In December 2013, Pastor Jerry and Rachael Theis moved their family of five from Radiant Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to take over the leadership of this church. The story of how this all came together is truly a miracle!

In the first year of Theis' being here, the name was changed to Radiant Church with a strategic emphasis on planting life-giving ministries and churches up and down our coastal region. Our website, all social media accounts, and conversations were focused around this new goal of a @radiantcoast. In the fall of 2014, we purchased the building we now call home, which had its last addition completed in the 70’s by the Washington Ave Baptist Church (now Cornerstone Baptist Church). To steward this ministry tool well, Radiant has been renovating and improving it ever since we moved in. As a result, it's undergone a complete transformation allowing us to serve a new generation of believers.

Since moving into our building, we've seen God grow our attendance, unite churches in collaborative worship services, and increase community-wide outreaches. Year after year, we celebrate many salvations/baptisms, new ministries/events, and people taking their next steps as disciples. We have much to be grateful for, including a unified leadership team, a healthy congregation, and a clear direction for the future of our church family. The best is yet to come because of His faithfulness!