When Obedience Writes the Story: The Road to Tribes Church
- dstrong22
- Dec 19, 2025
- 3 min read
Early Foundations
Evan’s story begins on the south side of Grand Rapids, growing up in a Christian home shaped by two very different family backgrounds. His dad’s family was rooted in the Christian Reformed tradition, while his mom came to Christ in her mid-20s. Together, they created a home where faith was central.
When a pastoral change shook their local church, Evan’s parents began searching for a new spiritual home. His dad had a list of churches to visit, but it was his mom who suggested Kentwood Community Church because of its preschool program. That decision became life-changing. Kentwood CC wasn’t just a church—it was a spiritual atmosphere that shaped Evan’s life.
Surrounded by parents and mentors who were Holy Spirit-led, Evan grew up immersed in a community that normalized church planting and modeled what it meant to live on mission.
Personal Faith and Early Calling
Evan’s personal faith journey began young, led to Christ by his mom. Through adolescence, he wrestled with questions and grew in an environment that fostered spiritual depth. A pivotal moment came during a junior-year missions trip, where Evan surrendered his plans to God. That obedience led him to Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU)—a choice that felt small at the time but became a defining step.
College Years: A Heart for the Lost
At IWU, Evan’s heart broke for those far from God. While his time there was formative, it was also painful. Wrestling with the reality of spiritual lostness, Evan began asking:
What should the church do for these people?
His senior year brought an unexpected opportunity—a church planting competition hosted by Wesleyan HQ. In 72 hours, Evan and a few friends dreamed about solutions for reaching the lost. The experience ultimately led he and his wife Melodie to a church plant in Indianapolis where they ended up serving four years, eventually becoming campus pastors.
Growth, Challenges, and God’s Provision
Heartland Church had launched fifteen years prior and now had grown into a multi-ethnic, multi-campus ministry. But life wasn’t without hardship. Evan and Mel navigated marriage, finances, and the devastating news of Evan’s dad battling brain cancer. In the midst of grief, they prayed during 21 Days of Prayer for clarity.
God’s answer was clear: move back to Michigan.
In July 2019, Evan and Mel relocated to Grand Rapids, joining All Shores Wesleyan Church. Just months later, COVID hit—but God’s timing was perfect. Evan was able to spend precious time with his dad before his passing, a season marked by deep grief and spiritual pruning. “Grief can make you more,” Evan reflects. Through loss, he learned to release burdens and rely fully on God’s grace.
A Shift Toward Discipleship
Three years at All Shores brought both joy and heartbreak. Evan walked with people through moments of crisis—families imploding, depression, and loss of life—but these challenges pushed him closer to discipleship. He embraced
Ephesians 1: God has made every spiritual blessing available.
Evan found that reproducible discipleship was the most effective way to see transformation take place through intentional relationships.
The Next Chapter: Tribes Church
Now, Evan and Mel are stepping into a new calling: launching Tribes Church in Walker, Michigan—a city where 45% of residents identify as non-religious and young families abound. Tribes’ vision is moving people towards life to the full. The church aims to turn cultural ache into spiritual community, maximizing the gospel’s impact through relationships.
Launch Timeline:
Location: NW Grand Rapids
Pre-launch Connection: 8 months of building relationships
Launch Date: September 2026
Prayer Requests:
For Evan and Mel as they lead this new mission
For hearts to be open in Walker
For provision and partners in ministry
For updates and ways to pray, visit https://www.tribeschurch.co/
If you feel called to give to Tribes Church, feel free to give here.
Final Thought
Evan’s journey reminds us that obedience often begins with small steps—checking out a preschool, saying yes to a college, moving home during a hard season. Each step opened doors for God to write a bigger story. And now, Tribes Church is poised to bring hope to a city in need.
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