Based out of Grandville, Michigan, Pastor Gary Petersen has dedicated nearly five decades to serving his local community through Christian ministry and discipleship. He has spent his entire career investing in the local church as a full-time pastor. Beginning his ministry as a Worship Pastor, Pastor Gary has always been particularly passionate about the creative side of ministry. He has a knack for design and loves bringing beauty to houses of worship and helping to lead music and creative performances.
Since 2013, Pastor Gary Petersen has been leading his own church, Rock Urban Church. What began as a small group meeting in rented office space has expanded to include nearly 300 people. In 2016, the congregation was able to purchase an old tractor dealership to use as their own worship facility. Under Pastor Gary’s creative guidance, they were able to transform this industrial property into a beautiful and welcoming space conducive to their ministry and worship activities.
Outside of his preaching and church leadership responsibilities, Pastor Gary Petersen is dedicated to serving others in numerous ways. One of his biggest passions is reaching the next generation and ensuring their active involvement in the church community. While Pastor Gary belongs to an older generation, he makes a concerted effort to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations as they relate to church ministry. This dedication to staying current includes understanding new technologies, musical styles, and evolving decor trends. He recognizes that while the message of the Gospel is constant and unchanging, the delivery methods, such as music styles, decor, and technology, should evolve to connect with cultural changes and continue to advance the church. By adapting these elements, Rock Urban Church can create an environment where young people feel included and engaged. Pastor Gary’s efforts help foster future church leaders’ development and create a space where the next generation feels welcomed, heard, and valued. This approach not only enhances the church’s outreach but also ensures that the spiritual needs of younger members are met in a relevant and meaningful way.
Additionally, Pastor Gary Petersen strives to ensure that his ministry and outreach aren’t constrained to Sunday morning services. Throughout the week, he strives to connect with members of the congregation, offering encouragement, meals, and prayer. He loves getting to lead a smaller church where he can build personal relationships with each member, facilitating a close-knit community and ensuring that no one slips through the cracks. Food has quickly become a key element of Pastor Gary’s outreach efforts, as he loves cooking and enjoys using food as a way to connect with others and bring people together.
On an international scale, Pastor Gary Petersen has also been involved in ministry efforts in multiple countries over the course of his career. Most significant are his efforts in Vietnam. Having started a ministry over 20 years ago, Pastor Gary actively supports several Vietnamese pastors and makes an effort to visit at least once a year. During lockdowns, he also helped supply funds to support families and individuals who had lost their income. Beyond Vietnam, Pastor Gary has also led trips to Mexico and Uganda and supports ministry in China through Rock Urban Church.
