Who we are...
In 1977, God revealed a vision to Bill and Karen Mindel for a ministry in Northern Michigan. At the time, they were assistant pastors in Indiana, but during a vacation to the Harbor Springs and Petoskey area, they felt a divine calling to serve this community. Responding in faith, they resigned from their positions, returned to their hometown of Petoskey, and began their ministry.
Starting with gatherings in a living room that quickly grew to over 75 people, the congregation's rapid growth led to the construction of the first church building in 1978 at the exact location God had shown them. Through hard work and unity, the church became a place where people could gather to worship, learn, and grow in their faith.
In 2002, their son, Pastor Gary Mindel, accepted the position of Senior Pastor, carrying on the tradition and vision of his father. Under his leadership, the church continues to thrive, fostering a community dedicated to deepening their relationship with God.
Starting with gatherings in a living room that quickly grew to over 75 people, the congregation's rapid growth led to the construction of the first church building in 1978 at the exact location God had shown them. Through hard work and unity, the church became a place where people could gather to worship, learn, and grow in their faith.
In 2002, their son, Pastor Gary Mindel, accepted the position of Senior Pastor, carrying on the tradition and vision of his father. Under his leadership, the church continues to thrive, fostering a community dedicated to deepening their relationship with God.
Expanding the vision...
At Harbor Light, our mission is simple: We want to help people know God more deeply, find lasting freedom, discover their destiny, and make an eternal difference.
In 1985, we launched Harbor Light Christian School, offering education from kindergarten through 12th grade, rooted in biblical principles. This initiative reflects our commitment to raising a generation of young people who are confident in their faith and prepared to step into the world with purpose.
Whether through worship, education, or outreach, everything we do is about helping people find their God-given potential and live it out.
In 1985, we launched Harbor Light Christian School, offering education from kindergarten through 12th grade, rooted in biblical principles. This initiative reflects our commitment to raising a generation of young people who are confident in their faith and prepared to step into the world with purpose.
Whether through worship, education, or outreach, everything we do is about helping people find their God-given potential and live it out.
Where we are headed...
The heart of Harbor Light remains the same: to help people grow in faith and live lives that matter. We strive to be a place where anyone can take their next step toward knowing God, finding freedom, and discovering their purpose.
Looking to the future, we are committed to serving Northern Michigan by creating spaces where faith can flourish, families can thrive, and lives can be transformed. Together, we’re building more than just a church—we’re building a legacy that will make an eternal difference.
Looking to the future, we are committed to serving Northern Michigan by creating spaces where faith can flourish, families can thrive, and lives can be transformed. Together, we’re building more than just a church—we’re building a legacy that will make an eternal difference.
