MEET OUR TEAM

Resting Place Church began with a simple heart: to love God, love people, and create a place where people can encounter His presence and find genuine community.

Our story began in 1995, when a small group of people began gathering in one of our pastor's homes. As God continued to bring people together, the church grew, leading us through several rented locations over the years.

In November 2012, we moved into the building we now call home in Norton Shores. God blessed us with not only a permanent place to gather, but also land with room for future growth and expansion. We are incredibly thankful for where He has brought us and excited for what is still ahead.

For many years, Resting Place Church was part of the Partners in Harvest worldwide network of churches. Following the conclusion of that network, we have chosen not to immediately affiliate with another church network. We remain an independent local church, committed to seeking God's direction for our future while continuing to build relationships with the broader body of Christ.

Today, our heart remains much the same as it was when we first gathered in a home in 1995. We want Resting Place to be a place where Jesus is the center, His presence is welcomed, people are known and loved, and there is always room for someone new.

We believe church is more than a building or a Sunday service. It's a family growing together, serving together, and seeking His presence together.

Resting Place Church — Where Everybody Knows Your Name.

Senior Pastor:  Sam Wakefield 

Executive Pastor: Emily Wakefield 

Sam & Emily are the founders of Resting Place.  They have been married for 19 years and have three teenagers.  Sam and Emily love to spend time in the sun whenever they have a chance.  They both have a love for seeking the Holy Spirit and being in His presence. Seeing people getting changed and set free is also a passion or theirs. 

Associate Pastor: Joe Ortega

Joe and his beautiful wife Jackie love to travel, play pickleball and spoil their grandchildren.  Joe has a passion for teaching the word and raising others up into their callings.

Youth Pastor: Mario Vansuch

Mario and his beautiful wife Hope and their 3 boys just moved to West Michigan.  Mario has a heart for the youth and seeing Holy Spirit move in people's lives.