
About Us
Our Mission
"We are the heart, hands, and feet of Jesus wherever we live, work, play, and are led."
Our Vision
"We lovingly help people find their way to Christ."
CHRIST
COMMUNITY
CHURCH
Our Facility
Garden of Remembrance
Community Spaces
Our Leadership

Dr. Gary Hogue
Dr. Gary Hogue arrived at FCC in 1984 with his wife, Karen and two sons. Over the years he and his family have experienced God‘s faithfulness through the joys and burdens of church and family life. Dr. Hogue feels blessed to participate in God’s work at Mission Hill Church, where currently, he will preach occasionally, consult with church leadership and staff, and provide pastoral care to the congregation. Dr. Hogue received a Master of Divinity from McCormick Seminary. While serving at his first pastorate, Dr. Hogue pursued graduate courses at Ohio State University, and later at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio where he earned his Doctor of Ministry. Dr. Hogue believes the church exists to provide environments where the Holy Spirit creates, renews, and deepens faith in Jesus Christ, and he prays blessings upon you as you explore what God is doing through our church.

interim lead pastor
Dr. Kendale Dennis
Pastor Dennis joins Mission Hill Church as Interim Pastor, bringing more than 45 years of pastoral ministry experience to this important season in our church's life. Along with his wife and family, he has faithfully served the Traverse City community, including many years as Senior Pastor of East Bay Calvary Church. Through his work with IMI/SOS, Pastor Dennis helps churches navigate healthy pastoral transitions while preparing for the future God has planned. At Mission Hill, he works closely with church leadership, staff, and the Transition Team, preaching regularly, providing pastoral guidance, and leading a Church Health Assessment and Renewal process. Dr. Dennis is passionate about helping churches strengthen their mission, celebrate God's faithfulness, and pursue spiritual growth as they seek His direction for the next chapter.
Click here for a
Pastoral Transition Update
Church Council
President
Joni Griner Licht
Vice President
Henry Holland
Treasurer
Bob Strong
Secretary
Bill Myers
HR Consultant
Rene Jacobson
Rene Jacobson
Vicky Pack
Marilyn Vlach
Julie Moore
Chris Lambert
Wayne Spencer
Ramona Pleva
Our Statement of Faith
As we live out these core values and follow Jesus wholeheartedly, investing in the Kingdom of God, we believe He will build His Church—empowering us to make a lasting impact in our community and beyond.
Our Core Values
C
Changing LivesChrist changes us, no matter who, what, or when.
H
Helping YouR
Relevant LivingI
Intentional HospitalityWelcome to our family!
S
Significant RelationshipsT
Thank you, Jesus!Discover More About Our Journey
Mission Hill Church began in 1863 as First Congregational Church, when ten families gathered in a log cabin where the Park Place Hotel now stands. Over the years, the church grew from a small A-frame building to a beautiful stone church, and eventually to our current home, dedicated in 1960. While our story began with the early Congregational Church movement—founded by settlers who sought the freedom to interpret Scripture—we’ve since grown into an independent, non-denominational church. Today, we are a diverse community from many backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to Jesus, the truth of Scripture, and the work of the Holy Spirit. We embrace modern worship, spirit-led ministries, and authentic community as we pursue a faith that’s real, relevant, and rooted in love.
