Bernita talks about the Role of the Deacon

Deacon Orientation 2018

This training focuses on the ministry of justice and mercy in the church and the importance of connecting with members and those outside the church in life-giving ways that focus on sharing the gospel. The training is not about denomination systems but rather about our role as a Christian leader ...

The Square Matters

Why? The Bible tells us in Genesis 1:27 that "God created us in His own image." Because of this, we believe that ALL people matter to God, and since ALL people matter to Him, then ALL people should matter to us! Through Volunteers In Service, church volunteers have opportunity to embrace...

LaGrave SERVE Week

Over 100 students and adult leaders from Michigan and several other states spent a week serving individuals and organizations in the Greater Grand Rapids area. The group was split into teams of 5-7 students and 1 adult leader and they did various things such as painting, yard work, laying patio ston...

Financial Mentor Training

To meet the growing demand of requests from local church leaders for a financial mentor for someone they are working with, VIS periodically hosts the Financial Mentor Training. Below are the topics covered in this training. Week 1: Understanding the Mindset Week 2: Speaking the Truth in Love...

Benevolence Training

It is Biblical to take care of the physical needs of people around us. In responding to needs, do we take the opportunity to share the gospel? Do we view people as problems to solve or opportunities from God to love and embrace? Duke Gray, VIS trainer, will facilitate a three week training on how to...

Youth Groups Serving Throughout the Summer

"God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10 Our sincere appreciation to the following groups who have served or will be serving this summer: Westview CRC Youth Group, LaGrave SERVE, Dutton Un...

The Gift of Hospitality

The Gift of Hospitality “Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers…” (Hebrews 13:1-2a) By Bernita Tuinenga, Executive Director of Volunteers In Service: Imagine approaching a church as a total stranger and asking permission to...

Meet Duke and Attah

We are pleased to announce that we are partnering with Duke Gray and Attah Obande to expand our training opportunities to the churches. Both of these men bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and God-given talents to Volunteers In Service and will increase our capacity to equip those in church le...

Grand Rapids Christian High School Winterim

VIS was proud to partner with Grand Rapids Christian High School in placing students at many agencies throughout Grand Rapids in providing learning opportunities through their Winterim classes. "Winterim engages students in a two-week learning experience, allowing them to choose their own courses ...

Leadership Training Event (LTE) Recap

We would like to thank all who attended LTE this year! It was a powerful evening, and God's name was proclaimed. The evening started with Worship in the Calvin College Chapel with music and Ryan VerWys, President and CEO of Inner City Christian Fellowship, inspiring us to look beyond ourselves. ...

Bernita talks about the Role of the Deacon

Hear Bernita Tuinenga talk about what it means to be a deacon. https://youtu.be/Cs5JxqnK43o...

Brookside CRC SERVE Week

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." (Romans 12:11) This is Scripture put into practice this week with the young people part of the Brookside CRC SERVE week throughout Grand Rapids. Over 100 young people from the midwest US and Canada have come toget...

Cornerstone United Reformed Church TASC

The Cornerstone United Reformed Church of Hudsonville's TASC youth were out in full force this week! TASC stands for Teens All Serving Christ, and is a week long event where teens from all over the US and Canada come to learn about serving and loving in Christ. After a time of orientation and g...

Welcome to David Lundberg

VIS welcomes new staff member, David Lundberg, MSW, LSW, as a Casework Connections Associate. David is replacing Zjanee Anderson and had his first day at VIS on July 5. David is a social worker who most recently was the Director of Clinical Services and Counseling Supervisor at the Evangelical C...