Pastor Forms Bible Study at Barbershop

– For the past several years, Rev. Rik Stevenson had been getting his hair cut at an inner-city barbershop in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

But Stevenson, pastor of Christian Reformed Home Missions-funded City Hope Ministries, didn’t simply use his time in the barber chair to get a wash and trim. Instead, he took the opportunity to witness to the young men hanging around the place.

“I felt the leading of the Lord to find another way to impact the community,” says Stevenson. “The guys I met at the barbershop seemed very interested in what I do, so I thought it would be a good place to start a Bible study.”

That’s how Urban Legends Bible Breakdown, Stevenson’s weekly barbershop Bible study, was born. Less than a year after its formation, the group now attracts up to 15 people to its Wednesday evening meetings.

“The name refers to my goal of breaking down the Bible into simple language they can understand, as well as breaking down some myths about black urban culture,” comments Stevenson, who has led City Hope for four years.

“I’m an African-American with tattoos who rides a motorcycle, which the guys here are used to. They didn’t even know I was a preacher until I told them. I think they’re excited to see that God loves us all just how we are, motorcycles and all!”

City Hope is located in the Burton Heights neighborhood of Grand Rapids, an aging, poverty-stricken area that is plagued by crime and drugs. However Stevenson and his wife, Denise, have not given up on the area, which has a diverse mix of African-American, Hispanic, and other ethnic groups. “We are committed to bringing hope to this community,” Stevenson says.

Although Stevenson hopes the men that come to Urban Legends each week decide to visit City Hope, he says he doesn’t expect them to. “I’m not trying to rush them into church,” he remarks. “I see this as another way to expand the kingdom of God and minister outside the church walls. Most importantly, I’m able to spend time with a group of men who are becoming convicted in the Word of God.” 

-Ben Van Houten, Christian Reformed Home Missions