When church planter Devin Dunn stepped out on faith to plant Redemption Story Church in Clarkston, Michigan, he never imagined it would meet in a local sportsman’s club. Yet the unexpected location has become the perfect setting to reach people who might never step inside a traditional church.

With deer heads on the walls and a bar just behind the pulpit, the space is far from what most people picture when they think of church. But that’s precisely what makes it so disarming. The informal environment helps curious people feel comfortable coming as they are.

In fact, the fruit has been immediate.

“In the first five months, 100% of our church growth has come from the unchurched and dechurched community, not from people transferring from other churches,” Devin shares. “That’s an answer to our prayers!”

One man’s story captures what God is doing. He grew up in church but struggled with addiction and eventually felt he no longer belonged there. For nearly ten years, he stayed away from church entirely. The informal nature of the church plant drew him in, and he immediately felt welcomed and seen. Today, he is active in the church, being discipled and cared for by the church community.

From the beginning, Devin partnered with Acts 29 because he wanted Redemption Story Church to be more than a single congregation—he wanted it to be part of planting more churches to make more disciples. “Acts 29 helps you build those values in from day one.”

As the church looks ahead, Devin is excited about what God is doing. The congregation is already beginning to outgrow the sportsman’s club. While it will be bittersweet to leave, he trusts that God will provide the right space for the next chapter.

Through churches like Redemption Story Church, Acts 29 continues to plant churches worldwide—reaching people who might otherwise never hear the gospel. Pray with us for the work in Michigan and beyond!