LifeBridge Church

We Build Bridges

Aaron Tuinenga

Director of Worship Arts

Dan Davis

Lead Pastor

EMAIL DAN

Short testimony

I grew up in the Detroit area going to church with my family, yet ours was just a “Sunday-morning-only” kind of faith. I knew about Jesus, but I didn’t know Him personally. That changed my junior year of high school when I called upon Jesus to be my Savior. After trying to figure things out on my own and failing along the way, my faith refueled in college at Miami University in Ohio through Bible studies, Christian community, and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. From there, the Lord led me to a banking career back in Detroit, followed by ministry training at Dallas Theological Seminary, then on to pastoral assignments in Kingston, Ontario and Saginaw, Michigan, where I served 21 years as the Senior Pastor of Hopevale Church. Our God is forever faithful.

Favorite meal

Do I have to pick just one? I’ve got a pretty diverse palate, so give me a freshly-made sandwich from Farmhouse Deli in Douglas or a plate of sizzling fajitas with warm tortillas and guacamole from a Tex-Mex place in Dallas or brisket and burnt ends from Joe’s in Kansas City or take-out Chinese from Panda House in Saginaw (a Davis family Christmas Eve tradition).

Pets

Cathy and I are pet-free at the moment, though we do enjoy hanging out with Harper, our son and daughter-in-law’s mini Bernedoodle.

Bucket list travel destination

Personally, a Mediterranean trip where I could explore places in Spain, Italy, and Greece would be at the top of my list. Pastorally, since I’ve already been to Israel (which was amazing), I’d love to do a New Testament tour in Turkey and Greece.

WHAT DO YOU DO ON THE WEEKENDS FOR FUN?

You mean beside church?!? Beyond that, it’s Cathy and I doing something outdoors together like riding bikes, walking on the beach, or taking a long drive. Of course there’s got to be some good food along the way. I’m also a sports fan, so you might find me watching one of my beloved Detroit teams… though that’s usually more painful than fun.

Justin Lechner

Associate Pastor

EMAIL JUSTIN

Short testimony

I’m constantly learning what it looks like to live life WITH God. He has led me on a pretty amazing journey so far from growing up at a youth camp not far from South Haven, to missions in Amman, Jordan. I never desired or expected to work in the local church world but I believe I’m right where God wants me to be.

What you do on the weekends for fun

I love to be outside with my wife and four kids, whether it’s a beach, a trail, or a park we try to get outside every weekend.

Favorite meal

I could always go for a pork chop on the grill.

Pets

A turtle and fish! Someday we will give in to the kids’ plea for a dog…

Bucket list travel destination

Cyprus - a Mediterranean Island; it has tropical weather, ancient history, and delicious food. I’ve never been there but it looks AWESOME.

Aaron Tuinenga

Director of Worship Arts

EMAIL AARON

Short testimony

Growing up in a Christian family, I had the privilege to spend many of my formative years learning what it means to be a follower of Christ from a variety of church leaders. One in particular set out the importance of not merely making an acknowledgement of Christ, but actually building a relationship with Jesus. The years that followed were a radical journey from West Michigan, to inner-city Philadelphia, and even to the ghettos in South Africa. Through it all I’ve been challenged over and over again to rebuild my life in Christ, and continue learning every day what it means to be a son of God.

What you do on the weekends for fun

A dream weekend would involve ultimate frisbee and board games with friends. Or kayaking. Or grilling. Or… well close near anything that doesn’t involve going to the opera (sorry opera lovers).

Favorite meal

Spaghetti with a nice bolognese and genuine parmesan cheese. Close second would be anything off the grill.

Pets

My family has two dogs: Lando and Chewbacca. Ironically, Chewbacca is the short one between the two, but both are excellent co-pilots.

Bucket list travel destination

I know this is cheating, but it’s an absolute tie between visiting Scotland or New Zealand. I love mountains and the Sea, and Scotland has both of those in spades. New Zealand is all about walking the locations from Lord of the Rings.