Micah Jelinek

Immanuel Clarkston | Clarkston, MI

Tell us about your family.

Laura and I have been married for 18 years. We have three children: Violet (11), Henry (11), and Evangeline (9). We enjoy camping, hiking, board games, and spending time together exploring around Metro Detroit.

How have you seen God working in your family?

We have seen our children grow tremendously over the next last year. Each of the kids has been very involved in the church: running sound/slides/helping in Immanuel Kids and all the typical things church planting kids get up to. Even more encouraging has been the way our dining table has become a place of lively discussion with each of the children asking great questions about faith, and family meals being a genuinely joyful time.

How have you seen God working in your life?

This last season has been a time of resting more deeply in God’s provision and calling in my life. Planting Immanuel has led to me releasing my expectations of how God would grow the church, and embracing that often God delights to work through simply being present and engaged in relationships in the Clarkston community. This has included ensuring that I’m taking a full day of rest each week (Fridays) that is spent with my family, and trusting that the Spirit is at work even when I’m not. This has been really freeing. I’ve also experienced an even greater joy and freedom in preaching.

How have you seen God working in your church?

It has been a time of growth, deepening community, and meaningful mission—both inside our church family and throughout the Clarkston community. Our Questioning Christianity gatherings grew significantly this Fall. We explored questions like whether Christianity is a restrictive “straitjacket” or a freeing framework designed for human flourishing. Honest conversations—like hearing a friend say, “I want this to be true, but I’m not sure what I’d have to give up”—have been both refreshing and encouraging. We saw one man (Morgan) embrace faith in Christ and others like Jonathan and Claire continue to explore the Christian faith (Jonathan just finished reading the Gospel of John and is asking great questions!). Additionally, a member of Immanuel who is a jazz musician will be hosting a weekly jam session (calling them “Chapel Sessions”) at Immanuel as a way to engage musicians in the area and at Oakland University. This fall we also welcomed new members (14), celebrated baptisms (2 adult; 1 infant), and watched our community embody the love of Christ in very tangible ways. One of our new families is walking through their daughter’s recent leukemia diagnosis, and the Immanuel community has surrounded them with prayer, meals, support, and presence. We anticipate adding around 18 new members in the coming weeks as well. A number of students from Oakland University, located just 15 minutes away, have begun to attend Immanuel as we have been partnering with Cru on campus. Their presence is bringing fresh energy and new opportunities for mission. Two have become members at the church with another 4 who are planning to join. Students from Oakland tend to stick around the area after graduation, so we are looking forward to continuing to disciple them beyond graduation.

What is your church’s mission/vision?

Immanuel Clarkston is a church for others because of Christ where both believers and skeptics can explore life’s big questions and Christianity’s answers, where we can all work together for a thriving Clarkston, and serve those in need in our community.

How can we be praying for you?

1. Neighborhood Groups: Pray for these groups to help foster community within Immanuel that keeps an open chair for nonChristians.

2. Young Life: Pray for us as we help to found a Young Life group at Clarkston High School.

3. Chapel Sessions & Questioning Christianity: Pray for these outreach opportunities with those who are skeptical and exploring the Christian faith.

To send Micah a note of encouragement, write to HelloCP@spanishriver.com.