
Quick Facts
Founded
1990s
Denomination
Reformed Baptist
Service Times
Sunday worship
Men's Ministry
Yes
Kids Ministry
Yes
Pastor Credentials
Sam Waldron: ThM, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary; PhD, SBTS; founding faculty CBTS; author 'A Modern Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith' — the standard contemporary commentary

10-Point Theological Scorecard
Christology
Is Jesus the only way? (John 14:6)
Orthodox Trinitarian per 1689.
Strong
Scripture
Inerrancy affirmed? Final authority?
Inerrancy + sola Scriptura.
Strong
Men's Discipleship
Intentional formation for men?
Verify per local engagement.
Caution
Soteriology
Faith alone? How is salvation presented?
Particular Baptist; classical Reformed.
Strong
Gender / Biblical Design
Biblical manhood and womanhood by God's design — patriarchal, complementarian, egalitarian, or affirming gender ideology?
Male elders only per 1689.

Male elders only per 1689 LBC chapter 26.
Strong
Leadership Structure
Male elders/pastors? Accountability?
Plurality of male elders.
Strong
Preaching Style
Expository or topical/therapeutic?
Expository, doctrinal — Waldron-led.
Strong
Mission Clarity
Great Commission central?
Verify per local engagement.
Caution
Cultural Alignment
DEI/CRT language? Social justice crowding out gospel?
Confessional, anti-egalitarian.
Strong
Accountability Structure
Denominational home, elder plurality, or external network — is the pastor answerable to anyone?
1689 LBC; tied to Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary.
Strong

Assessment
Covenant Baptist Church of Grand Rapids is the long-time pulpit of Sam Waldron, whose 'Modern Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession' is the standard contemporary commentary on the LBC. Direct CBTS connection. One of the most theologically credentialed 1689 congregations in North America. GREEN.
#reformed-baptist#1689-confession#sam-waldron#cbts#michigan

MOOP Engagement Tracker
How this church was personally verified by the MOOP directory team:
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Researched church website

Last reviewed:
2026-05-16
— Annual review recommended