The Edge is a unique church among Wesleyan churches. Starting as a hip-hop church, The Edge began as and remains an urban plant in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Perhaps just as unique as the church is the pastor, Rev. Kirt Herbert. Growing up in Jamaica, Rev. Herbert considers himself a missionary to the United States. His outside perspective is invaluable in guiding this congregation.
Rev. Herbert grapples with the cultural mindset of scarcity that they as a church are pushing against. Due to the population density and diverse socioeconomics in Grand Rapids, Rev. Herbert often sees more needs than resources and the needs are real across all levels of families and the church: not enough leaders, time, money or volunteers.
While the financial gap is real, Rev. Herbert doesn’t see it as an obstacle to the effective advancement of the gospel: “When we choose to focus on that which we do not have, it is like we are ignoring what we do have, and we undermine what God has given us. Whatever we have, we must maximize it, whether a building or money or people, because there is a reason God gave us that.”
Rev. Herbert cites as his model the example of the disciples, who did not have an abundance of resources. Rather than allowing what they didn’t have to obstruct the furthering of the gospel, Rev. Herbert leads his people to consider “what is in their hand” and use it, just as the disciples were instructed to “Take what you have and go.” According to Rev. Herbert, “We always have more than we think.”
At The Edge, he recognizes God has blessed them with an abundance of musical talent, and the church is sending musicians out to share the gospel through their creativity and artistry. Acknowledging that “God blesses us with certain skillsets and resources, and it is a blueprint for what he wants us to do,” Rev. Herbert challenges the misconception that a person needs more than what they already have to make a difference for the kingdom of heaven.
Knowing it can accelerate what it celebrates, The Edge consistently celebrates people who take a step into ministry with what they already have in hand. The church celebrates “going in all of its forms, to your neighborhood, to your job, to your community, and out regionally. None is worse than any other, as they all require sacrifice,” shared Rev. Herbert.
The preaching style at The Edge is conversational — Rev. Herbert poses a question expecting an answer, which then begins a spiritually centered dialogue. By doing this, he is helping his congregation practice having spiritual conversations. He knows, “If they cannot do it here, how do we expect them to do it out there?”
The Edge’s congregation also celebrates, supports and shares the missional story of one of their own, whose missionary efforts take her to wherever the Holy Spirit directs. Having gone to help homeless persons in Florida, she is now preparing to go help people in Hawaii.
The Edge also pour volunteers, time and money into “Schools of Hope,” its local reading program. In addition to helping young children dramatically improve their reading skills, many have come to know Jesus through accompanying devotionals and scripture teaching. Some of those children’s families have started attending The Edge.
“The Edge is making a kingdom difference in the urban core, a place that is often under resourced and overlooked. Pastor Kirt and the team at The Edge are leveraging relationships and trust, built over years of investment, to help transform their community. It is remarkable how they have reached beyond themselves and are investing in training leaders both locally and around the globe!” shares Rev. Jesse Pratt, director of Church Multiplication for The Wesleyan Church.
Rev. Herbert recognizes the congregation’s potential, believing that The Edge is sitting on a tremendous Kingdom Force. They are accustomed to making do with little. But with a bit of vision and push back on the idea that only the best Christians can get involved in the church or do missional work, Rev. Herbert believes The Edge can make a powerful kingdom impact by using what is in their hand and going, in all its forms.
Rev. Herbert wants people to use what God has given them: “Going across the street is just as valid as going across the world. Where is the Holy Spirit calling you?”
To learn more about Rev. Herbert and The Edge, check out his interview on the Acts 1:8 Podcast.
Rev. Jacob Gibson is the senior pastor at LifeSpring Wesleyan Church, Richmond, Indiana, and graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and Wesley Seminary, Marion, Indiana.
