Partnering in God’s Mission: How Thorn Creek Reformed Church Is Making a Difference
Four years ago, Thorn Creek Reformed Church in South Holland, Illinois found itself at a crossroads. Nestled in a middle-class community outside of Chicago and yet surrounded by urban poverty, the church began to recognize a growing cultural and ethnic disconnect from its neighbors. Thorn Creek began to have conversations and spent time in prayer asking a simple question: What are the real needs around us and how can we meet them in the name of Jesus? Out of those conversations, the SOHO (South Holland) Missions Hub was born.
A Gospel-Centered Hub for Local Impact
Today, SOHO Missions Hub serves as a gospel-centered hub for kingdom ministry, partnering with local churches and organizations to serve the South Holland region. Thorn Creek hosts mission teams on its campus and connects them with trusted local partners, creating meaningful, hands-on opportunities to meet real needs in the community. The impact has been remarkable. This past summer, Thorn Creek welcomed 11 mission teams made up of 276 team members, with an estimated 5,000 people impacted across the region.
Transformation Within the Church
Pastor Mark Morris has witnessed transformation not only in the community, but within the congregation itself. “We have seen a rapid transformation in the missional viewpoint of our congregation members,” he shares. Volunteer involvement in the SOHO Missions Hub has increased by more than 200%, with members hosting teams, preparing and serving meals, and working side-by-side in ministry. Worship services have seen a gradual increase in visitors connected to Hub activities, and, as Pastor Mark puts it, “We’ve gained major ‘street cred’ — for the first time in years.”
Meeting Real Needs with Practical Service
SOHO Missions Hub teams serve in a variety of ways, including landscaping, supporting local Christian children’s and VBS ministries, assisting with minor home repairs, serving local churches, and partnering with a nearby Christian camp. Each team’s skill set is matched up with ways for the team to make a tangible impact in the South Holland region.
When Prayer Meets Action
One powerful story from last summer captures the heart of the ministry. After a small tornado moved through the area, teams quickly shifted their plans to help residents clear debris. At one home, they met an elderly woman who shared that she had been kneeling in prayer, “even though I’m not really a praying woman anymore,” asking how she would get to the pharmacy for life-sustaining medication.
“When the team came to her door,” Pastor Mark recalls, “she had just been asking God for help. Our team said, ‘That’s why we’re here.’” With a chainsaw and four teenagers hauling branches, the driveway was cleared, and within 20 minutes she was on her way to the pharmacy. This woman has since reengaged with her faith and now attends a local church.
Looking Ahead
As Thorn Creek Reformed Church looks to the future, they are eager to see how God will continue to use the SOHO Missions Hub to bless both the community and the church. If you’re interested in learning more, bringing a team to South Holland, or supporting the SOHO Missions Hub, you can reach Pastor Mark and the Thorn Creek team at office@thorncreek.org.