Access is…
Located on the edge of Grandville, Michigan, where a group of college age and 20-somethings spend Thursday evenings. We are students, professionals, singles and married couples coming together for two things: to grow in relationship with Christ and to grow in relationship with each other.
Why We Exist: Access exists to equip college age and 20-somethings with the tools they need to fulfill their God-given destiny and to live their identity in Christ.
We Do It Through:
- Practical, applicable Bible teaching
- Music that glorifies God and is culturally current
- Learning to walk out our faith together as a community
- Volunteering our time, money, and energy to impact the world
- Small group settings and the growth they bring
When & Where: 7 p.m. each Thursday at the Ground Floor. (Map)
What We Believe: We believe that the Bible is truth; that Scripture holds the keys to fulfilling God’s plan for our lives. Ever ask those hard questions, “Who am I? What am I here for? What am I suppose to do?” We believe that God’s word has those answers. Through worship, prayer, discussion, teaching, and fellowship we discover the answers to questions just like these. We also learn how to walk out our faith as followers of Christ.We believe that true life transformation only happens through the saving grace of Jesus Christ. By examining God’s Word–the Bible–and applying what it says, we allow God to change us from the inside out. Through fellowship with other believers we develop lasting relationships that encourage and strengthen us in our daily walk.
Staff
Brent Matzen - Access pastor
Before he joined the US Air Force, Brent often found himself at Access on Thursday nights. After his time in the service and a degree from Regent University, Brent returned home to ResLife and joined the staff here in 2006. Now he heads up the very ministry he used to attend! He’s the joyful husband of Angela and proud father of their daughter, Sienna. When it comes to Access, he wants it to be a place where people completely surrender their lives to Christ’s kingship and grow together.
Special talent? I have been playing guitar for over 16 years and have done a few independent recordings.
Who’d have known… I own a Ronald Reagan talking action figure that I proudly display in my office. Why? Because it’s Ronald.
Favorite book? This is a hard one… with the exception of the Bible, I would have to say that there are a few books that have changed my life. First is Mere Christianity by CS Lewis - this book greatly affected me. Creation Regained by Albert Wolters, was instrumental in giving me a correct worldview of Creation, Fall, and Redemption. I also very much enjoyed Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Arminian Theology by Roger E. Olson. I am always up for a good read in either Historical or Systematic Theology.
What makes you laugh? Really dumb movies.
What’s in your iPod/CD player? I listen to a bit of everything. I am a big fan of acoustic singer/songwriter stuff. I was listening to Matt Nathanson on the way in.
Favorite TV show? I love the History Channel. Lately I have been watching that quite frequently.
Daniel Niño - Worship pastor
Daniel is the guy with the guitar who leads worship at Access. He leads a really awesome band called Tierra and on weekends you can find him leading worship at the ResLife campus in Holland.
Favorite book? First the Bible and then Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
What’s in your CD player? Worship music, John Mayer, Wilco, Mana, Dave Matthews
What’s something crazy you’ve done? I knocked down the lower parking lot clearance sign at the mall with my truck. (Not on purpose though.)
Something little known about you: I’m right handed but left footed.
Dan Fagundo — Intern
Dan is a man of action. When it comes to trees, he climbs them. Cars? He fixes them. Access? He prays with people, coordinates the offering and helps with lots of tasks that keep this ministry running. Besides serving at Access you’ll probably find Dan working or hanging out with his fellow intern and wife, Jessica.
Favorite summer or winter sport?
Sports are fun to play, but hunting is the only real sport
Favorite TV show?
I wish I was born before the T.V. was invented
Best drink at the GF Grill?
I don’t believe in coffee, so an Oreo Shake
What’s the furthest from Grand Rapids you’ve ever been?
Ethiopia in December 2008
What’s something crazy you’ve done?
I like to climb stuff and mountain tops can be dangerous in lightening storms.
Share one more unique thing about yourself:
Few things can compete with cheese, except ice cream, but they never go together. NEVER.
Brennen Hilgendorf — Intern
Brennen grew up thinking about becoming a pastor, but a string of events right after high school changed his mind about God for a while. Despite the disappointments and hurts he’s found around him, God has proved himself and Brennen has found a new hope in Christ. Now, he is actively serving with Access and enjoys sharing about Jesus on college campuses. Besides all he does to get ready for Access during the week, you will probably find Brennen serving up some fine food at the Ground Floor Café after Access.
Favorite summer or winter sport?
I’m not a fan of “physical activity” per se … but I do enjoy watching a good game of football… European of course.
What makes you laugh?
How much time do you have? I pretty much love to laugh. A great comedy movie is always a good choice, and there are some pretty funny books out there as well. My friends and I are quite sarcastic with each other, and I have been known to have a very dry sense of humor.
Favorite book?
The Bible, but other than that my favorite would probably be My Name Is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok.
What’s in your CD player?
Hideaway by The Weepies, In Rainbows by Radiohead, Illuminate by David Crowder Band, and The Shepherd’s Dog by Iron & Wine
Best drink at the GF Grill?
The greatest shake in the GF Grill would have to be the Reese’s Peanut Butter Shake.
The best band ever?
I have a three-way tie right now between Belle & Sebastian, The Shins, and Iron & Wine.
What’s something crazy you’ve done?
My brother and I once did a rap dance to a DC Talk song for a talent show when we were little. We had matching checkered vests and everything!
Jennifer Christensen – Intern
You’ve probably seen Jennifer talking with newcomers at the front desk or maybe out visiting your college campus, or on the prayer team, but that’s not all she does. Besides helping get things ready for Access each week, she’s also involved in lots of other things: there’s youth ministry at ResLife, gardening and more…besides taking care of her husband, Jason, and keeping up with their two energetic dogs. With a heart toward ministry and missions, Jennifer is quick to get involved.
Favorite summer or winter sport?
I love hockey, but I don’t really watch sports. If my dad wanted me to go to a game with him I would be all over it! I like to go to baseball games too, but I don’t watch it on tv.
Things you dislike with a passion:
Chomping gum, talking with a toothpick or pen in your mouth, and pacing.
What makes you laugh?
My husband is probably one of the funniest people I know! I love to laugh though. It just brings joy to my soul!
The best band ever?
The Afters and Hillsong…
Share one more unique, little known or just a fun thing about yourself:
I’ve played the piano since I was knee high to a grasshopper (thanks dad). I also play the flute and the piccolo.