The birth of Life Christian Church is an interesting one. After assisting churches in Bedford, IN, and Flint, MI, Hebert Starr, and his wife, Eleanor, came to Lansing to pioneer a church. The Church was named Eastside Apostolic Tabernacle. Pastor Hebert worked as a skilled planerman during the day and tried to have Bible studies and church services in the evenings. He soon established a list of contacts. It was not long until the need for a building became apparent. Purchasing property on the corner of Francis and Elizabeth was the first step.

In the middle of winter with pick and shovel, he and his son Bill began to dig the foundation and basement. He completed the building, which was to house the church for many years at 601 S. Francis St.

In October 1971, David Stephens, Hebert’s grandson, took over to become the Pastor of Eastside Apostolic. He was 22 years old and had just graduated from Michigan State University.

Pastor Stephens remembers those early days: “I would pick up my congregation in my car and take them with me to church. I placed the organ beside the pulpit so I could play the organ during worship service. Next, I would preach. Then I’d play the organ for the altar call. At the end of the service, I took everyone home.”

In 1977, Pastor Stephens felt that the church should change locations. Pastor Starr had purchased property in South Lansing at the corner of Starr and Jolly Roads so this seemed like a perfect fit. After its completion, the church consisted of the auditorium, which seated around 125, along with five classrooms and a nursery.

There were to be three more building programs within the next 22 years. Around 1979, the church knocked out walls, expanded the auditorium, and added an educational wing. It also paved the parking lot.