History of the Love INC Movement

The idea for Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC) was conceived as a way to encourage churches to become more engaged with those in need and inspire a greater number of Christians to put their faith into action. Love INC’s founder, Virgil Gulker, was a social worker and outreach director in Holland, Michigan in the late 1970’s. Deeply committed to helping people trapped in poverty, he was certain God had called others to the same mission. Indeed he was correct and Love INC was created in 1977. It was not long before it expanded beyond the community of Holland.

Today, Love INC is a national ministry carried out by more than 9,000 churches in over 150 affiliates across the United States. The congregations and community partners that make up each affiliate are addressing serious unmet needs in their local area. While America is a land of prosperity and opportunity for some, millions of others are living in poverty. Love INC reaches out to these vulnerable community members providing tangible assistance, encouragement, and hope.

At the heart of Love INC are church and community volunteers, motivated by the desire to share God’s love and inspired by Jesus’ example of selfless giving. Love INC enables these volunteers to pool their time, talent, and treasure to create a network of resources and services that respond to concerns in the community. It involves compassion, collaboration, generosity, and action. It is volunteers working together to transform lives through the amazing power of love: their love, God’s Love, and Love In the Name of Christ.

History of Love INC – Newaygo County

Love INC – Newaygo County was founded in 1987 by seven local area churches. Their desire was to help meet the needs of families in the community by creating a network of resources and services that respond to community concerns while avoiding duplication of services.

Today, Love INC – Newaygo County has community and partner church volunteers giving of their time, talents and resources in many areas such as: Money Management Classes, Resale Store, Food Pantry, Delivery Truck, Ramp Ministry and the Clearinghouse.  Volunteers and staff assist over 1,000 families each month. We are able to offer assistance to so many because of our large volunteer workforce, generous donations, grants and Love INC resale store revenue. We strive to continually mature in our capacity to meet people’s needs. “Helping Churches Help People”.