In a world festering with division and discord, Pastor Jim Hale sees Ministerial Alliance as a David standing against this Goliath. 

Since moving to the Grand Valley 30 years ago, Hale has witnessed the alliance’s impact in shaping the community with a message of love and inclusion through outreach and service.

“Ministerial Alliance has a long heritage of Christian influence in the community, with God as the driving force,” said Hale, 71. “We’ve developed a common heart and purpose for the community.”

Ministerial Alliance focuses on three main areas: fellowship and encouragement among pastors, community outreach and prayer. Over the years, upwards of 30 evangelical, Christ-centered churches have participated.

One example of their collective efforts is ShareFest, held the first weekend in May (see ad for details). Churches unite to serve and bless the community through volunteer projects. 

Another is the Easter Sunrise Service, which typically draws 200-300 attendees each year.

The alliance also sponsors the National Day of Prayer. While national days of prayer have been declared since George Washington’s time, it became an official observance in 1952 thanks to Billy Graham’s advocacy during the Korean War and President Truman’s proclamation. The event is now held annually on the first Thursday in May.

“The unity of National Day of Prayer brings blessing which is a very powerful thing,” said Hale. “The heart of prayer is to connect with God and other people. God planted it in our hearts and we’re hungry for that connection.”

Past gatherings have drawn up to 800 people to the old County Courthouse in Grand Junction, but Hale emphasized that people can pray wherever they are.

He believes that prayer not only brings answers but also changes the person praying. He was troubled by the polarization of the recent election, where good people turned against one another.

“God promises grace to the humble,” said Hale.  “If we just humble ourselves in prayer, pride starts to die.” 

Just as the two rivers come together in Grand Junction, creating a flow of life that blesses the community and those downstream, Hale believes prayer and fellowship can do the same—demonstrating what God can do when people work together.

“I encourage people to keep praying,” said Hale. “God is going to show you that your life has meaning, purpose and a hope for the future.

Find them on Facebook @gjalliance

Community Easter Sunrise Services

Rise and shine with these community Easter services—everyone is welcome!

Grand Junction: Easter Sunday, April 20 at 6:45 a.m. in the Central High School parking lot, 555 Warrior Way

Montrose: Easter Sunday, April 20 at 6:30 a.m. at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive—hosted by the Christian Motorcyclists Association Solid Rock Riders and the Association of Montrose Churches