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About us

James has a genuine love for God and humanity. He has a transparency that is appreciated by many and a willingness to be vulnerable, sharing his challenges and successes while leading.  His heart is to see a multicultural, multiethnic, multigenerational church come into fruition at Trenches. He believes the heart of God is put on full display through this type of culture. He’s known for his practical teaching style that even younger people enjoy. His background consists of serving full-time for over 23 years in Youth Ministry until God led him in 2011 to plant Trenches Community Church. As a result, he has had a greater opportunity to expand his

love for the body of Christ and develop proximity-type relationships, opposed to peripheral, across ethnic and denominational lines.

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He is a leader in our community, participating in many initiatives and movements. James has been married to Machelle for 37 years and out of this covenant union, they have 3 children, Dominique Hunt, Megan (Antwain) Allen, James Jr & and 7 grandchildren, Imani, BJ, Caleb, Marcus, Harper, James III, and Zoe.

our journey

God spoke to Pastor Harris several times between 2008-2011 about starting a church. In January 2011, Trenches was planted on the Eastside of Kalamazoo under the blessing of Dr. Addis Moore, Pastor Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The location we are currently residing was sold to us by the Reformed Church in America for $1.00. Many lives have been touched

over the years and we are excited about what’s to come. Our partnership with our public school district, police department, Eastside residents, non-profits, and how God is leading us to be more influential in social justice and racial reconciliation are ways we are engaging our community to enhance the kingdom of God.

our core values

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Love God Passionately
(Exodus 20:3; Mark 12:29-31; Matthew 22:37-38)

  • Have no other gods before Him.

  • Submit our whole being to His lordship.

  • Be a doer of the word and not just a hearer

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Love People Unconditionally
(Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31;
1 Corinthians 13:1-11)

  • Treat our neighbor in a Christ-like manner by demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit.

  • Love deeply our brothers and sisters of a different ethnic identity.

  • Forgive those who have offended us and pursue reconciliation.

Live By
Power Daily
(Acts 1:8; Matthew 5:16; Matthew 28:19-20)

  • Be a vessel for the Great Commission and Commandment to be fully demonstrated.

  • Let our light shine brightly wherever we are.

  • Lead others to Christ and disciple them.

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