Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Owens.
Hi Amanda , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Holy Grounds story really starts back in 2017, my family was living in Saginaw at the time where I managed the Family Christian Bookstore, and my husband and I were enjoying life with our 5 kiddos. Everything changed when the bookstores announced they were closing all of their locations. I was devastated. I really thought I would happily do that job for the rest of my life. So I asked God, “What is my purpose now if not to sell Bibles?” And clear as day, I felt Him say: “Sell Bibles and coffee.” And honestly? That sounded amazing… but it also felt way too big for me. I remember thinking, “I can steer a ship, but I can’t build one.” So I put it on a shelf and started selling insurance instead because that was much more practical. During that season, every Monday night I would host Bible studies in my living room. I would make coffee for my friends, we would gather, talk about Jesus, and build community. It became the highlight of my week. I told them all about the dream of opening a coffee shop someday. Looking back now, I can see that God was quietly preparing my heart.
Then in September of 2019, my world changed forever. My husband picked up our youngest son, Aiden, from school like it was any normal day. They got home, and Aiden was bouncing around like he always did… and then suddenly, he collapsed. In a panic, they rushed him to the hospital, and I rushed there to meet them. Within 24 hours, we were told that Aiden had an inoperable, terminal brain tumor. The next six months were both the worst and the best months of my life. We lived every moment with Aiden like it could be our last. And in March of 2020, our moments with our beautiful boy ended here on earth.
After Aiden died, I remember crying out to the Lord: *What is my purpose now if not to be Aiden’s mom?* And again, I heard it:
“Sell Bibles and coffee.” God reminded me of the vision He planted in my heart back in 2017. And this time, I knew I needed to listen, but I also knew if I was going to do it, I needed tools. So I enrolled in a Bible and Business program and earned my bachelor’s degree. I was determined to learn how to build the ship I had spent years believing I couldn’t. But if I’m honest, I got distracted again. I moved back to Kalamazoo and started working for Youth for Christ while I finished my degree, and I convinced myself that if I was doing ministry, then I must be doing what God wanted and that was enough.
But the truth was, God had been prompting my heart for almost ten years to do something very specific. And I kept doubting Him. In October of 2024, I felt like God gave me the final push. And this time, I said yes. Holy Grounds is a ship built from deep personal experience. I know what it’s like to be a mom who wants to attend Bible study but doesn’t have childcare. I know what it’s like to long for community but not have the right space to host people. I know what grief feels like.
I know what isolation feels like. I know what it’s like to desperately need Jesus in the middle of pain.
Holy Grounds was built to break down those barriers that keep people at a distance from Jesus. Its a space that was created where believers and unbelievers can gather together to experience the love of Jesus through hospitality and love. We offer onsite childcare so moms can enjoy a cup of coffee and a break from mom life. We give the community free space to hold Bible studies or business meetings, and we encourage ministries to collaborate within our community so that together we can serve more individuals. Holy grounds is a space where people can find refuge and find Jesus.
Holy Grounds has become a conduit for other ministries to be born. Ministries like The Binding Place which helps parents who have lost children community through shared experience.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a nonprofit, there are countless challenges that come with building something from the ground up. Fundraising is one of the biggest. While it isn’t always easy to ask people to invest in a vision they can’t yet fully see, it’s a necessary part of launching and sustaining a ministry like Holy Grounds. So far, we haven’t been successful in securing grant funding, which has meant relying on the generosity of individuals, churches, businesses, and our community to keep moving forward.
Beyond fundraising, there have been many technical hurdles to navigate when it comes to nonprofit compliance and accounting to food licensing, childcare regulations, insurance, and all of the behind-the-scenes details that most people never see. Starting a ministry requires not only a heart for people, but also a willingness to learn an entirely new set of skills.
Through every challenge, though, we’ve watched God faithfully provide exactly what we’ve needed. Sometimes that provision has come through financial gifts, sometimes through donated equipment or volunteer expertise, and often through people who showed up at just the right time with the knowledge or encouragement we needed. The road hasn’t been easy, but every obstacle has become another opportunity to see God’s faithfulness, and that has been one of the greatest blessings of this journey.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Holy Grounds Meeting Place is a nonprofit ministry center and coffee shop with a simple mission: to create an atmosphere of worship in all we do. Offering a space where individuals can study openly and connect with the community God designed us for. By combining the sharing of scripture, the warmth of hospitality, and a heart for the parents and children we serve through onsite childcare, we seek to embody the love and grace of Jesus in every moment and in every detail.
The heart of Holy Grounds is creating a place where barriers are removed and community can flourish. That’s why our onsite childcare sets us apart from any other coffee shop or play cafe. This is an extremely inexpensive place where your kids can be well cared for while you get some time to sit alone or with a friend and just breathe or attend a Bible study.
What makes us unique is that our space is intentionally designed to equip and support ministry. We currently host more then 10 groups that meet weekly, biweekly, and monthly at our facility. We also host networking groups and small one day ministry conferences.
One of the things we’re most proud of is that Holy Grounds has become a launching pad for other ministries. We’ve watched community members step into the call God has placed on their lives by starting new Bible studies, recovery groups, grief support ministries, and outreach opportunities, all within our walls. Rather than creating every ministry ourselves, we love empowering others to use their gifts to serve the community.
Our heart has always been collaboration rather than competition. We believe the local church is strongest when churches and ministries work together, and we’re honored to provide a neutral, welcoming space where people from many different church backgrounds, or no church background at all, can gather, ask questions, and grow in their faith.
More than anything, we want people to know that everyone is welcome at Holy Grounds. Whether you’re a lifelong follower of Jesus, someone exploring faith for the first time, or simply looking for a place to enjoy a great cup of coffee and meaningful conversation, there’s a seat for you at our table.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to build something alone. Find people who are already doing what you hope to do and be willing to ask questions. Most people are incredibly generous with their knowledge if they can see that you’re genuinely there to learn. For me, networking has never been about collecting business cards, it’s about building real relationships. Some of the most influential mentors in my life weren’t people I formally asked to mentor me. They were people I consistently learned from by showing up, serving alongside them, asking thoughtful questions, and staying connected over time. When I attend a networking event I intentionally seek to meet two new people I have never met before and ask them to meet at a different time where you have the opportunity to get to know them better.
I’d also encourage people not to limit themselves to mentors who look exactly like them or work in the same field. As someone building a nonprofit ministry, I’ve learned just as much from business owners, nonprofit leaders, pastors, accountants, marketing professionals, and community leaders as I have from people in ministry. Every relationship has something valuable to teach you.
Finally, don’t be afraid to share your vision. Some of the most meaningful partnerships and opportunities at Holy Grounds happened simply because I was willing to tell people what God had put on my heart. You never know who God has already positioned to encourage you, open a door, or help move your mission forward. Sometimes all it takes is having the courage to start the conversation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://holygroundsmeetingplace.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holy.grounds.meeting.place/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolyGroundsMeetingPlace
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@holy.grounds.mp
