Mike Leiter's website
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BIO
Mike Leiter is the founding and lead pastor of The Vineyard Church of Freeland, where he is passionate about helping people discover the joy of following Jesus and growing together as a church family. His ministry is rooted in the conviction that the Kingdom of God is both ancient and ever new, calling believers to faithful discipleship in every generation.
Mike holds a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) at Global Awakening Theological Seminary. His academic interests include biblical theology, historical theology, ecclesiology, and the renewal of the Church.
In addition to pastoral ministry, Mike is a singer-songwriter who enjoys telling stories through music, blending thoughtful lyrics with acoustic folk and Americana influences. Whether preaching, writing, teaching, or performing, his desire is to point people toward the beauty, truth, and hope found in Jesus Christ.
Over the years, Mike's theological perspective has become increasingly eclectic as he has drawn from a wide range of Christian traditions and voices. Rather than feeling compelled to defend a particular theological camp, he is more interested in learning from wherever truth is found—whether in the writings of the early Church Fathers, the Reformers, the Wesleyan tradition, contemporary biblical scholarship, or modern renewal movements. His aim is not to blur distinctions between traditions, but to pursue a faith that is biblically grounded, historically informed, intellectually honest, and centered on Jesus Christ.
Outside of ministry, Mike is also a lifelong hobbyist gamer and content creator. For more than two decades he has built fan communities, operated websites, and hosted podcasts focused on MMORPGs, most notably WildStar and Guild Wars 2. Today he continues to enjoy gaming in his spare time, live streaming video game content as Mike Lights Live, while also sharing acoustic music performances and songwriting through the same channel.
Mike also writes regularly on theology, church history, ministry, music, and the Christian life through his personal blog, where he explores thoughtful questions with a commitment to biblical faith, historical awareness, and charitable dialogue.
Above all, Mike has been a Jesus follower (since March 1994 at the age of 19), husband to his wife, Tiffany (since 1995), and the father of three adult sons. Whether serving his congregation, writing, making music, gaming, or spending time with family, his deepest desire is to help others know Christ more deeply and follow Him more faithfully.
Follow Mike
Blog: https://www.mikeleiter.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.leiter
YouTube (Mike Lights Live): https://www.youtube.com/@mikelightslive
Twitch (Mike Lights Live): https://www.twitch.tv/mikelightslive
Teaching in the ruins of ancient Corinth.
Inside of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.
Touringthe ancient ruins of Ephesus.
Recovering from double bypass surgery in Feb of 2026.
18 year old Mike in 1992.
Mike and Tiffany in 1994.
With Vineyard USA Natl. Director Jay Pathak
With Dr. Randy Clark (Mike's mentor and seminary professor).
With Mike's professor, Vineyard Theologian, Dr. Derek Morphew
Mike teaching at the Vineyard Church of Freeland, Michigan.
With his wife, Tiffany, at a community event
With Lyle (baptized at 72 years old!)
Mike leading worship
With the residents of one of our local assisted living homes where he does ministry every month.
LOOKING FOR A CHURCH IN THE FREELAND, MICHIGAN AREA?
LOOKING FOR A CHURCH IN THE FREELAND, MICHIGAN AREA?
The Vineyard Church in Freeland, Michigan is an easy drive from Saginaw, Shields, Bay City, Auburn, and Midland. A church alive is worth the drive! We meet every Sunday at 11 AM right across from Freeland High School at 8300 Webster Rd. For more about us, visit us at vineyardfreeland.org
The Vineyard Church in Freeland, Michigan is an easy drive from Saginaw, Shields, Bay City, Auburn, and Midland. A church alive is worth the drive! We meet every Sunday at 11 AM right across from Freeland High School at 8300 Webster Rd. For more about us, visit us at vineyardfreeland.org
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