Southwest Michigan Leader Among Nearly 475 Participants in Historic Scripture Marathon

*BATTLE CREEK, Mich.* — A Battle Creek pastor has been selected to represent Southwest Michigan in a prestigious national event, joining nearly 475 Christian leaders across the country in a weeklong, around-the-clock public Bible reading in Washington, D.C.

Pastor James Sunnock, founding and lead pastor of Victory Life Church in Battle Creek, has been chosen as one of the participants in the national America Reads the Bible Event, which begins April 19 in the nation's capital, according to officials with Victory Life Church.

The event will feature a continuous public reading of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation over seven days, with organizers promoting the reading as a way to celebrate America's 250th birthday and foster unity, faith and reflection through the public reading of Scripture.

High-Profile Participants Expected

Organizers say the gathering will include leaders and public figures from across the country. Expected participants include Rev. Franklin Graham, former Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, actress Candace Cameron Bure, along with other Christian leaders, artists and influencers.

The event grew out of a moment of inspiration inside the Museum of the Bible in 2024 and has expanded into a national gathering centered on Scripture during this milestone anniversary year.

Sunnock Scheduled to Read 1 Chronicles

Pastor Sunnock is scheduled to travel to Washington D.C., where he will read 1 Chronicles chapters 2 through 4 on Tuesday at 2 p.m. His reading will be available via livestream as part of the national broadcast.

"This is truly an honor, not just personally, but for our entire church family and the greater Southwest Michigan community," Sunnock said. "We see this as a moment where we get to represent our region in our nation's capital—standing together around the Word of God. It's something our whole church can celebrate and be a part of."

Victory Life Church History

Victory Life Church was founded in 2002 and has grown to serve thousands of members in Calhoun County. Pastor Sunnock, who leads the church with his wife, has been instrumental in establishing the congregation as a significant presence in the Battle Creek community.

The church has been involved in various community outreach programs and has built strong relationships with other faith-based organizations in Southwest Michigan.

National Significance of Event

The America Reads the Bible Event represents one of the largest coordinated Bible reading initiatives in the country. With nearly 500 participants expected, the event aims to bring together diverse voices of faith to engage with Scripture in a unified, public setting.

The choice of April marks a significant historical milestone for the nation, celebrating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Community Impact

For Victory Life Church and the broader Battle Creek community, Pastor Sunnock's selection represents recognition of their ongoing commitment to faith-based service and leadership in Southwest Michigan. The church has continued to grow and serve the community since its founding in 2002, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the local faith landscape.

"This is truly an honor, not just personally, but for our entire church family and the greater Southwest Michigan community," Sunnock said. "We see this as a moment where we get to represent our region in our nation's capital—standing together around the Word of God. It's something our whole church can celebrate and be a part of."

Event Details

The America Reads the Bible Event runs for seven days, beginning April 19 in Washington, D.C. Participants will read from Genesis to Revelation in a continuous, around-the-clock format. The event will take place at various locations in the nation's capital, with livestream coverage available for those unable to attend in person.

Organizers have emphasized the event's goal of promoting unity through shared engagement with Scripture, bringing together leaders from various denominations and backgrounds to participate in what they describe as a moment of national reflection and faith.

Sources

  • WWMT News Channel 3: https://wwmt.com/news/local/james-sunnock-victory-church-battle-creek-national-bible-reading-washington-dc-participant-america-250-birthday-calhoun-county-west-michigan
  • PR Newswire: https://prnewswire.com/news-releases/nearly-500-leaders-unite-to-call-america-back-to-scripture-post-easter-302726485.html