WORTH THE DRIVE
Closer Than You Think
Merrillville doesn't have a shortage of churches — but a lot of Merrillville families end up at Shepherd Church anyway. It's a short trip down US-30 or Broadway into Hobart, and for many, it's become worth the extra ten minutes.
Acts 2 type of church. Connects all who attend with Jesus. Spirit-filled church, leadership involves those attending in worship, prayer and tending to those who need help. If you're lost, broken, tired, or can't find Jesus in your life, this church will help you.
— Nathan
NEW TO SHEPHERD CHURCH?
What Merrillville Families Find Here
You don't have to know anything or dress a certain way. Just show up — here's what a Sunday actually feels like.
Real Worship, Not a Performance
Some Sundays are loud with joy, others quiet and still — but it's never a show. Just honest hearts before God, together.
Everyone Has a Part
Spiritual gifts aren't reserved for the stage. Whether you're new from Merrillville or you've been here for years, you're part of what God is doing.
Kids Are Welcome, Not Just Tolerated
Stop by the welcome table when you arrive and our team will get your family checked in — nursery through school age.
Come Ready, Not Just Curious
We gather expecting God to show up. That might look like healing, a timely word, or simply feeling deeply known.
HOW IT WORKS
Your First Visit in 3 Steps
Three simple steps between right now and walking through our doors.
Let Us Know You're Coming
Take two minutes to fill out our visitor form. It's not required, but it means our welcome team will be watching for your family by name.
We'll Help With Kids Check-in
Stop by the welcome table and our team will get your kids checked into their classroom before service starts.
Show Up Sunday at 10:30 AM
Head to 7498 Grand Blvd in Hobart — about 15 minutes from downtown Merrillville. Come as you are.
WHO YOU'LL MEET
Ken & Candace Schaap
Born and raised right here in Northwest Indiana, Ken and Candace planted Shepherd Church after ten years pastoring near Cincinnati — because God made it clear it was time to come home. They're not distant platform pastors. Come Sunday, expect them to actually learn your name.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
From Merrillville, Here's the Way In
First time coming? Here's everything you need to know before Sunday.
-
Service Times Sundays at 10:30 AM · Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
-
Location 7498 Grand Blvd, Hobart, IN 46342 ~15 minutes from downtown Merrillville via US-30
-
Nursery & Kids Ministry Available at both services — ask our welcome team when you arrive
-
Questions? (219) 400-0495 · ken@shepherdchurch.co
QUESTIONS
Church Near Merrillville — Answered
Our building is at 7498 Grand Blvd in Hobart, Indiana — about a 15-minute drive from downtown Merrillville. We don't have a Merrillville campus, but families from Merrillville are part of our church every week.
Roughly 9 miles from downtown Merrillville, about a 15-minute drive via US-30 or Broadway — closer than most people expect.
Non-denominational — not affiliated with Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, or any other denomination. We're a Spirit-filled church rooted in Scripture, welcoming people from every background.
We meet Sundays at 10:30 AM and Wednesdays at 6:30 PM at 7498 Grand Blvd, Hobart, IN 46342.
Yes, free parking is available on-site at 7498 Grand Blvd in Hobart. We share the building with Christian Assembly, so just follow the signs to the main entrance.
Yes. Shepherd Church draws families from across Northwest Indiana, including Merrillville, Crown Point, and Portage — Sunday mornings regularly include people who drove past several closer churches to get here.
Come as you are — there's no dress code. Expect honest, Spirit-filled worship rather than a performance, a warm welcome team, and kids' ministry available at every service. Curious what we teach first? Read our core beliefs.
No. Come and observe — there's no visitor card required and no ask. Giving is for those who call Shepherd Church home, not for guests visiting from Merrillville or anywhere else.
Yes. Stop by the welcome table when you arrive and our team will get your family checked in — nursery through school age, at both Sunday and Wednesday services.
Yes — watch a recent message on YouTube at youtube.com/@ShepherdChurchNWI before you make the drive.
Merrillville, We'd Love to Meet You
First-Sunday nerves are normal. You don't have to know anything or dress a certain way — just show up, and let us do the rest.
“Spirit-filled community of Jesus followers. Passionate worshipers. Highly recommend visiting!”
— Kevin
NORTHWEST INDIANA
More Than Merrillville
Merrillville is one of a dozen Northwest Indiana communities Shepherd Church calls family — alongside Crown Point, Portage, Valparaiso, and more. See how we serve the whole region.
Hobart · Merrillville · Crown Point · Portage · Valparaiso · Gary · Lake Station · Chesterton · Michigan City · New Chicago · Highland · Munster