Church of God in Michigan
March 2024
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eAction Psalm 107:2
 
Rev. Mark Richardson
 

Psalm 107:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
And gathered out of the lands,
From the east and from the west,
From the north and from the south.


Bruce Weinstein, noted ethicist and author, wrote the following in the February 2024 issue of Forbes Magazine, “Gratitude and Humility are two sides of the same coin.” The Merriam Webster dictionary defines the idiom, two sides of the same coin, as two things that are regarded as two parts of the same thing. There are many examples in life that can qualify as this, like love and cherish and faith and trust.

As we are preparing to celebrate the most significant time in the life blood of the Church, Holy Week, I am reminded afresh of one of the great examples of two sides of the same coin. In less than two weeks, many of us will be, hopefully, celebrating and commemorating Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Resurrection (Easter) Sunday. Certainly there are many activities and memories that go with that for us, from Easter Egg Hunts to Foot Washing Services to Passover Seders to Good Friday Services, to Easter Sunrise Services, etc.

If you are like me, you may well have great memories of growing up like, getting dressed up in your new Easter outfit and going to church after sneaking jellybeans, chocolate, Peeps, and other Easter basket goodies. One funny one from our family is my four year old sister accidentally dropping an Easter egg on the head of a bald man from the balcony at the local theatre. It’s fun to share our great memories of this season with others. With that, I have come to appreciate so much more the real significance of Holy Week, in particular the effect of Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. The powerful effect of what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us carries eternal significance for everyone if we are willing to acknowledge and accept it.

The theological terms we use to categorize the impact are atonement and redemption. They really are two sides of the same coin. When our Lord suffered on the cross, he took our sins upon Himself and died in our place. This is affirmed in 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB), He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. By dying on the cross in our place, dying our death, Jesus atoned for us. He literally paid the price that God demanded for sin… death. Because of this, the eternal separation of sin and death between us and God was removed, and we have the possibility of peace with God restored. This is the first side of the coin. The reality is, however, that if we don’t accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord for ourselves, it’s as if the atonement had no effect for us. We must surrender our lives to Jesus Christ to be atoned for. This is the other side of the coin, redemption. When we come to Jesus Christ, we receive the effects of atonement, we are redeemed, restored to peace with God. Because we have peace with God, we can have the peace of God that goes beyond understanding (Philippians 4:7). Atonement and Redemption are indeed two sides of the same coin.

You might be thinking, “Isn’t this pretty basic, Christianity 101 stuff?” It certainly is, or it certainly should be! It is really part of the basics of our faith. I have discovered that we often miss the basics as we press towards the newest, the latest, the most advanced, the cutting edge. We do a great job of attracting people with beautiful buildings, big budgets, great music, good worship, preaching etc. But are people really grasping the significance of Jesus crying out, “It is finished” just before dying on the cross? Sin and death are eternally defeated, and when He rose from the dead, the grave lost its victory (1 Corinthians 15:54-56). It is in mastering the basics that we are empowered to experience the glory of the faith that we have been given by and through Jesus Christ. Do we really present this great coin, with its two powerful sides, to those that are lost, broken, hurting, struggling, seeking, etc. We would rush to say yes, but I challenge you to ask folks to explain atonement and redemption. You might be surprised.

Legendary NFL coach, Vince Lombardi, for whom the Super Bowl Championship trophy is named, took a team of underachievers that went 1 and 11 in 1957 to 5 championships over the next 10 years. His teams won the first two Super Bowls. He did this by demanding that they focus on the basics and do them with excellence, even how they warmed up at the start of practice. Many of those same under-achieving 1957 players ended up in the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame today; they mastered the basics! Are we as excited about the basics of our great faith that we would master them and encourage others to do the same; grasping and sharing the great doctrines that instruct us, how we pray, witness, serve, give? There is a cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12) that would testify to us that it is worth it as we run this race with our eyes on Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

As I indicated above, Holy Week has taken on a much greater significance for me when I rejoice over the fact that I am redeemed because Jesus atoned for my sin and death, and He welcomed me into the Family of God. Psalm 107 has it powerfully right, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy…” I still consume plenty of jellybeans (spiced are my preference), chocolate, boiled eggs, and other Easter goodies (probably too many), even before church, I do so in celebration of my redemption because of my Lord’s atonement for me. I believe there is still great value in singing some of the great hymns of our heritage, because they remind us of the glory that we have to celebrate in Jesus, that we are redeemed. I sign off with the words of one of those great hymns. I hope it blesses you as it has greatly blessed me over the years.

I’m Redeemed
by Joseph C. Fisher
Published in Several Church of God Hymnals

I’m redeemed, I’m redeemed,
From the darkness of the night,
That so thickly enveloped my soul;
In my heart there have gleamed
Rays of wonderful light,
Where the waves of Thy glory do roll.

Refrain:
I’m redeemed, praise the Lord!
I’m redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
I am saved from all sin,
And I’m walking in the light,
I’m redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

I’m redeemed by Thy blood,
From the power of the grave,
And the vict’ry I have over death;
Oh, that wonderful flood!
Oh, I felt its pow’r to save,
When I plunged in its fathomless depth! [Refrain]

I’m redeemed from all sin
And I’m walking in the light,
And Thy Spirit illumines my way;
I’ve no fear now within
“For the terror of the night,
Nor the arrow that flieth by day.” [Refrain]

The redeemed, they shall walk
In the pathway of the just,
Which shines brighter and brighter each day;
They shall sing and shall talk
With the bright, angelic host,
Where all sorrow and sighs flee away. [Refrain]

With love,
Rev. Mark K. Richardson, State Pastor


 

Church of God Ministries:
   Harvest Foundation - Kissimmee, FL

 

Church of God Ministries offered us an opportunity to experience a retreat for pastors and spouses at a tremendous facility in Kissimmee, FL this August, sponsored by the Harvest Foundation. the Harvest Foundation is committed to very generous support of pastors and their spouses. They are providing an opportunity for pastors and spouses to completely step away. It is a great time for rest, time with their spouse, and time for connecting with other pastors. They are making possible to a limited number of Church of God pastors an opportunity to stay at the Omni Resort at Champions Gate (Kissimmee, FL) on August 26-30, 2024. The entire facility will host only pastors and their spouses. Lodging at the resort and one meal per day is provided. Travel costs will be up to the pastors.

Potential participants can go to their website (https://harvestfoundation.com/join-harvest-foundation) to sign up. It is not a guarantee, but they will select several to attend.

Saturday, May 11, 2024
Hope Crossing, Sterling Heights
 

View Our BMWC Promotional Video
Contact:
Jim Walters, Director, jim@visionministries.org, (317) 698-5186

Perhaps your congregation is in need of professional, Christian mediation concerning conflict. Perhaps your church could benefit from training in Crucial Conversations and how to share even difficult information with others without doing damage. We can help with that through Rev. Chris Cottrell, who is very well trained and experienced in helping churches through these difficult challenges. His information and contacts are included below. Another good thing to keep in mind is that Chris is a native Michigander, and he always loves to come back home.

Placeholder Image
 
 
Rev. Dr. Christopher Cottrell
 

Contact: Rev. Dr. Christopher Cottrell
chris@crosspointceo.com, (937) 621-2162

 
learn more
 
Alma, First Church of God
Barryton, Barryton Church of God
Lansing, Pennway Church of God
Saint Johns, First Church of God
Cassopolis, First Church of God (Bi-Vocational Pastor)
Detroit, Church of God of Detroit (youth pastor)

Interested? Contact - Rev. Mark K. Richardson, State Pastor
517-393-7020


 

Alma Church of God | Alma, Michigan
Currently seeking a Senior Pastor


Alma Church of God is a vibrant, healthy, and growing congregation. We are seeking a Senior Pastor who can help us build upon our strengths, discern the next chapter of our mission, help us chart the course, and take the steps we need to pursue the vision.

Our next Senior Pastor fosters encounters with Jesus by:
Encountering Jesus Changes Everything.
• Preaching sermons that are dynamic and relevant
• Casting vision for the mission
• Activating the church to impact the local community and beyond
• Equipping and empowering leaders to lead
• Leading with authenticity, courage, and integrity
• Caring for every generation
• Celebrating and cultivating generosity
• Investing in staff and helping them thrive

We believe all of life is packed with potential to encounter Jesus.
Our next Senior Pastor helps people discover how to live with this alertness in daily life.

We believe God loves Alma and the surrounding communities.
Our next Senior Pastor helps us discover how to join our lives to God’s love for the world.

Our commitment to our Senior Pastor:
• Full-time compensation with benefits package
• Prayer support and encouragement
• Care for our pastor’s family
• Support for healthy life and ministry rhythms
• A wonderful church to call home

Download: Senior Pastor Profile and Church Profile
Contact: almacogsearch@gmail.com


 

First Church of God | Saint Johns, Michigan
Currently seeking a full-time pastor


St. Johns is a small town in Michigan once known as the "hub" of Michigan for its location in the center of the lower peninsula. The city is also known as "Mint City USA" for the annual Mint Festival and parade held in August to celebrate its mint-farming legacy. Traditional mores and family solidarity are dominant in the community.

 

St. Johns Church of God

This congregation has been growing for over 100 years and is dedicated to consistent growth and open to change.
We have worshipped and served God at our current location since 1974.
Our present facilities were constructed mostly through the combined service and work of congregants.
The congregation is financially healthy.
The congregation is at its best when it is working together in God-focused unity.
The congregation enjoys gathering in various ways, including Sunday morning pre-service coffee hour, an annual July 4th fireworks viewing party for the community, and annual summer picnics and Christmas banquets.
The church organization is led by a Board of Directors with the pastor as executive.
The Board works in partnership with the pastoral staff to embody the character of Christ.
In February 2023 NXTStep Church Services completed a full church assessment. The Church Assessment Report is available on the church website at www.stjohnschog.com.
 
 

Pastoral Call

We recognize a pastor as someone who feels and is actively pursuing a calling.
We believe God is preparing the person who will be our next pastor.Suspendisse pulvinar mi at hendrerit gravida
We are seeking God's leadership in guiding us to that person.
We are seeking a full-time pastor who:
 

- Willingly submits to spiritual guidance.
- Is credentialed, or is willing to enter the process of being credentialed, by the Church of God Credentials Committee.
- Has or is seeking appropriate education in the biblical, theological, and practical aspects of ministry.
- Understands the importance of technology to contemporary church worship and outreach.

 

Pastoral Character

We believe that the character of a pastor is vital and must reflect scriptural guidelines.
We are seeking a pastor who:
 

- Biblically teaches with the capacity to engage the hearts and minds of those seeking God, and to educate and challenge toward spiritual growt
- Is a Holy Spirit disciple of Jesus who emphasizes prayer and biblical soundness.
- Is a community-minded leader who actively engages in ministry inside and outside the church walls.
- Is a listener who is able to provide congregational care.
Is able to see and respond to people with compassion, care, and sound instruction.
- Is a good communicator.
- Has emotional intelligence and a commitment to on-going personal growth and maturity.
- Is genuine, nonjudgmental, and humble.
- Provides visionary leadership and is willing to take risks and go where God leads.

 

Contact Us

 

Pastor John Davey (Interim Pastor), (989) 763-0399 or Sarah Young


 

First Church of God | Cassopolis, Michigan
Bi-Vocational Pastor - Job Description

 

The Big Picture -
The Cassopolis church is a small fellowship of dedicated believers seeking a lead pastor that is energetic, has a passion for and will help and guide its people in reaching the lost in the
community we serve. His or her focus will center on preaching, leadership, pastoral care and
personal witness.

 

The Church -
The Cass church is a welcoming one - that seeks to glorify God and live out the love of Christ
through worship, fellowship, discipleship and sharing the good news. Our church is proud of its many years of history and undeniable desire to serve those in need in the community. The
people of this church are aware of the challenges of a bi-vocational pastor and understand that a person has limitations. The lead pastor and leadership team will work together to set
priorities, assignments, boundaries and team support.

 

The Community -
Cassopolis is located along the Michigan state line 20 miles north of South Bend, Indiana. In recent years the downtown community and Stone Lake area has been revitalized by The Imagine Cass Project which sought to transform the entire community. While serving as the county seat, this quaint village has a historic atmosphere and is a great place to establish strong family values. In addition, a major new industrial park is currently in process just outside of town. The village, farm country and large Diamond Lake offers some unique opportunities and challenges.

 

Requirements/Qualifications -

Personal call to pastoral ministry
Qualified to minister in the church as required in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9
Committed to living and serving consistent with scripture and the Church of God
Licensed and ordained in the Church of God, Anderson, Indiana or be in the process of licensing and ordination.
The ability to communicate through the preaching ministry and lead people to life changing experiences.
Possess strong leadership and communication skills, necessary to identify, seek out and build relationships in the community, as needed, to enhance outreach efforts, partnerships and ministries.
 
 

Duties and Responsibilities -

To proclaim the gospel of Christ and to teach the Bible in a way that communicates well.
To provide leadership and cast vision joining together with the people of the church to develop plans and programs for forward growth.
Work and serve with the Leadership team in future endeavors and choosing of additional members of Adult/Youth Ministries.
To facilitate regular contact/visitation of church families.
To officiate at weddings, funerals, and any other significant church events as well as serving as a representative of the church at significant community events.
 
 

Position Summary -
We seek an energetic and enthusiastic lead pastor who feels a divine call to pastoral ministry
upon his or her life. The lead pastor needs to have a heart for serving and a passion to share
the good news of the gospel in order to see lives transformed. We expect that the person
accepting this position would feel God's call to our congregation.

 

The Compensation -
This is a part-time position. Salary and benefits will be determined based on experience and
education of the successful candidate and in line with the current recommendations contained in the budget.

 

Please send resume to Dennis Wooden, dkwswine@yahoo.com, and Mike Grice, 
mikeg78@comcast.net

For any questions or more information please contact Dennis Wooden at 517-937-5568


 

Church of God of Detroit | Detroit, Michigan
New Position - Emerging Generation Pastor


Position Overview the Emerging Generation Pastor will be a champion for children, youth, young adults, and their families as a part of the larger community and ministry of the Church of God of Detroit. It is this pastor's responsibility to direct, encourage, and oversee the various ministries connected to her/his position.

Roles/Responsibilities
Align Ministries Develop Leaders Give oversight to the formation of leaders in the emerging generation ministries

Working Relationships
The Emerging Generation Pastor is directly accountable to the Senior Pastor. The Emerging Generation Pastor is a member of the ministry staff/team.

Personal Attributes
Follower of Jesus - Evidence of a personal relationship and commitment to Christ. Teacher - Able to communicate effectively one on one, as well as in small and large group settings.

Requirements
Accreditation by, Ordination or willingness to enter the process of being ordained accredited by, the Church of God Anderson Board of Ministerial Standards and Education.  Ability to think strategically and creatively.  Administrative and organizational skills. Be a part of the Emerging Generation.

Salary
$15.000 to $18.000. This is a part-time position. Salary and benefits will be determined based on the experience and education of the successful candidate and in line with current recommendations contained in the by-laws.

For more detailed information, please contact revalgrant@gmail.com