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Take Time to Remember and Celebrate —
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Joshua 4:15-24 (NASB) 15 Now the Lord said to Joshua, 16 “Command the priests who carry the ark of the testimony that they come up from the Jordan.” 17 So Joshua commanded the priests, saying, “Come up from the Jordan.” 18 It came about when the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord had come up from the middle of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up to the dry ground, that the waters of the Jordan returned to their place, and went over all its banks as before. 19 Now the people came up from the Jordan on the tenth of the first month and camped at Gilgal, on the eastern edge of Jericho. 20 As for those twelve stones which they had taken from the Jordan, Joshua set them up at Gilgal. 21 And he said to the sons of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ 22 then you shall inform your children, saying, ‘Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as the Lord your God had done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed; 24 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”
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The three stones pictured above sit in front of my computer between two of my favorite pictures of my grandson, Akhil. They each have a very cherished significance to me, and I have carried them with me for several years. They are a memorial to me of the Lord’s work in my life and calling. There are many other memories, many of which deserve a stone. If they were all here I might have a stone quarry instead of a desk. I can attest that the Lord has truly been awesome in my life and ministry through good and challenging times.
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The large stone with the heart and the cross was given to me by the Youth Group at my last church in Pittsburgh as a reminder of their love for me and mine for them. |
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The Dewey Ford / Gloria Green stone is a reminder of two wonderful saints at my home church in Akron, Ohio, the Arlington Church of God, who said the exact same thing to me two years apart. “Brother Mark, God has His hand on you!” I didn’t know at the time what that meant, but they saw His call on my life before I did. |
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The Computers vs Christ’s Call stone is a reminder of the Lord stopping me in my tracks following a Wednesday night service in 1992 at my home church in Akron. I had a very good and lucrative career in the computer industry, but the Lord let me know, powerfully that evening, that it was time to decide if I was going to answer His call to ministry or sell computers. I had been half-in and half out of answering the call and working. Thank God I answered His call and enrolled in the Credentialing Process in Northeast Ohio immediately. |
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It is a Biblical and wonderful thing to have memorials of our journeys, as they testify of the wonderful, providential and loving work of God in our lives. The passage of scripture from Joshua 4 above recounts Israel’s crossing of the Jordan River into Gilgal, as they began their trek to settle in the Promised Land. The Lord instructed Joshua to have a leader from each of the 12 Tribes of Israel to take a stone from the middle of the Jordan where the priests stood with the Arc of the Covenant. They were to set them up as a memorial to share with the following generations the powerful hand of the Lord blessing them to cross the Jordan river on dry ground as they were going forth to claim the promise God made generations before to Abraham. Joshua set that memorial up in Gilgal.
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I have recently been inspired to remember and celebrate several key events in Michigan over the past few weeks in which the Lord has blessed pastors and congregations to reach significant milestones of ministry. Two pastors in Michigan (Rev. Greg Henneman and Rev. David Lunn) celebrated 30 years at the same congregation in April. In a few days, the Crystal Springs Church of God in Benton Harbor, Pastored by Rev. Bill Bridgman, will host a Homecoming Service to celebrate 100 years of ministry in Benton Harbor. Rev. Albert Grant will celebrate 10 years of ministry at the Church of God of Detroit on May 4. These are just a few of the very recent celebrations. This time last year we celebrated the 135th Anniversary of the Three Rivers Church of God, where Rev. Madonna Snyder is the pastor. Perhaps your congregation or pastor is celebrating significant milestones; we want to know and celebrate with you. Each year at our General Assembly Meeting we celebrate pastors and ministers who have been in the state for 25 years and those who have served in the same church for 15 years. Congregations that celebrate anniversaries like Crystal Springs, and many others around the state, are noteworthy as well. It is well fitting to take the time to commemorate and celebrate the Lord’s wonderful work in the communities in which they are engaged.
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I pause to think of the impact of ministry in our communities, especially over 10, 25, 50, even 100 years or more.
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Think of the lives that you have impacted for over the years. |
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Think of the number of people that have come to know Jesus Christ. |
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Think of the families that have become a part of the historical fabric of your congregation. |
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Think of all the leaders who have been developed there and who have developed other leaders. |
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Think of the youth who have grown up from infancy to adulthood, and who have brought their children and grandchildren up there. |
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Think of the people in the community that have been blessed by the ministries of your congregation over the years. |
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Think of the people you have baptized. |
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Think of the people you have funeralized and buried. |
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Think of the children you have dedicated. |
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Think of the Sunday School classes you had, and the many lessons taught and learned. |
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Think of all the great services you have had on Sundays, Wednesdays, Revivals, etc. |
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Think of all the dinners you have shared together. |
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Think of all the times of fellowship you have had together. |
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Think of all the healings and other miracles that God has done there. |
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Think of the many people who have experienced the love, encouragement, support, and generosity of your congregation. |
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Think of the people who have called your congregation their church home over the decades. |
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Think of the evangelists that have come your way, been impacted by you, and took a little of the blessings of your church family with them. |
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When you think of all of that and more, you have a great heritage and legacy that you can celebrate. |
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These things and more are worthy of giving the Lord thanks and praise because He met your faithfulness over the decades and generations. It is worth celebrating those who minister and have ministered among you, as each made sacrifices to serve the Lord with you and your ancestors. As you commemorate and celebrate, however, it is good to keep that in proper perspective. Don’t let the memorial, designed to share the goodness of the Lord, become a monument (a sacred cow if you will) that you stare at continually and miss fresh opportunities that the Lord might be preparing for you. This can lead to stagnation and decline. The Lord is always working (John 5:17) and the Holy Spirit can empower us and direct us to new and exciting opportunities to fulfill the Great Commission of making disciples in love.
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Friends, be encouraged! Remember your journey, share your testimonies, celebrate the blessings of the Lord’s success in and through you. Don’t focus on or wallow in the negative things of the culture or even the tough challenges that you face. Use the celebrations and memorials as a springboard to discern and follow the Lord’s leading. Allow His blessings to inspire the next generations to celebrate and build memorials of our time in the lifeblood of the church. May the Lord bless you and invigorate, empower, and prosper the ministries of the Church of God in Michigan and beyond.
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With love, Rev. Mark K. Richardson, State Pastor
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Academy of Servant Leaders Track 1, Module 4 —
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April 27, 2024 New Creation Church of God, Flint, Michigan
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Module 4: Bylaws, Policies, and Practices
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Every congregation is required by law to have a set of bylaws that describe the structure, legal representation of the congregation, and so much more. Many churches have updated and/or totally revised their bylaws in recent years. Some haven’t and perhaps are operating with a set of bylaws that might be decades old. There have been many things that have happened in the courts and the culture that necessitate bylaws that protect the congregation and its assets. During this module, we will help pastors and their key leaders to review their current bylaws and lay the foundation for updating them to be current in today’s increasingly hostile culture. We will also include information on key legal decisions that impact the bylaws and policies of our churches.
In addition to current bylaws, congregations need to have clearly written and periodically reviewed and updated policies. Policies are important because they define how the day to day functions of the congregation are to work, and they are important in giving specifics to things in the bylaws of the congregation. They need to be written and clearly shared with the congregation so that people will know what can and can’t be done in and through the congregation. We will provide policy templates that cover nearly every aspect of church life, so that pastors and their key leaders can develop a policy manual for the congregation.
Along with bylaws and policies, there are practices and rules of engagement, as well as expectations for ministry that impact the daily functioning of the congregation. These are things that aren’t necessarily documented like bylaws and policies, but they are a key part of congregational functioning. They are purposefully flexible so that as things change and new ideas and ministries emerge, ministry can develop and solidify. It is important that there are clearly understood rules of engagement that provide a foundation for pastors, congregational leaders, and members to work together to accomplish the vision and mission of the congregation. We will provide pastors and their key leaders with the opportunity to understand the ones that currently are a part of their congregational life. We will also provide some examples and recommendations for managing these in congregational life.
Saturday, April 27, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., New Creation Church of God, Flint, Michigan
Cost: $25/person $125/church up to 8 people Continental Breakfast and Lunch included
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Crystal Springs Church of God Homecoming —
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Following Sunday morning service Sunday, April 28, 2024 Lunch at 12:30 pm / Homecoming service 2:30 pm 1465 Pipestone Road, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022
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Sunday, May 5, 2024 Hope Community Church, Niles
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On Sunday, May 5, Hope Community Church will celebrate 25 years as a congregation! We are so excited for this day of remembering, celebrating, and looking ahead! For this special occasion, we will have ONE combined service at 10:00 a.m. so everyone can be together! Then AFTER the service, we will have a block party and cookout to keep the celebration going! Anyone who has been a part of Hope’s 25 years is invited to come celebrate with us and we can’t wait to see you there!
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Daughters of the King Brunch —
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Saturday, May 11, 2024 Hope Crossing, Sterling Heights
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Retirement Celebration - Rev. Dr. John Miller —
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May 11, 2024 | 1:00-5:00 p.m. Oakley Community Church, Oakley, Michigan
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Retirement Celebration May 11, 2024 | 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Oakley Community Church and the family of Rev. Dr. John R. Miller Cordially invite you to an open house and card shower to celebrate his 75th birthday along with his retirement from ministry.
When: May 11, 2024 from 1 to 5 PM
Where: Oakley Community Church, 327 S. Main St., Oakley, Michigan 48649.
Refreshments will be provided.
The church and family invite you to attend Rev. Dr. John R. Miller's last Sunday in ministry at Oakley Community Church on May 12, 2024 at 10:30 AM.
If you cannot attend but would like to send a card, please send it to Rev. Dr. John R. Miller, 3101 W. M-21, Owosso, Michigan 48867
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Please RSVP to Karen Olotu at 574-309-8540 or karenolotu@gmail.com by April 27, 2024.
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Rev. Robert O. Dulin, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing —
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WHEN Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024 Location: Farmington Hills Golf Club 37777 Eleven Mile Court, Farmington Hills, MI 48335 7:00 AM Registration | 8:00 AM Shotgun Start 18 Hole Scramble
TEAM INFO Form or join a team! Each team consists of four golfers. Cost: $125/single golfer or $500/team. Includes breakfast, lunch, contest and prizes.
Register Now
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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.
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Hope Crossing 70th Anniversary —
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Barbados Mission Work Camp —
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January 4-14, 2025 Silver Sands Church of God
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We will continue our work on the newly constructed Silver Sands Church of God on the southern point of the island. Something for everyone to do regardless of age or skill level. SIGN UP TODAY!
DATES: January 4: Fly to Barbados and settle in our residence. January 14: Leave Barbados for home.
REGISTRATION FEE: $1,300 ($1,400 after August 15) + airfare. Registration fee covers all basic costs once you arrive in Barbados, including island travel, lodging, and meals (except for meals while at the resort hotel). An initial $300 deposit holds you a spot. This deposit is fully refundable through July 31, 2024.
PARTICIPANTS: Minimum 15 -- Maximum 20 (children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult) LODGING: Our group will be staying at the Round Rock Apartments close to our work site. Our final three nights will be spent at the Divi Southwinds Beach Resort for some R & R before returning home (covered in registration fee).
MEALS: Meals will be provided by Vision Ministries. Participants will be responsible to pay for their own meals while at the Divi Southwinds.
REQUIREMENTS: Passport and current tetanus shot.
AIR TRAVEL TO / FROM BARBADOS: Participants will be responsible for securing and paying for their own air travel to and from Barbados. Vision Ministries will pick you up and return you to the Barbados airport. We will work with you in getting you the needed flight information. NOTE: Do not purchase your plane tickets until given clearance by Vision Ministries.
WORK PROJECTS: We will continue to do a lot of painting of the lower level rooms as well as other smaller projects.There will be something for everyone to do, regardless of your skill level. All you need is relatively good health, helping hands, and a loving heart. We will work Monday-Friday.
NOTE: Churches sending work camp participants are encouraged to donate some funds for the work camp construction materials.
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2025 Missions/ Work Camp Trip to Paraguay! —
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I am excited to announce our January, 2025 Missions/ Work Camp Trip to Paraguay! The dates for the trip are Thursday, January 17 (pm) - Sunday, January 26 (pm), 2025.
This time we will be going to a couple of new locations and helping to build two new structures and lead a Vacation Bible School.
1. We will be going to Nararjal to help Enrique and Pricilla Navarette build a new kitchen addition onto a current church plant building in Monico. In addition we will be sanding and painting the existing church plant building there. We will also be working with Priscilla to provide a VBS at their church in Nararjal. Pricilla is one of Norberto’s sisters.
2. We will also be going to Raul Pena to help Martin and Sonia Vargus to build a new restroom and classroom room building on their school campus.
We will divide the group up into two units to work on their separate projects. Each night we will stay locally in each respective location. At the beginning of the trip we are planning on stopping at previous work camp locations in Bella Vista, Obligado, Timothy's School, Encarnacion, and probably worship at a couple of churches the first weekend, on our way to our destinations for the week.
The basic cost for the trip will be approximately $3,000 which will include your flights, ground transportation, lodging, meals, etc.
A commitment to the trip and a deposit of $300 is due by Sunday, May 26, 2024 to secure your spot on the trip. You will also need to complete the Work Camp Application form.
If you have any questions, please contact Bob Confer, 269-470-9877.
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Health Marriage Healthy Church —
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Every congregation should consider investing in strong, healthy, Chris-centered marriages. Healthy Marriage, Healthy Church Ministries is a great ministry with wonderful tools to help accomplish this. This ministry team provides a strong "Virtual Marriage Ministry for your Church. Healthy Marriage, Healthy Church is an empowering initiative aimed at strengthening both individuals and church communities through the power of healthy marriages. This transformative program emphasizes the profound impact of strong marital relationships on the overall well-being of families and congregations and communities." Please take the time to review the comprehensive offerings on their website with the link below.
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Managing High Stakes Conversations —
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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.
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Rev. Dr. Christopher Cottrell |
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Contact: Rev. Dr. Christopher Cottrell chris@crosspointceo.com, (937) 621-2162
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Our Michigan Churches seeking Pastors: —
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Alma, First Church of God |
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Barryton, Barryton Church of God |
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Lansing, Pennway Church of God |
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Saint Johns, First Church of God |
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Cassopolis, First Church of God (Bi-Vocational Pastor) |
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Detroit, Church of God of Detroit (youth pastor) |
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Interested? Contact - Rev. Mark K. Richardson, State Pastor 517-393-7020
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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
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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.
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This congregation has been growing for over 100 years and is dedicated to consistent growth and open to change. |
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We have worshipped and served God at our current location since 1974. |
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Our present facilities were constructed mostly through the combined service and work of congregants. |
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The congregation is financially healthy. |
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The congregation is at its best when it is working together in God-focused unity. |
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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. |
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The church organization is led by a Board of Directors with the pastor as executive. |
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The Board works in partnership with the pastoral staff to embody the character of Christ. |
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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. |
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We recognize a pastor as someone who feels and is actively pursuing a calling. |
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We believe God is preparing the person who will be our next pastor.Suspendisse pulvinar mi at hendrerit gravida |
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We are seeking God's leadership in guiding us to that person. |
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We are seeking a full-time pastor who: |
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- 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.
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We believe that the character of a pastor is vital and must reflect scriptural guidelines. |
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We are seeking a pastor who: |
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- 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.
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Pastor John Davey (Interim Pastor), (989) 763-0399 or Sarah Young
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First Church of God | Cassopolis, Michigan Bi-Vocational Pastor - Job Description
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Requirements/Qualifications -
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Personal call to pastoral ministry |
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Qualified to minister in the church as required in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9 |
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Committed to living and serving consistent with scripture and the Church of God |
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Licensed and ordained in the Church of God, Anderson, Indiana or be in the process of licensing and ordination. |
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The ability to communicate through the preaching ministry and lead people to life changing experiences. |
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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. |
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Duties and Responsibilities -
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To proclaim the gospel of Christ and to teach the Bible in a way that communicates well. |
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To provide leadership and cast vision joining together with the people of the church to develop plans and programs for forward growth. |
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Work and serve with the Leadership team in future endeavors and choosing of additional members of Adult/Youth Ministries. |
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To facilitate regular contact/visitation of church families. |
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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. |
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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