In my first appointment, there was a quick need to take on a capital project. When I asked our lay leader how he thought it would go, he said all would be well. Then he asked, “Does our God have a withered hand?” The cost of the project was covered in two weeks. When the scope of the project grew, it only took another three weeks to fully fund. I was never again nervous about presenting a project or the need for funding. 1995-1997
In my next appointment, I learned the importance of church being fun. Paying off my predecessor’s building project didn’t sound fun, but it was. Challenging the congregation to pay their apportionments in full didn’t seem like it would be fun, but it turned out to be fun educating people about what paying the apportionments accomplished. It was fun taking on and pre-funding more capital causes. Learning to celebrate and encourage the church to use their gifts in ministry was also fun. 1997-2004
In my third appointment, I learned the power of mission as a way to heal deep conflict. I also learned to hold fast to my core values, one of which was that EVERYONE BELONGS IN CHURCH. Each time someone came to me complaining that such sinners didn’t belong in church, I reminded them that Jesus came for the ones the powerful tried to keep out. 2004-2011
In my last appointment, I learned I still had much to learn. I learned that a vacuum in leadership is dangerous for a church. I learned that leading requires resolution and a sense of fearlessness. These lessons got me to the place where I offered myself authentically and had a longer tenure than I ever imagined I would. A special thanks to Isaac and Caelan Verhelst for repeatedly tossing my office. 2011-2025
Many parishioners, colleagues, and my family have helped me grow and made me a better servant, but I would be remiss not to mention the impact the late Rev. Terry Niles Gladstone had on me and the ministry I offered. Her ability to dream of what could be inspired me, and her willingness to collaborate with me opened my heart and mind to much more than I could have imagined. She was generous with her time, wisdom, and passion, and I am forever grateful!
Serving Christ as a pastor in the Michigan Conference has been an incomparable honor.
Appointment History
[(FE) P 1994; F 1997] Sutton-Sunshine, Bethel 1995; Sutton-Sunshine, Bethel, Akron 10/1/1996; Sandusky: First 1997; Saint Clair: First 9/1/2004; Utica 2011.