Commonplace Holiness

Holiness woven into the fabric of life...

About Me:

I used to be a United Methodist pastor. I served several small United Methodist churches from 1975 to 2010. I have come out of retirement to serve churches a couple of times. At various times I was active in camping ministry, Emmaus, Chrysalis, Conference Youth Council, Lay Speakers training, and various other involvements. My ministry has been well received over the years in the places where I served. The things I enjoyed about pastoral ministry were: (1.) The opportunities to preach the Gospel; (2.) The opportunities to teach the Bible and the Christian way of life; (3.) The privilege of being with people in important moments of joy and sorrow in their lives.

I still miss the preaching and teaching aspects of ministry, and I fill pulpits when I can. Without going into details, my family and I have been burned by church. My experiences with the United Methodist Church have not all been positive. But, in spite of all that, we are currently attending Northlawn United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan — and are happy to be there. I am very much a Wesleyan in theology, and thus, a Methodist at heart.

I believe the Church is always in need of doctrinal renewal and spiritual renewal. In the case of the United Methodists (among whom I have served for many years), such renewal can be drawn from their own evangelical, socially progressive, and revivalistic roots. In it's beginnings, Methodism emphasized: (a.) justifying faith, (b.) the witness of the Spirit, (c.) holiness of heart and life, (d.)m reform of society, (e.) having an educated faith (thus: Wesley’s Christian Library, the early Methodist commentaries and works of theology, Watson's Theological Institutes, etc.).

Over the years, this synthesis fell apart. Of course, it would be nice to regain this synthesis before the United Methodist Church completely destroys itself over Sexuality Issues, but that may be too much for which to hope.

In all branches of the Christian tradition such sources of renewal can be found.

I do not feel that I have ever abandoned the roots of my faith in the evangelical, revivalistic and holiness streams of the Wesleyan tradition. Yet, my ideas have changed greatly over the years, as I have encountered more and more information about the Bible and other areas of learning. I have always been a person who is hungry for new information.

When I was a United Methodist pastor, I was actively involved in the conservative renewal groups that were active in West Michigan at the time. But, while essentially conservative in theological outlook, I was never sympathetic to the schismatic agenda of the Wesleyan Covenant Association — or its offspring, the Global Methodist Church. The formation of the GMC is both tragic and shameful. But, I wish to see Christ’s Reign advance — and wish the people and the pastors of the GMC well.

My wife Robin and I were married in the Hersey United Methodist Church on September 1, 1979.

We have two children. Our son was born on January 21, 1982. Our daughter was born on December 2, 1983. They are both married have lives of their own now.

Robin worked as a nurse. For many years, and in a variety of different settings over the years. She is currently spending lots of time with our grandchildren. She also has other involvements that keep her busy, as well. She enjoys reading, cooking and needlepoint.

My Pastoral Experience:

July 2022-July 2023. Lakewood Community Church - Lake Odessa, MI.
Pastor (Part-time).

July 2018- July 2019. Northlawn United Methodist Church - Grand Rapids, MI.
Pastor (Part-time).

December 2009 - June 2010. Mt. Pleasant Charge - Mt. Pleasant, MI
Pastor. (Part-time)

July 2006 - November 2009. Carlisle United Methodist Church - Byron Center, MI
Pastor.

Served as the Assistant Youth Coordinator for the West Michigan Conference.
Worked with the Youth Council in planning the annual Michigan Area Confirmands' Rally.

September 1999-June 2006. Weidman United Methodist Church - Weidman, MI
Pastor.

Served as the Assistant Youth Coordinator for the West Michigan Conference.
Worked with the Youth Council in planning the annual Michigan Area Confirmands' Rally.
Served as co-Dean of the Central / Grand Traverse District Senior High Camp.
Chair of the Central District Committee on District Superintendency.
Helped in training Lay Speakers in the Central District.
Counselor at District Senior High Camp and at Conference Youth Assembly.
Serve on the Conference Board of Discipleship and the Conference Council on Ministries.
Frequently serve as Spiritual Director for Emmaus Walks and Chrysalis Flight weekends.
Preacher at the Central District Bible Camp in 2003.
Bible teacher at the Central District Bible Camp in 2001.

1994–September 1999. Zion United Methodist Church - Ionia, MI
Pastor.

Led yearly leadership training.
Oversight of church staff.
Assisted in supervision and training of other pastors.
Led in program development and implementation for the West Michigan Conference and for the Michigan Area.
President of local Ministerial Association.
Served as Spiritual Director of Flight of Hope Chrysalis Board & on several Chrysalis weekends and Emmaus Walks.
Served as the Assistant Conference Youth Coordinator for the West Michigan Conference.
Helped to organize the "Michigan Area Confirmands' Rally with the Bishop."
Planned Leadership Training experiences on the Central District.
Served as Senior High Camp counselor for District camp.

1984–1994 Horton Bay United Methodist Church- Boyne City, MI
Pastor.

Led an active and growing congregation for 10 years.
Led successful financial drives each year.
Managed the church office; produced bulletin, etc. on word processor.
President of local Ministerial Association.
Served as Spiritual Director of the Chrysalis Board in Northern Michigan for several years.
Served as Spiritual Director on several Chrysalis weekends and Emmaus Walks.
Served as West Michigan Conference Youth Coordinator , on the Conference Council on Ministries, the Conference Board of Discipleship, helped in the training of Lay Speakers on the Grand Traverse District of the West Michigan Conference.
Served as Senior High camp counselor for District camp.
Served on the Michigan Area Pastor's School as treasurer.

1979–1984 Saugatuck-Ganges United Methodist Parish - Saugatuck, MI
Pastor.

Led two small congregations for 5 years.
Developed a Lay Speaking program for the Grand Rapids District.
President of local Ministerial Association.
Continued to work with the training of Lay Speakers on the Grand Rapids District.

1975–1979 Wolf Lake United Methodist Church - Muskegon, MI.
Pastor.

First full-time pastor in the history of the church.
Led the church toward financial independence & stability.
Led leadership training for church teachers.
Developed a curriculum for the training of Lay Speakers on the Grand Rapids District.

My Education:

1972-1975 Asbury Theological Seminary - Wilmore, KY

* Master of Divinity
* Editor of student newspaper.

1969-1971 Wayne State University - Detroit, MI

* Bachelor of Arts
* Major in chemistry, with studies in numerous other areas.

1967–1969 Macomb County Community College - Warren, MI

* Associate in Science
* Studies concentrated on chemistry and math.