![Ayoub-Photo](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Ayoub-Photo-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. George H. Ayoub
Marlette: First UMC
The Lord has truly blessed me. The road I have travelled over the past 39 years has been exciting, at times difficult, and always challenging.
PA: 1982 Glenside UMC Youth Director. As the
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Rev. Bradley S. Bartelmay
Holland: First UMC
In the 80s, when I started my ministry journey, I identified with Jonah. I still do.
Like Jonah, I was called to serve the Holy One, and like Jonah my initial response was to run away, crying over my shoulder, “Buddy,
![Cross & Flame](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Cross-Flame-200x200.png)
Rev. Richard W. Blunt
Okemos Community Church
At my first full time appointment I followed 3 female pastors. I vividly remember a child’s jaw dropping as I entered the sanctuary. She turned to her mother and said, “I didn’t know a man could be a pastor!” My ministry is always punctuated with surprises, some good,
![DeVine, Jerry](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/DeVine-Jerry-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Jerome R. DeVine
Mid-Michigan District Superintendent
“Go from your country and kindred … to the land that I will show you.” These words flooded my mind as my wife Ruth and I drove away from our home in Watertown, South Dakota back in 1978. While we have never been Abram or Sarai, and have not blessed
![Diggs, Rodney K.](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Diggs-Rodney-K.-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Rodney K. Diggs
Madison Heights UMC
Rodney K. Diggs [(PL) PL 2020]
(formerly at Jackson Parish, TN; Tennessee Conference); 2020 Madison Heights: First (½)
![Dister, Robert W](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Dister-Robert-W-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Robert W. Dister
Clayton UMC, Rollin Center UMC
Robert W. Dister [(FL) FL 2012]
2012 Clayton, Rollin Center
![Cross & Flame](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Cross-Flame-200x200.png)
Rev. Robert J. Easlick
Linden UMC
I have had wonderful opportunities to serve in really good churches. God has been very good to my family and myself. But unfortunately do to needing some growth in some areas, I went on Honorable
![Emmert, Don](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Emmert-Don-200x200.png)
Rev. Donald J. Emmert
Director of Benefits and Human Resources
During the spring of my sophomore year in high school, I remember watching with a certain sense of impatience, my much older senior friends as they prepared to graduate. I
![Erbes, Mark](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Erbes-Mark-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Mark R. Erbes
Holt UMC
I am grateful for the privilege of serving for 29 years in appointed ministry—three as a student pastor in the West Ohio Conference and 26 in the West Michigan and now Michigan Conference. Each of our
![Fuchs, Robert](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Fuchs-Robert-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Robert F. Fuchs
DownRiver UMC
I am retiring from vocational ministry after only six and one-half years. However, I am not retiring from ministry and will continue to serve God and others.
![Haas, Patricia](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Haas-Patricia-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Patricia A. Haas
Keswick UMC
As I reflect on the past 20 years, I thank God for blessing me with Pokagon UMC (2003-2011) and Keswick UMC (2011-2023). Sharing in ministry and building relationships with each of them has been a responsibility
![Haase, David](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Haase-David-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. David L. Haase
Riverside UMC
I became a pulpit fill at Breedsville United Methodist Church on July 1, 2007, through December 31, 2007. January of 2008 I became a certified candidate for ministry and became a pulpit fill for both
![Hice, John](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Hice-John-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. John H. Hice
East Winds District Superintendent
The wonder of God’s call to ordained ministry has shaped my life, from Christ’s first working in my heart as a child and through my long struggle of resistance. I was reawakened through the challenge
![Hitts, Randell J](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Hitts-Randell-J-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Randell J. Hitts
Charlevoix UMC
In 2016, I started the journey of pastoral ministry with my wife, Susan, when our District Superintendent Anita Hahn took a chance on us. She moved us out of the pew of our home church,
![Cross & Flame](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Cross-Flame-200x200.png)
Rev. Patricia A. Hoppenworth
Dryden UMC
Patricia A. Hoppenworth [(FL) FL 2002]
2002 Marine City; 2005 Marine City (¾); 2008 Marine City (½); 2008 Dryden, Leonard; 2019 Dryden
![Lane, Chris](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Lane-Chris-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. M. Christopher Lane
Traverse City: Central UMC
Serving as an Elder in our connection has been both hard and meaningful work, and I would not have had it any other way. I believe our God who is Great Mystery, redemptive and just, will continue
![Mangum, Lester](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Mangum-Lester-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Lester Mangum
Pontiac: St. John UMC
Incomprehensible, forty years have passed so quickly; maybe there’s something to the idea that time flies when you follow your calling. I went to my first congregation while attending Drew Seminary in
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Rev. Tommy L. McDoniel
Flint: Asbury UMC
Even on my worst days, when my heart stops pounding, I realize that God has blessed me beyond anything I ever imagined possible. I was born into a large family that continues to expand. And I retire
![Otis, Scott](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Otis-Scott-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Scott K. Otis
Howell First UMC
It has been a joy to serve God as a pastor. My lovely wife, Carrie, has taken care of me along the way and been a great partner in ministry. I wish to thank Paul UMC in Oak Hill, Ohio for giving me experience as a
![Cross & Flame](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Cross-Flame-200x200.png)
Rev. Clifford L. Radtke
Port Austin UPC, Pinnebog UMC
Clifford L. Radtke [(PL) PL 2018]
2006 Lawrence; 2015 Lawrence (¾); 2016 Galien, Olive Branch (¾); 2018 Port Austin, Pinnebog (¾)
![Semmler, Lisa McIlvenna](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Semmler-Lisa-McIlvenna-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Lisa (McIlvenna) Semmler
Inner Life Transformations Counseling and Coaching Center
Ordained an elder in the Detroit Conference in 1993, my first appointment was to the Owendale
![Smith, Jean](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Smith-Jean-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Jean M. Smith
Avondale UMC, Evart UMC, Sears UMC
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in
![Swanson, Reed](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Swanson-Reed-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Reed P. Swanson
Pinckney: Arise UMC
My call began over 40 years ago. It began in my “Jonah” phase. I was running from God, resisting a call to ministry. But God kept pulling me back. He used different experiences first
![Thompson, Mark](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Thompson-Mark-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Mark E. Thompson
St. Ignace UMC
I was just seven years old when I first experienced my call to pastoral ministry. That call is deeply embedded in who I am as a child of God. It’s a call that has never left me, and I believe
![Titus, Beth](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Titus-Beth-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Beth D. Titus
I have loved being in ministry. I have served wonderful people; I have been honored to work with many wonderful colleagues in ministry. Were there difficult times? Absolutely! But I am thankful for lessons learned. I have
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Rev. Melodye Surgeon VanOudheusden
Monroe: St. Paul's UMC
I remember calling my mother when, after a 1991 winter retreat at Wesley Woods Camp, to share with her that I thought I had a call to
![Wojewski, Donald](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Wojewski-Donald-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Donald L. Wojewski
Caseville UMC
My journey to ministry began in 2000. After interviews with the dCOM I was approved and attended License to Preach at the Huron Retreat Center, in the summer of 2003.
![Youmans,Susan](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/YoumansSusan-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Susan M. Youmans
Lexington UMC
Since 2005 until today I have been blessed to serve on staff and as lead pastor in 4 distinctly different congregations and communities. Whether in metropolitan, suburban, small
![Zundel, Jill](https://2023.michiganumc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/05/Zundel-Jill-jpg-200x200.webp)
Rev. Jill H. Zundel
Detroit: Central UMC
It is so hard to believe that 31 years have passed since I first stood in the pulpit as the pastor. At the begging of this journey, I was terrified. Now I am simply in awe.