First Baptist Church, Mentone, Indiana, ordained its pastor, Tim Farley (front center in photo above), and its youth pastor, Brandon Brown (front right).
Brandon has served in youth ministry at the church since 2011—first as a volunteer youth leader while attending Grace College, then part-time from 2015 to 2018, and now full-time.
Tim, who holds an MDiv from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, has served in pastoral roles for two decades, including as pastor of First Baptist since 2021. “His theological insights were clearly shaped by years of pastoral ministry. His example serves as a strong encouragement to other seasoned pastors who may have delayed ordination—that it is both valuable and achievable,” says Jon Beight, director of Crossroads Fellowship.
Jon chaired each ordination council (composed of pastors from across Crossroads Fellowship) and spoke in the ordination service March 30. The service also included the participation of pastors not only from Indiana but also from Michigan and Ohio. One of those pastors was Doug Crawford, executive director of the Bridge Fellowship of Michigan. Doug was the pastor of a church where Tim served as an intern while attending Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.
“Both of you have one of the greatest—as you already know—most humbling privileges of continuing to devote your lives to vocational ministry,” Doug said, addressing Tim and Brandon. Vocational ministry is “demanding and difficult” but one of “the most rewarding ministries to be able to commit your lives to,” Doug said.
Crossroads Fellowship is “grateful for the broader partnership within the GARBC,” Jon says. The service “was a beautiful reminder of the strength and encouragement that comes when churches and leaders work together across regional lines for the sake of the gospel.”
