Magnify Church, with campuses in Rockford, Northview, and Ensley, Michigan, called Steve Welch as senior pastor and Stu Quackenbush as lead teaching pastor.
“Both of these men have selflessly served at our church for many years, and we are grateful for their willingness to continue to respond to God’s call,” the church says.
Stu has been serving at Magnify Church since 2008, including as a pastoral intern for college student ministries and then as the high school pastor. He served as the church’s teaching pastor from January 2024 until May of that year, when he was appointed co-interim lead pastor alongside Steve.
Steve has been serving at Magnify Church since 1995. In those years he has served as pastor of student and young adult ministries, including launching a ministry for college students, young professionals, and young families.
In his role as senior pastor, Steve will articulate and advance Magnify’s mission of “Always making disciples,” along with shepherding the congregation, overseeing pastoral and staff development, and ensuring that all three campuses are aligned and thriving.
As lead teaching pastor, a new role at the church, Stu will be the primary preaching pastor at the Rockford campus and lead the preaching vision and strategy across all three campuses.
This pastoral transition is an “exciting next chapter at Magnify,” the church says.
The church is thankful for its Congregational Transition Team, “whose many hours of work behind the scenes helped ensure this is the best path for our church family. We cannot thank these faithful members enough for their service!”
During the installation service May 3, Louie Konopka, pastor emeritus of Magnify Church, “reminded us that God strengthens His people by His grace, roots us in His love, and calls us to entrust His mission to faithful leaders,” the church says. “We celebrate God’s faithfulness, look ahead with expectation, and trust Him to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.”
