At Good News Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we believe one of the greatest privileges God has given our church is helping men and women take their next step in serving Christ. For some, that means stepping into vocational ministry—whether pastoring, leading in Christian education, or serving a church in some other significant capacity. It’s a humbling responsibility, yet one that we approach with deep joy, knowing that we are investing in both the present and future of the church.

Over the last decade, we’ve seen this vision come to life in remarkable ways. God has graciously allowed us to mentor, support, and send out several men who are now serving Christ all over Michigan, especially here in western Michigan. Their stories are a testament to what God can do when a church is committed to investing in individuals, encouraging them, and walking with them as they step into the ministries God has called them to.

Let me share a few of their stories.

Jonathon Fuller and his family were attracted to our church by its ministries for kids and youth. As he grew in his walk with Christ, he felt called to attend Bible college. Due in part to guidance he received, he now serves as the pastor of Baptist Bible Church in Sparta, Michigan. Jonathon’s journey reminds us how critical it is for a church to have ministries that connect with entire families.

Baptist Bible Church, Sparta, Michigan, ordains its pastor, Jonathon Fuller. He and his family previously attended Good News Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. 

Michael L. Myers was called to our church as associate pastor, and we were honored to walk with him as he gained experience and moved toward ordination. Ultimately, God called him to serve as pastor of Alaska Baptist Church in Caledonia, Michigan. Michael’s story demonstrates the importance of helping men take practical, necessary steps for vocational ministry—providing both training and opportunities for them to grow in their calling.

James Reynolds also came to our church to serve as an associate pastor, and through his time here, we assisted him in achieving ordination. Today he is the executive director of Lincoln Lake Baptist Youth Camp, a Regular Baptist camp in Gowen, Michigan. James’s calling reminds us that ministry is not just about pastoring churches—it’s about serving in many capacities to advance the gospel within a region.

James Reynolds has served as executive director of Lincoln Lake Baptist Youth Camp since December 2020. Previously, he was an associate pastor at Good News Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, which assisted him in becoming ordained. 

Shane Wynkoop joined our church right after he graduated from Bible college, serving as a teacher and deacon. Eventually, God called him to Prescott, Michigan, where he now pastors Chapel of the Lakes Bible Church. Shane’s journey is a reminder that the steps toward ministry can begin with serving faithfully in small roles and that God’s plan for each person’s life unfolds in His perfect timing.

Phil Cox began serving at our church as an intern, a young man eager to learn and grow. He met and married a young lady from our congregation, and after being ordained, he became the pastor of Alpine Baptist Church in Comstock Park, Michigan. Phil’s path is a beautiful illustration of God raising up leaders within a church and the value of helping young men move through the ranks of ministry with purpose and direction.

Alpine Baptist Church, Comstock Park, Michigan, prays over its new pastor, Phil Cox. Phil previously served as an intern at Good News Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. He then met and married his wife there and became ordained.

Felicien Samvura came to our church after serving as a pastor in a refugee camp in Uganda. When he moved to the United States and joined our church, we licensed him to the gospel ministry and helped him establish Gate Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. His congregation strives to reach and serve the nearly 10,000 Congolese refugees who have made Grand Rapids their home in the past decade. Felicien’s ministry is a powerful example of how God calls and equips individuals for cross-cultural ministry right here in our backyard.

In September 2024, seven people were baptized at Gate Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, where Felicien Samvura is pastor.

Hunter Reynolds, who attended our church during his high school years, has returned after Bible college to serve as a pastoral intern. We are grateful for the opportunity to help Hunter hone his skills as he looks for an opportunity to serve in a church in the future.

Each of these men represent a unique story of how God calls, prepares, and sends His servants. And none of these stories would have been possible without a church willing to invest deeply in the lives of those God is raising up. Our church has been blessed to be a sending church, and we firmly believe that this is a role every church should embrace. Believers are multiplied not just by filling pews, but by sending laborers into His harvest.

Pastors, deacons, Sunday School teachers, and church members each play a role in helping others take their next step in serving Christ. Whether that’s a simple word of encouragement, providing a place for someone to serve, or investing in someone’s education and training, we all have a part to play.

If you’re wondering how you can make a difference, look around at the men and women God has placed in your path. How can you help them take their next step in following Jesus? How can you encourage someone to consider vocational ministry? As we’ve seen time and again, a simple investment can make an eternal impact.

At Good News Baptist Church, we’ll continue to pray for more men and women to answer God’s call to serve Him. And by God’s grace, we’ll keep encouraging, training, and sending them out, trusting that “He who began a good work in them will carry it on to completion” for His glory and the good of His church (Philippians 1:6).

Regular Baptist Ministries is here to help.