BATAVIA, N.Y.—Grace Baptist Church has ordained Associate Pastor Jeffrey R. Bartz. More than 30 pastors and messengers from churches in New York, Michigan, and Ohio gathered to examine Bartz during an ordination council called by the church and held June 4. Following a three-hour question-and-answer period to determine his call to the Christian ministry and his doctrinal positions, the council unanimously recommended that Grace Baptist Church proceed with formal ordination.
The ordination service was held June 7. Participating in the service were Pastor Mark Ferry (West Genesee Hills Baptist Church, Camillus, N.Y.), Dr. James Jeffrey (president, Baptist Bible College & Seminary, Clarks Summit, Pa.), Dr. Donald A. Shirk (senior pastor, Grace Baptist Church, Batavia, N.Y.), and Kenn Fillion, chairman of the deacon board at Grace Baptist.
Pastor Shirk presented Pastor Bartz with a sword and an ordination plaque following his ordination. The sword is a replica of a U.S. Marine officers sword and represents his calling to be “always faithful” to the Lord and the ministry of the Word of God.
A reception was held following the service in honor of Pastor Bartz.
