Genesis Church Seeks New Home
At the regular meeting of the Boyne City Public Schools Board of Education, it was decided that more information would be needed from Genesis Church in Boyne City before they would be allowed to lease part of the Elementary School building on Sunday mornings.
This stems from a request from Jamie Woodall, Genesis Church Pastor, hoping to find a place to conduct the worship services in Boyne City.
“It is our desire to be a non threatening encouragement to this community.” says Pastor Jamie Woodall, who felt encouraged by the response of the community. “It is not our desire to strategy to purposely recruit people for our church from the school system.” adds Woodall. Many of the issues that would need to be addressed before entering into this agreement are logistical in nature, such as the need for someone from the school to be there, snowplowing concerns, and administrative tasks. “This is the first request of this nature that we have had from a church.” comments Board of Education President Ken Schrader. Schrader goes on to add that the only thing that concerns him is the cost, as they would need to be paid for a minimum of two hours according to their contract. Citing their positive recommendation from previous lease agreements, Schrader had no objection to speak of to their request. The Board requested that Woodall meet with Superintendent Bob Alger to work out some of the further issues, and that the decision be made then.
When asked, Alger commented that there are policies in place in regards to any organization using these public facilities, and that while they would need to be followed, their status as a religious group had no bearing.
“We understand the importance of laws regarding the separation of church and state. Those freedoms are in place by wise governing leaders. It is critical that religious leaders and organizations do not invade or impose on an individual’s opportunity to choose what their own path in life might be. We believe opportunities for individuals to explore new things spiritually best occur through genuine caring relationships. That was the way of Jesus. He served, no strings attached, and then invited,” Woodall Says. “Why the elementary?
Our intention has been to simply find the best facility for our purposes of encouraging others in their spiritual journey. The elementary school provides a great setting for a fun and dynamic kids ministry. It also provides the right auditorium gathering space to be smaller and closer, or grow larger. Other high marks include parking, great nursery possibilities, and an already positive identity. The school is a beautiful environment in the community where quality teachers do great things with our kids. It is also wheel chair accessible. We have searched out multiple other options, but for one reason or another those potential meeting places fell short. We believe the elementary school is the ideal setting for a fresh and comfortable church start for many.”
Following are 9 Reasons why Genesis would be good partners with the school as presented by Jamie Woodall:
We are good tenants: Pay on time, clean up well (Petoskey Cinema: Manager Julie- phone, Travis – owner phone. We have held numerous theatre clean-up days, even spending addition funds to repair theatre chairs that we did not break. Each week we have cleaned up and put everything back in it’s proper place and gone by 11:30am ( before the 11:45 movie showings).
We will be a positive teaching influence in the community: Genesis simply means “new beginnings”. We are a non-denominational Bible teaching. Our core values are: Jesus/his Word, Relationships, and Serving others. We have much evidence of our desire to serve the community.
Genesis Church hosted Free Work Day – May 09: 28 adults, 6 different projects for single moms, elderly, handicapped (Reference: Terry Powers at Senior Center).
Genesis Church hosted Free Clothing Day – Nov. 09: 170 attended, over 50 volunteers, more than 400 large bags of new and gently used clothes went home (Reference: Principal Fred Sitkins observed).
Genesis Church holds Back to School Jam in Petoskey – over 400 back packs of school supplies goes out to the community (Reference: Kmart Petoskey partnership).
We plan to continue these events and possibly more, such as support groups for individuals losing jobs, divorce care, etc. Furthermore, we continually encourage our network of friends to serve individually in the community such as coaching, community events, mowing your neighbor’s yard, or simply listening to encourage. We desire to be less of a “come to us” ministry and more of a “come to the community.”
We have a solid growing organization that can benefit the community
(Genesis Church 170 avg. attendance growing 15-20% for the last 5 years, with a solid growing BC launch team of 20. Over 40 BC residents are now involved in 3 growth groups that meet weekly throughout the community.
We are part of the BC ministerial association and a supporting friend to other churches and pastors in town (Pastor Jonathan Mays from the Presbyterian Church plans to be with us in order to affirm this relationship. Other friendships I’ve been building are with…Pastor Wayne Kennedy – United Methodist, Pastor Chuck Fowler – Nazarene, Pastor Paul Wise – Trinity Fellowship, and Pastor Jason – Free Methodist)
We are targeting the70-80% of people not attending church anywhere. I view our role not as competition in any way with other churches, but rather part of a trust partnership to serve the community. I pay dues and am a member of the ministerial association. Those pastors are brothers and friends. (We have told solid involved people in other BC churches to remain involved in their church: Chuck Fowler Nazarene – I have purposely not asked other quality people of faith in BC to consider helping us.)
Church start-ups throughout America use schools since they are tax paid facilities.
Boyne City community members have said they believe there is a need for a Genesis Church in town. There will be friendly BC residents with us Monday Night who would like Numerous BC friends who know of Genesis Church have asked us: When and where are you going to begin services?
There are no other quality meeting locations in view (I have looked into the Carter building, the old theatre, a boat storage unit, Ace Hardware Building – not handicap accessible, Lodge or VFW do not meet needs)
Starting a church is not easy. Location is a key factor. Room for parking, quality kids ministry, nursery, space to grow, etc.
