Gary Step joins WM Conference Staff
OKEMOS MI....Bishop Jonathan Keaton today announced the appointment of Rev. Gary Step to the position of Director of New Church Development and Congregational Transformation for the West Michigan Conference of the UMC effective July 1, 2012. Gary has been serving as the pastor of Indian River UMC since July of 2000. Commented Bishop Keaton, "Gary has a compelling call and clear passion for the ministry of helping to transform existing congregations and creating new faith communities for worship, outreach and service to their community."
Gary graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and statistics. He received his Masters of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. In addition to the healthy and vital congregational ministry Gary has served and helped develop in these past 12 years, he brings the unique perspectives of a private start-up business owner and extensive experience as an Operations Manager for an international business chain of stores.
Two Years ago Indian River UMC was identified as a “Vital Congregation”. It now averages over 300 persons in its regular worship attendance. Gary started implementing key elements to becoming a vital church eleven years ago. He brought about this transition thru a change in structure, creating a vision, implementing strategic planning, and creating more opportunities for worship. He has spoken at various conferences including the West Michigan Annual Conference and Bishop’s Day on the Marquette District; these seminars focused on Church Growth, Worship, Evangelism, and the Emergent Church. In 2003 The Foundation for Evangelism presented Gary with the Denman Evangelism Award at the West Michigan Annual Conference.
Gary is currently serving on the Board of Ordained Ministry which includes the training and oversight of Clergy Mentors in addition to serving on the Grand Traverse District Committee on Ministry. Past service includes the Conference Board of Evangelism Committee, the Grand Traverse Leadership Council, the Planning Team for Bishop’s Day and an active participant in the New Church Academy. He served for three years as the Community Spiritual Director for the Northeast Emmanuel Emmaus Community.
Rev. Benton R. Heisler, Director of Connectional Ministries, makes the following observation about Gary; “He has a deep faith in Jesus Christ, an in-depth knowledge of the Scriptures, a winsome and caring personality and a passion to help grow congregations in this moment in time. Gary’s experience in teaching others and the coaching training he has received through Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary (G-ETS) are valuable assets he brings to this ministry. His capacity to observe and analyze data will be of great assistance to congregations and those who serve with him. Gary has a unique and important quality of knowing clearly what he believes, while at the same time, he has a commitment and capacity for understanding, respecting and working with those who may disagree with him.”
This position is a continuation of the previous “Director of New Church” role fulfilled by Denny Buwalda, Brad Kalajainen and Barb Flory across the past 20 years. The Conference Leadership Team and Personnel Committee have worked in collaboration with the New Church Development Committee for funding to expand this position to include the emphasis upon strengthening existing congregations along with starting new ones.
Gary and his wife, Lori, have three children; a teenage daughter Rebecca, a son, Riley, who is in his last year at Northern Michigan University, and their oldest son Ryder and his wife Ashley both work for Michigan Tech. Gary enjoys a number of outdoor sports as a means of renewal and relaxation.
We know you will appreciate becoming acquainted with Gary and serving with him across our conference in the years ahead.