Pastor Michael Mitchell and Family
About our Pastor
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Pastor Michael Mitchell
I grew up nearby in the Maplewood area. I was baptized as an infant at Maplewood United Methodist Church. I later attended Jackson Center United Methodist Church as a high school student. It was there on December 30, 1990 that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and welcomed him into my heart. I had always felt a call to ministry on my life and I struggled with that through my young adult years. It always seemed that nothing ever went as planned for me. I was involved in Grace United Methodist Church in Piqua, Ohio for a long time. I was active in youth ministry and was pushing to become a more permanent part of their ministry team, rather than a volunteer. Without completing college, and not attending seminary this was proving to be difficult. I continued to struggle through the years and had many ups and downs. The whole time, God was forming me and making me into a vessel that He could use to do amazing things. I have seen many highs and many lows along the path. When I met my wife Jill we reluctantly went back to church once our son Grady was in vacation bible school at Maplewood UMC. This would lead to us attending church, and rekindling a relationship with Jesus that would drive us to ministry. I can recall driving to Candidacy Summit simply waiting for something to happen and not allow me to get there. I grabbed the steering wheel tightly with both hands and said, "God, if you want me to be a pastor then you're going to have to get me there. He did, and here I am. I completed Licensing School in July of 2016 and am currently taking a full time course load in the UMC Course of Study program. |
My wife and I live in Sidney, Ohio and we have two boys. Cody Carr who is my 16 year old step son, and Grady who is our 11 year old. Both boys are currently attending Sidney City Schools.
Jill is a babysitter in our home, where she takes care of some very special young people in our lives. Cody is active in Boy Scouts, Academia, and Choir, including the school musical as well as Sidney's Sock & Buskin Players community theater. Grady is active in soccer, where he is currently playing for U13 Premier West Ohio United. He is also active in choir as well. I am in a full-time appointment and am also the pastor at Maplewood United Methodist Church. I have office hours in Maplewood on Tuesday mornings. My only focus is on Jesus. I want to make sure that everyone who enters the doors hears the message of grace, mercy, and forgiveness that Jesus brings. Jesus and His resurrection over death should be the cornerstone of our belief in God, and illustrates just how much He loves us. I pray that you will come and attend. I pray that you will listen for the voice of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. He is here, and waiting on you. |