Pastoral Ministry

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Written by Kelvin Jones

Our pastors are available to perform Baptisms, Dedications, Weddings, and Funerals. They can also provide short term marriage or individual counseling from a biblical perspective. These ministries are available to members and attendees of the church and to people of the community who do not attend. For more information about these ministries contact Pastor Kelvin or Pastor Eric by phone or use a Contact Form.

Celebrating a Child's Birth

One of the great privileges of the family of God, is to help individuals and families mark significant passages in their lives. The birth of a child is a joyous time. We are humbled that God should entrust this life to us. The family of God at Community Wesleyan Church is happy to help families celebrate this event through either infant baptism or infant dedication. These are usually performed during regularly scheduled services, as the prayers and support of the congregation are an important element. Preparation involves simply talking to the pastor ahead of time for scheduling and to review the appropriate liturgy.

Believer Baptism

Jesus asked everyone who believed in him to be baptized and he gave us an example by being baptized himself. At Community Wesleyan Church, we strongly encourage believer baptisms in response to Jesus. Older children, teens and adults who make a decision to be a disciple of Christ are encouraged to publicly affirm their decision at a service for believer baptism. While immersion in water is the usual method of baptism, it is not the only one. Sprinkling or pouring can also be used to allow for the baptism of infirm or elderly persons. Either the senior pastor or assistant pastor interviews each candidate for baptism to hear their testimony and help them understand its meaning.

Weddings

Weddings at Community Wesleyan intentionally celebrate the man's and the woman's relationship to God, as well as to each other. All weddings are for heterosexual couples  and use a Christian cerempony.  Pastor Kelvin Jones asks all couples that he marries to meet with him for four hours of premarital discussion, usually in four increments. He does not view this time as some kind of test of whether the couple is compatible. Instead, he sees it as an opportunity to help the couple understand the dynamics of relationships, what it takes to have a lasting and satisfying marriage, and to prepare for their special day.  Pastor Eric also requires pre-marital discussions. 

Funerals

One of the strengths of personal faith in God is the comfort it gives us in times of grief. Pastor Kelvin Jones or Pastor Eric Paashaus conduct funeral services for loved ones when requested by residents of our area whether or not they presently have a connection to our church. The pastors' bereavement ministry usually includes talking with the family prior to the service and appropriate follow up afterward to see how things are going. To inquire about funeral services contact Pastor Kelvin, or Pastor Eric, or ask your funeral director to do so. To contact Pastor Kelvin on this website, you can send him an email by clicking on his Contact Form.