BRIDGE FELLOWSHIP: AN MARBC MINISTRY

Bridge Fellowship exists to connect churches with one another and with their communities through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The MARBC Adopts a New Name as It Enters a New Season of Ministry

The Council of 16 leadership of the MARBC announced a new name at the recent Tri-State Conference by which the MARBC will minister in the coming years. Bridge Fellowship is a name that not only reflects our state's unique identity due to the many bridges which connect our peninsula with other land masses, but also communicates the continuing goal of our association of churches. This goal is reflected in the fellowship's mission statement: "Connecting churches with one another and with their communities through the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

The Bridge Fellowship ministry team was introduced by the new Executive Ministry Director, Doug Crawford, during the conference business session. Doug will serve in his new part-time role beginning January 1, 2023, while also continuing part-time at West Cannon Baptist Church where he has served for over 40 years.

The following pastors are serving with Doug as consultants in specialized areas of ministry.

Andy Molyneux: First Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant - Church Growth
Kelly Fath: West Cannon Baptist Church, Belmont - Leadership Development
Kevin Moses: First Baptist Church, Lapeer - Church Fellowship

A summary of how the leadership team will help provide ministry direction and assistance to The Bridge Fellowship may be accessed by clicking the "Strategic Plan Outline" button below.

The association website and related resources will be updated to reflect the new ministry dynamics in early 2023.

Strategic Plan Outline

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The Bridge Fellowship exists to connect
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Partners for the Glory of God and the Cause of the Gospel

HONORING KEN AND SHARON FLOYD

It was our joy to honor Ken and Sharon Floyd at the Tri-State Conference in Toledo, October 17-19. The Council of 16, working with the leadership from Ohio, Indiana and Emmanuel Baptist Church in Toledo surprised the Floyds on Monday night by honoring them in front of the gathering of messengers from all three states. I personally really enjoyed the “deer caught in the headlights” look when I asked them to join me on the platform as we presented Sharon with flowers from the Council of 16 and the Association and thanked them publicly for their service.

Tuesday night, after the evening session of the conference, we held a reception where Ken and Sharon were presented with notes of thanks from churches and individuals and a resolution of thanks unanimously approved earlier in the day by the MARBC messengers. The resolution included the gift of the association car to the Floyds at the end of the year. You can read the full resolution text below. Many Michiganders and friends from Ohio and Indiana stopped by to wish the Floyds well – and to enjoy cake and cookies.

Churches and individuals from around the state have sent in gifts for Ken and Sharon that the Council of 16 has directed them to use for a special trip after their ministry with us is concluded on December 31. We will continue collecting gifts through the end of the year. If you would like to contribute, please write the check to the MARBC, designate it for the Floyds’ retirement gift, and send it to:

MARBC
5760 Cannonsburg Road NE
Belmont, MI 49306-9089

On behalf of the Council of 16, thank you for all you have done to honor Ken and Sharon for their faithful service.

Bill Abernathy
Chairman of the Council of 16

IN THANKSGIVING AND GRATITUDE

Whereas Ken and Sharon Floyd have faithfully and sacrificially served our Lord and the Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches (MARBC);

And whereas their service to the MARBC over these 16 years has been a blessing, an encouragement, and a help to many;

And whereas they are finishing this portion of their race with joy (Acts 20:24) on December 31, 2022;

And whereas the Bible commands us to honor and care for those who serve in leadership positions among us (1 Timothy 5:17);

And whereas it is our great joy to thank and honor them;

Therefore, be it resolved that we, the messengers of the MARBC churches, meeting in conference October 17-19, 2022 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio, express our sincere and heart-felt thanks to Ken and Sharon;

That we thank them for the leadership they have provided, the many miles they have driven, the phone calls they have taken, the burdens they have carried, the tears they have shed, the counsel they have given, the sermons Ken has preached, the meetings they have led, and the many other ways they have served our Lord and us;

That we wish them God-speed and His richest blessings in this new stage of their lives and ministry;

That we bless them in the name of our Lord for the blessing they have been to us;

And that we, as a small token of our love and appreciation, give them, not only this resolution of our gratitude, but the vehicle they have driven such distances to serve us.

And may the Chief Shepherd, who purchased us by His blood, equip Ken and Sharon Floyd with everything good for continuing to do His will. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21).

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