Biographical sketch of Rev Michael Roger Wilson

Rev. Wilson: His Ministry, His Vision, and His Family

"Personally, I want to say to you that I love Jesus Christ and his church. Jesus is my Lord and Savior and constant companion through the day - giving strength, guidance, and purpose. I also love the church and feel immensely honored to be a pastor. I see the church as God's people - growing in commitment to God, commitment to one another, and commitment to Christ's mission to the world. We live in times that can seem chaotic and confusing - and this is a great opportunity for the church. I am passionate about helping people understand what faith in Jesus Christ means, what Jesus has done for us, and then helping all of us along the way of being faithful disciples."

The Lord has given Michael many opportunities to develop his gifts for ministry. Raised in Donegal Presbytery, Michael was a counselor and a staff member at the Donegal Camp and Conference Center - where he first experienced the joy of communicating the gospel to others. During college and seminary, Michael participated in many ministry activities ranging from leading small group Bible studies to visiting people in hospitals to leading worship and preaching. After a year of seminary, Michael took a year off to be an intern at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb, IL. Here he led a campus ministry fellowship, learned pastoral care and preaching, and met his wife, Tricia, a graduate student in the same town. They were married before Michael's last year of seminary and have enjoyed sharing ministry together.

From 1996 until 2001, Michael was the associate pastor of a vibrant congregation of 750 in Decatur, GA. Clairmont Presbyterian Church was a great place for Michael to begin pastoral ministry. In addition to fulfilling regular pastoral responsibilities, Michael gave direction to the adult educational ministry, started a small group Bible study program, worked with the youth ministry, grow the church's evangelistic outreach, and took members of the congregation on their first international mission trip.

As Pastor of Chestnut Level Presbyterian Church since February 2001, Pastor Michael has been head of staff, senior pastor, and lead preacher. He thoroughly enjoys preaching each Sunday, meeting with members to plan the ministry, and interacting with the wonderful community of southern Lancaster County. Just one generation off the farm (both parents grew up on farms), Michael loves to be outside with people, has learned to plow (yes - with a big tractor!), and to talk with people from all parts of the community.

"My greatest joys in ministry, however, come from being a pastor of the people, a preacher and teacher of the Word, and a visionary leader. As a pastor, I strive to respond to the needs of people in a timely manner with skill and sensitivity. As a preacher, my goals center on being biblical, relevant, and an effective communicator so that people become mature disciples of Jesus Christ. As a leader, I work for clear communication and a shared vision for the future."

Michael believes that one of the most significant aspects of his ministry has been the positive influence he has had on all ages.

"In a typical week of ministry, you might find me not only preaching or leading worship, but calling on members of the congregation, helping our leaders plan for ministry, and teaching in several settings. It may be a small group Bible study for men or an adult class for all ages or a youth Sunday School class - I love helping people understand the Scriptures. You also might find me moderating a meeting or working with a group at presbytery. It has been encouraging to see each of these groups respond positively to my leadership."

Helping others discover and put their gifts for ministry into action has been a key focus of Michael's ministry.

"I am keenly aware that I, alone, cannot accomplish all that needs to be done! Each of us is gifted by God for the ministry of Jesus Christ. One of my responsibilities as a pastor is to help people discover those gifts and to equip them for their own ministry. As people see themselves as ambassadors of Jesus Christ, they become excited about their important ministries in the workplace, the home, or wherever they find themselves. I believe that we find purpose in life as we see ourselves as called, gifted, and equipped by our Lord!"

Michael is most fortunate to share his life and ministry with his supportive and talented wife. Tricia was raised in Pella, IA as a member of the Reformed Church of America. She is a graduate of Northwestern College in Orange City, IA, with a degree in Christian Education, and of Western Illinois University, with a master's degree in College Student Personnel. Tricia has been employed part time as a university administrator working in areas of international employees' issues. At Chestnut Level, you might find Tricia singing in the choir, helping to lead the Praise Team, or teaching an adult Sunday School class.

Together, Michael and Tricia love to work on their most important duty - raising their family. They love to read to their daughters, Julia (7) and Emma (1½), or their son, Clint (5). They also love to be outside hiking with their kids, working in the yard, or excercising.

Rev. Wilson as Pastor

During a time for transition at Clairmont, Michael had the unusual opportunity to serve as acting head of staff. He moderated session meetings, helped with personnel decisions, and guided the church in a long range planning process. Because of this, Michael has developed a very specific understanding of his role as a pastor.

At Chestnut Level, Pastor Michael has honed those skills and worked to make himself a well-rounded pastor.

"I am excited about serving a church that sees itself as called by God, equipped by Jesus Christ, and sent by the Holy Spirit in mission to the world. As a pastor, I want to help people discover the healing and transforming power of God's Word and move more deeply into the Kingdom of God - the abundant life Jesus desires for us. I strive to help people think seriously about the God who loves us, the context in which we live, and the best way to be in ministry to those around us. My desire is that the church will worship God joyfully and care for one another deeply.

I bring a passion for the Gospel, a hunger for God's presence in my life, and the gifts God has given me.

PREACHING: Biblical, relevant preaching and teaching are at the heart of vital ministry. I strive for clear communication and messages that connect with people's lives.

VISION: I love to look at situations and help others see what God is doing and can do. As a result, people take faithful risks for God's Kingdom that help them grow as disciples.

RELATIONSHIPS: As people come into contact with Jesus Christ, he transforms them in amazing ways. I love spending time with people - digging into Scripture, praying, talking, and having fun. Small group Bible studies, bedsides, or talking at Starbuck's at 1:00am - these are the places of some of my most effective ministry.

ADMINISTRATION: I also like to organize thoughts, events, and activities. While this is not the most "exciting" part of ministry, it is critical for everyday tasks."

Educational Background and Denominational Service

Michael was ordained in July 1996 at Centre Presbyterian Church in New Park, PA by the Presbytery of Donegal. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Dickinson College and a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. After completing his Master of Theology degree from Columbia Theological Seminary, he embarked on a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary (www.fuller.edu/cll/dmin/info/MLCohort.asp). He hopes to graduate in May 2008

Michael has been involved at every level of our denomination. He has served on the Financial Advisory Committee and Goals and Priorities Task Force of Greater Atlanta Presbytery. He has served as chairman of the board for Stirred Up Ministries - an outreach to urban youth in Atlanta. He has been a Youth Advisory Delegate to General Assembly. He has also served on the board of the Greater Atlanta Chapter of Presbyterians for Renewal and participated in the National Seminarians Conference, organized by Presbyterians for Renewal. Presently, he is on the Committee on Ministry of Donegal Presbytery