Jack Steenbergh, Coleman Wesleyan Church – Pastor of the Week (PotW)

Pastor Jack Steenbergh is the Lead Pastor at Coleman Wesleyan Church in Coleman, Michigan. He is also considered a community leader. “Being a community leader calls me to connect with different people in the community, connect with different groups in the community, and encourage our church to open doors to the community so we can bring people in and help them to know Christ,” he said.

President Dr. David Wright, presenting the Pastor of the Week mug to Pastor Jack Steenburgh
President Dr. David Wright, presenting the Pastor of the Week mug to Pastor Jack Steenbergh

Coleman Wesleyan Church works hand-in-hand with local businesses and organizations. The town of Coleman is agriculturally-based and suffers from poverty. However, Steenbergh and the members of Coleman Wesleyan Church see this as an opportunity to be a missionary-minded church to the community. They’ve started a lunch in the park each week for kids in the community. The church has also dedicated a special youth building to youth and family ministries. “We are finding that one of the great opportunities we have is that people enjoy connecting with others in the community. Therefore, they are willing to be baseball coaches or something like that to help people be more involved and be a light and witness to the community,” Steenbergh said.

Steenbergh became a Christian at the age of 14. At 16, he became a member of his church and a year later, he was sent as a representative for his church to district conference. He, then, attended Baker College of Owosso, Michigan. He planned to study Accounting, but when he arrived, he realized that Accounting wasn’t an option. He stayed, though, to study Ministry, and then planned to attend elsewhere for an Accounting degree after. However, in a Theology class, he felt strongly that The Holy Spirit was leading him to solely Ministry. A verse that he learned from that day, that still remains an anchor for his ministry is 2 Corinthians 4:1, “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.”

Steenbergh just completed his 47th year of pastoring. A life verse that he has held tightly to is 2 Corinthians 5:9 which states, “So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” Steenbergh also serves as Assistant District Superintendent for the North Michigan District and lead in spiritual formation, church renewal, and coaching. He continues to persevere and lead, not only Coleman Wesleyan Church, but the town that surrounds it.

Upon receiving the recognition Pastor Steenbergh was greeted by Dr. David Wright. “It is an honor to recognize such an outstanding leader in The Wesleyan Church.” says Rick Carder, Director of Alumni and Church Engagement. Carder says, “Pastor Jack is a man of integrity and exhibits joy in his ministry.”

Pastor of the Week (PotW) is awarded to exemplary leaders. These leaders demonstrate integrity and provide leadership that serves the local church.

 

Written by Emily Lehner, a writer for the Alumni Center and a sophomore Writing major at IWU. She is active on the cross country and track teams. She is passionate about using her writing skills to share the good news of Christ with others and writes often on her personal blog at www.emilylehner.wordpress.com

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2 Replies to “Jack Steenbergh, Coleman Wesleyan Church – Pastor of the Week (PotW)”

  1. It couldn’t happen to a better man. Congratulations, Pastor Jack! We love and miss you in Traverse City!

  2. Congratulations to you Jack!! Since meeting you long time ago, this is well deserved! Very happy for you! I thought when I seen the picture that you were Sonny! You look so much alike! God bless and keep you always!

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