Friendly and financially sound in Michigan

This intentionally relational church celebrates communion, and the kids join in.

MUSKEGON, Mich. — A former Gideon, Pastor Carlos Ramos has seen his share of churches, but counts his current congregation at
First FMC among the friendliest. In the three years he’s been pastoring here, membership has grown 74 percent and finances are holding steady, despite Michigan’s economic climate.

The church is 90 percent Caucasian, and though Ramos is Hispanic and would like to see more “hues in the pews,” he says that’s not the main goal. “Of all the good things going on here, what pleases me most is seeing actual spiritual maturity. And I’ve been seeing that since day one.”

Celebrating 95 years in 2009, the church has made a few physical improvements and plans a months-long “anniversary” welcoming former pastors to preach on Sundays, and a big celebration Sept. 27.

The church sends weekly bulletins and copies of the FM take-home paper, Evangel, into prisons; its volunteers serve at the local rescue mission and in nursing homes. This spring they hosted a food bank truck, distributing 30,000 pounds of food from their parking lot.

Kids' services, early 2009

Tithing and giving are taken very seriously. “As God has blessed us, we view tithing as a way of obedience, love and worship,” says Ramos. First FMC donates several hundred dollars every month to support an FM church that’s not doing as well financially right now. In March, the congregation’s kids raised $250 for FM world missions with a “penny march.” A 10-year-old and an octogenarian were baptized on the same day.

“We stress being relational, and not just on Sundays,” says Ramos. “Many of our people are getting together during the week and getting to know each other better.” Clearly, their love for one another — coupled with their love for the imprisoned, the elderly, the impoverished, the lost — makes this FM church a growing, active place where newcomers are comfortable and a warm welcome awaits all who come.