Painesville’s First Church of Christ is re-emerging as a leader in serving the community
By Mitch Allen
Growing up in Green, Ohio, Mike Martin’s mother was a teacher while his father spent his days studying the heavens as a meteorologist for the Akron-Canton Regional Airport. Mike focuses on Heaven now, too, but in a completely different way.
He’s a pastor.
In fact, he’s the new pastor at First Church of Christ, in Painesville, where he’s helping to build the church up with refreshing authenticity.
“My role is to accurately put the Bible into your life where it makes sense and helps you throughout the week, helps you feel grace and feel forgiven,” Pastor Mike explains.
“For me, preaching requires a practical application, taking God’s word and applying to today’s culture.”
Although First Church of Christ may use some multimedia and perform skits, it’s not one of those arena-style, mega-churches with a professional stage.
“We’re much more than a sermon and an organ, but we’re not doing a rock concert every Sunday either,” Pastor Mike says. “That said, we’re always looking for a good guitar player.”
I laugh. After Pastor Mike attended Kentucky Christian University, he did his youth ministry in Memphis, Tampa, and California where he held services on the beach.
He knows a thing or two about rock-n-roll.
First Church of Christ is relatively small—about 120 worshipers on a Sunday morning—but they are making a difference. In fact, their new slogan is “Reach and Grow,” that is, reach the community and grow a deeper relationship with Christ.
“We’re a church for everybody and we are reemerging,” says Pastor Mike, who spent the past 12 years ministering down in Akron.
“We’re for people of all ages. We’re restructuring ourselves. We want to grow believers and followers and we’re looking for people who want to come and be a part of it and help us move ahead. Whether you know God or don’t know him, come join us.”
Pastor Mike also says, don’t wait.
“A lot of people postpone going to the doctor until they improve their health first,” he explains. “It’s the same with going to church. Some people think they need to get their life in order before they can go, but that’s not how this whole thing works. Come on in now.”
Clean Living
Right now, First Church of Christ’s quarterly theme is “Clean Living: Washing Away Life’s Stains,” which will be the church’s focus from October 21 through December 23.
“Clean refers to God’s forgiveness and what it means in your life,” Pastor Mike says. “My sermons are designed to help you feel better when you leave than when you came in. I’m not saying they won’t challenge you—sometimes they will—but I’m not here to yell at you and make you feel guilty.”
I laugh again. I just can’t imagine him yelling at anyone—and he’s got four children ages 20, 18, 16 and 13. His wife, Jenny, is fun and energetic and helps with music and the church’s nursery school. She’s also a teacher at Cornerstone Christian School.
First Church of Christ assists with ministries in Ohio, the U.S. and around the world, but they also focus right here at home, including giving away backpacks to local school kids and helping high school students who need clothing or a haircut.
“We invite you here because we have a true desire to minister to our community and help develop our Christian walk—to deepen your own walk—and get you involved in your Christian life,” Pastor Mike concludes.
“This church needs people who maybe have a church history and stopped going or got hurt. We want you to come help move our church forward and help us serve.”
To that end, First Church of Christ is formalizing its reemergence with a special invitation. It is officially flinging open its doors (and its newly remodeled bathrooms) to the entire community on Sunday, October 21, for a special meet-and-greet, which begins at 10:45 a.m.
“We hope you’ll join us on October 21,” Pastor Mike says, “but we also hope you stay with us forever.”
First Church of Christ is located at 422 Mentor Avenue, in Painesville. The phone number is 440-357-7422 or visit PainesvilleFirstChurch.org.