Pro Allies is the Michigan Conference’s latest Fresh Expression of church, offering real-time crisis support and prayer for veterans, first responders, and their families.
JOHN E. HARNISH
Michigan Conference Communications
“If I hadn’t done it right then and there, we would have lost him forever,” says Rev. Rodney Gasaway.
Gasaway was at a car show outside a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) hall when he began talking with a veteran living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The man had been deeply wounded by a pastor who told him his struggle stemmed from not living for God, so he had turned away from the church. But now he told Rodney he wanted to be baptized.
In front of 130 motorcyclists, car enthusiasts, and others, Rodney, an ordained United Methodist deacon, used water from the tiki bar for the baptism. “Perhaps unorthodox,” he said, “but I was responding to the needs of a troubled veteran.” The moment echoed Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch, who asked, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” (Acts 8:36, NIV).
This unexpected baptism is a dramatic example of Pro Allies, a ministry that serves veterans, first responders, and others as a Fresh Expression of the church beyond the physical boundaries of a building, using shared stories, trusted referrals, and prayer. Founded by Gasaway, the ministry partners with organizations such as the VFW, Trek for Vets, Lily Hospice, and The American Legion, as well as other programs, to meet the needs of people who often lack ties to the church, with care and compassion.
“Many of these people don’t share their stories of the trauma they have experienced,” Rodney explains. “They bottle it up, which often leads to depression, anger, and suicide. We are losing an estimated 22 veterans a day to suicide in the United States. Pro Allies offers a listening ear, referrals, and the assurance of prayer through prayer circles in the local church.”
Initially funded by a grant from the Michigan Conference, Pro Allies is one of many Fresh Expressions of ministry emerging across the church. Begun by Rev. Dr. Michael Beck in Florida, Fresh Expressions has become a national movement focused on outreach to people outside the church, seeking new ways to be church for the sake of Jesus Christ.
Other examples in Michigan include Church of the Wild, an emerging ministry at Holland: First UMC that focuses on strengthening the connection among people, faith, and creation. Through spiritual practices beyond church walls, participants build relationships with God and experience the divine outdoors. Rev. Tania Dozeman, one of the pastors at Holland: First, facilitates this ministry. Fiber Friends is a sewing group that meets at a nutrition store, where participants finish projects, tell stories, laugh, pray for one another, and form new friendships across the community. Stretch Your Faith is a community stretching class at Eaton Rapids: First UMC. Led by Rev. Melany Chalker, each session offers a theological word for contemplation during stretching exercises, accompanied by hymns.
Rodney Gasaway is not only an ordained deacon but also a military veteran, a fire and law enforcement chaplain, and a motorcyclist. “I often meet people who approach me in need of comfort, advice, or prayer,” Rodney says. “One day, I met a firefighter who was struggling after a deeply traumatic incident at work. In that moment, I realized he — and so many others like him — had no safe place to talk. They often carry their burdens alone, feeling isolated and misunderstood. That’s why I started Pro Allies.”
Deacon Gasaway has served in ministry at Livonia: Newburg UMC for 11 years and has shared his time with Chelsea: First UMC for the past six years. He was ordained as a deacon in 2020. The original vision for the deacon was an ordained ministry that would connect the church with the world. Rodney’s ministry does exactly that.
Dr. Frank Dunbar, Minister of Congregational Life at Livonia: Newburg UMC, says, “Rodney is a fierce advocate for first responders and military veterans of all kinds. As a Navy veteran, he knows the challenges of being on the front lines or first on the scene of an emergency or accident. He gives a real face to the care Jesus would have offered to those who find themselves hurting, challenged, stressed, or longing for a connection with God, even to those who did not realize that need at the time.”
Deacon Gasaway is currently meeting with five churches that have expressed interest in starting a Pro Allies ministry. “We provide resources for setting up prayer groups to support the individuals we are trying to reach and for organizing the work,” he explains. Primarily a lay ministry composed of veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency workers, Pro Allies is easily replicable and can be tailored to the needs of the community it serves.
Churches seeking more information about Pro Allies are encouraged to contact Rev. Rodney Gasaway at [email protected]. Learn more about Pro Allies on their website.
The Michigan Conference Board of Congregational Life and New Start Team has funding and coaching available for congregations that want to explore various Fresh Expressions. Contact Rev. Heather Nowak with the Board of Congregational Life at [email protected] or Rev. Kim Metzer of the New Start Team at [email protected].
Reflecting on his time with veterans, first responders, and motorcyclists, many of whom never attend church, Deacon Gasaway said the question that began to haunt him was: “Where are these people supposed to go?” Through Pro Allies, he hopes the church can stand alongside those who serve, offering hope, understanding, and connection — one prayer at a time.
Support to launch Fresh Expressions like Pro Allies was made possible thanks to generous financial gifts from local United Methodist churches in Michigan through Ministry Shares. Thank you! Learn about the impact of Ministry Shares on mission and ministry in Michigan and around the world.
Last Updated on August 26, 2026