Meet Rev. Gary Step, who began ministry as an Associate Director of Congregational Vibrancy of The Michigan Conference on July 1, 2018. He thanks God for his calling every day.
July 1, 2018 marked the day when The Michigan Conference took on new life. Nine new districts started to function and new staff members began their ministry.
A new collaborative staffing model is now in place. MIconnect has shared profiles of the Directors at the table. Now we continue with a series that introduces their Associate Director colleagues. This week we feature the Rev. Gary Step.
Gary’s previous appointments were Indian River United Methodist Church 2000-2012; West Michigan Director of New Church Development and Congregational Transformation 2012-2016; and Michigan Area Director of Congregational Excellence and New Church Development 2016-2018.
He now takes up the role of Associate Director for Congregational Vibrancy as a partner in the Office of Congregational Vibrancy. Gary can be reached at [email protected] ; 517-347-4030 ext. 4093.
Meet the Rev. Gary Step, in his own words …
Please share a little personal background.
I grew up in the greater Detroit area in Redford Township. My relatives were all Roman Catholic. I was raised and formed in my faith by going to Mass every week with my family. My parents were part of that faithful generation who believed. I remember my father saying that the world did not make sense to him without his faith. Powerful. Roman Catholics often are sheltered from other faiths. I did not even know what a Protestant was when I was younger. I got a better understanding when I married a United Methodist. My mother-in-law was also a strong influence for me in my faith formation. She was a saint in the Hancock United Methodist Church. She wrote hymns, sang in the choir and was a lay preacher. She modeled humility combined with a strong faith in Christ.
Where have you served and what lessons have you learned along the way about leadership?
My father was a funeral director and the family all worked in some capacity in the business. This foundation gave me a strong work ethic. After I graduated from college, I was in management positions working for Toys R Us and a beverage distributorship. That gave me a strong background in managing people. In 1990 I opened a retail business selling exercise equipment and bicycles in Petoskey, Michigan. That venture taught me how to wear many hats in my work.
Then in 1996 I received my call to ministry. I sold my business, my home and moved my wife and three children to Kentucky to attend seminary. I think of that now and how crazy that must have seemed to so many people. I was asked many times why I wanted to go to seminary. There was only one word to describe it. Calling! I thank God for that calling every day. Ministry has been a great blessing to me and my family.
Describe the role of the Associate Director of Congregational Vibrancy as you understand it.
I would say my major responsibility is to promote and create a culture of church growth, health and vitality. I provide leadership, coaching and coordination for the revitalization efforts in the local churches in Michigan. My job has many different aspects. The role suits me well. I enjoy the variety of things that I do. When I first started in this position, my focus was to launch VCI (Vital Church Initiative) and oversee new church starts. Now, as I start my seventh-year, church revitalization has taken on a much broader scope.
What are some hopes or goals that you have for the year ahead?
Currently, I am working on expanding our revitalization offerings to help congregations with target areas needed to bring about health and vitality. Instead of providing a rather narrow path for renewal, the Office of Congregational Vibrancy will offer more opportunities that will allow churches to learn at their own pace. I am excited about the future launch of Roads to Vibrancy; this renewal effort combines the key strategies learned through the VCI process and expands them in what we call Learning Labs. The goal is to raise up a new generation of disciples to transform the world for Christ. We all know that the world needs the local church now more than ever.
It is exciting to see how the church, as we know it, is changing. We are in the middle of a huge paradigm shift. Here’s how we describe it: “an important change that happens when the usual way of thinking about or doing something is replaced by a new and different way.” I believe this definition hits home as the local church struggles to live into “new and different ways” of understanding and doing church.
What excites you the most about your participation in the life of the new Michigan Conference?
For me the most exciting prospect is the opportunity to live into the new vision for the conference: The Michigan Conference equips and connects through Christ-centered: Mission & Ministry; Bold & Effective Leaders; and Vibrant Congregations.
Over these past six years I have learned that a common vision, properly aligned, is critical for vitality. If we want to transform the world around us, it is essential we move forward together in a common vision. I believe as a new conference we have taken the first steps to do just that. Now we need to live into the new vision. Secondly, I am excited that we are now staffed to help the local church. The Michigan Conference is investing for the future and the future is in revitalizing the local church and new church plants. It is also great to see these revitalized congregations launching new creative and dynamic ministries. I have been working in both conferences for over two years, and it has been a blessing to meet and get to know such a dedicated and diverse group of United Methodists!
Where do you see God at work in Michigan and the worldwide connection right now?
I see God moving beyond the walls of many local churches. The local church is truly becoming the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting and broken world. So many Michigan congregations are involved in projects in their local communities and throughout the world. Churches are moving beyond the walls of the church and into their communities. Many are adopting schools and caring the administrators, teachers and the students in new and creative loving ways. I see our local churches opening their doors and their empty spaces to be utilized by groups who are searching for a safe place to meet … for those who are struggling with addictions, scouts, dance classes, yoga. It seems like the list of ways to share safe, sacred space goes on and on. I also see God at work with a refocus on discipleship, not just through Bible studies but through a more holistic Wesleyan approach to living our faith in love and service. Despite our differences, God is still at work in our connection.
What is it that nurtures, sustains and guides you in your work?
The number one thing that sustains me is seeing lives transformed into the image of Christ. This gets me up in the morning. When the local church turns outward, I am sustained. When pastors lead through difficult change, I am sustained. When we as the local church live in grace and peace, I am sustained. When the local church finds its voice, the effects are like shock waves that run through our local communities. When the local church finds its vision, it is an unstoppable force for Jesus Christ and the transformation of the world! That’s what I know to be true and I rejoice. It keeps me going and guides my work on a daily basis.
Last Updated on September 20, 2022