Candidate Recommendation from the Executive Director/Treasurer Search Committee
The search committee appointed to find the Executive Director-Treasurer for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) is thrilled to announce that Ed Emmerling is the candidate that will be presented by the search team at the annual meeting on November 1. The search committee reviewed dozens of resumes, conducted several interviews, and committed time personally and corporately to prayer. They are grateful for the prayers, counsel, and trust of Michigan Baptists as they evaluated candidates seeking the will of God for the BSCM.
Emmerling has served at Westside Church in Flushing, MI since 1997 and as the Lead Pastor since 2002. He has served the BSCM in numerous capacities, most recently as president of the BSCM. The committee is especially impressed by his love for people and the state of Michigan. He is a collaborative leader who is comfortable sitting down with pastors and church leaders from diverse parts of the state with a sincere desire for their health and success in accomplishing the mission of Jesus.
In addition to his local church work, Emmerling has played a key role in BSCM partnerships with national ministries such as Send Relief, helping mobilize resources and volunteers for gospel outreach efforts throughout the state. His experience with these entities has given him a healthy perspective on connecting Michigan churches with the larger Southern Baptist family. Emmerling was heavily involved in the recent partnership with Send Relief through theServe Tour stop in Flint. At this gathering, over six hundred believers from many states came together for two days to bring the gospel into the community and to support churches ministering in Flint and the surrounding areas.
As the ED-T candidate, Emmerling has expressed his desire to see the churches of Michigan flourish through a deepened commitment to the Great Commission. He is passionate about fostering strong, united, and mission-driven congregations that work collaboratively to see the gospel continue to spread in every corner of the state.
In response to the selection, Pastor Ken Render of Lakeside Community Church in St. Clair Shores said, "There is no better choice the search team could have made than Ed Emmerling. He knows our state. He loves and knows pastors. Ed has a passion to see our churches grow. Ed Emmerling will serve our state well."
"I was thrilled to hear that the Executive Director search committee has chosen to bring forward Ed Emmerling's name to the convention. I have known Ed for many years and have seen his faithful service in his church, association, and in our State Convention. I believe that he will provide steady leadership for us in the days ahead." adds Wayne Parker, Send Detroit Missionary and Senior Pastor of Merriman Road Baptist Church.
More opportunities to get to know Emmerling will be announced soon including a video interview hosted by search team member Travis Whitaker, Lead Pastor of Mile City Church in Plymouth, MI. In addition to the video interview, several regional meet-and-greet events are being planned where messengers and church leaders can personally engage with Ed and his wife, Renee. Dates and locations for these events will be announced soon.
The search committee is thrilled to have unanimous support for Emmerling as the candidate for the next ED-T of the BSCM. As the state convention approaches this important decision, the search committee encourages all Michigan Baptists to continue in prayer for Ed Emmerling, his family, and the Convention as they seek God’s guidance for the future. May this season of discernment bring unity, purpose, and excitement for what lies ahead for the BSCM.
Messengers from the BSCM will consider the search committee's recommendation during the BSCM Annual Meeting on November 1.