Bailey Christian Church

DAREN PENWELL
Growing up I called Illinois, Indiana and Michigan home at one time or another. However, from fifth grade on, Michigan was home. After graduating from Grandville High School in 1985, I went on to attend Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing where I met my wife, Lisa. We were married in 1988 and left the following fall for Lincoln, Illinois where I eventually completed an M.Div. in pastoral care and counseling at Lincoln Christian Seminary.

After ministering in central Illinois for nearly five years, Lisa, Brittany, Madison and I felt called to come to Bailey Christian Church in 1998. These past 11 years have seen a lot of changes at Bailey, and we have enjoyed the "ride." Bailey has really become home for us!

I like flowers, sunsets, quiet walks on the beach, and... Oh, sorry. I like lifting weights, Notre Dame football, going out for dinner and a movie with my family, and reading theology....and flowers (that part was true). Though this is rough territory to be a Notre Dame football fan and since the ND team hasn't helped much by being only mediocre in recent years, I am still holding on to the echoes of past glory, and I believe the day is coming when Notre Dame will once again rule the college football universe! OK, that was a little overstated. But I do really like Notre Dame.

My big passions in ministry are teaching, vision and leadership. I love to see people have that "aha!" moment when a big concept finally becomes understood. I have often quoted the philosophy espoused by John Ortberg that good preaching means "putting the hay down where the sheep can get at it." That is, the call of Christian communication is to be incarnational. Just as Jesus became incarnated in human flesh (God in human form) and came down to where we live, spoke our language, lived side by side with us and died for us, we are to speak in such a way as to help people hear the voice of God, as well. My hope is that this philosophy is experienced and lived out at all levels here at Bailey as we together bring Christ to a world that doesn't speak our "church" language, but in the end still needs to hear the voice of God.

JASON ROSS

I’m originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee. I’ve lived in Grant for 6 years now, and I can honestly say Grant has become my home. Grant is the birthplace of my family. My wife Megan and my two daughters Jurnee and Jaleah were born here. I’ve also moved my mom from Chattanooga to live with us… so it’s really home now.

I met my wife at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, TN. There I received my B.S. in Management with an emphasis in marketing. I know, not the traditional path of a youth minister. God revealed His plan for my life to me in high school. However, I chose to do things my way. Finally, at the age of 30, I’ve surrendered my life plans to Christ and have experienced a freedom unlike any other.

In my spare time I enjoy watching sports, college football being my favorite. I love Notre Dame Football! Moving here, I’ve also become a Tigers and Lions fan... Yeah, a Lions’ fan. Spending time with my family and watching my daughters grow and learn motivates me. With my wife at my side joy is an understatement.

I have a passion for youth ministry that has consumed my heart. I want to see our youth become men and women of Christ. My focus will be teaching our youth about God’s TRUTH. To let them know God is faithful to His people and doesn’t allow circumstances we (i.e., He and us together) can’t handle (1 Cor 10:13). Emotions come and go… Our faith in Christ must be based on TRUTH. My sponsors and I welcome this challenge. Allow us to teach your children God’s TRUTH.