Commonplace Holiness:

About Me

 
 
 

I’ve been in the United Methodist ministry since 1975. At various times I’ve been active in the United Methodist camping ministry, Emmaus, Chrysalis, Conference Youth Council, Lay Speakers training, and various other involvements. My ministry has been well received over the years, in the places where I have served. The things I’ve enjoyed about pastoral ministry are: (1.) The opportunities to preach the Gospel; (2.) The opportunities to teach the Bible and the Christian way of life; (3.) The privilege of being with people in important moments of joy and sorrow in their lives.


I’ve learned a lot about myself and the Christian faith and the church in each of the places where I have served. Yet, after more than 30 years in pastoral ministry I find myself deeply dissatisfied with myself and with the results of my efforts and with the church. But, then again, life is not over.


I'm one of those evangelical United Methodists that identifies with the goals and purposes of the "Confessing Movement." I believe the United Methodist Church is in need of "doctrinal renewal." I believe that renewal will not come until we learn again from our own evangelical and socially progressive and revivalistic roots. In it's beginnings, Methodism emphasized (a.) justifying faith, (b.) holiness of heart and life, (c.) reform of society, and (d.) having an educated faith (thus: Wesley’s Christian Library, the early “Methodist” commentaries and works of theology, Watson's Theological Institutes, etc.). Over the years, this synthesis fell apart.


Of course, it would be nice to regain this synthesis before the United Methodist Church completely destroys itself over Sexuality Issues, but that may be too much for which to hope.

A Little More About Me

 

About Myself

Name: Craig L. Adams

Gender: Male

Age: 60 years old

Birthday: April 9

Status: Married

Hometown: Albion, MI

Education: B.A., M.Div

Schools: Wayne State University, Asbury Theological Seminary

Occupation: Pastor



MY CONTACT

Email: craigadams1@me.com



















MY FAVORITES

Interests: Reading, gardening, theology, tropical fish, reptiles, computers (Macintosh only, please), jazz, old horror and mystery movies & sitting around the house in the morning drinking coffee.


Writers: Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Willa Cather, Kathleen Norris, others too numerous to list.


Favorite Theologians: John Wesley, Wolfhart Pannenberg, Thomas C. Oden, N. T. Wright, Jürgen Moltmann, Charles G. Finney.


Music: Jazz of all types.


 

My wife Robin and I were married in the Hersey United Methodist Church on September 1, 1979.  (Click on the picture on the right if you’d like to see more of our wedding pictures. You can also view them as a slideshow.)


We have two children. Our son Michael was born on January 21, 1982. Our daughter Rebekah was born on December 2, 1983. They have lives of their own now.


Robin is a Nurse. she has worked in many different settings over the years. She is currently working for BioLife here in Grand Rapids. She also has other involvements that keep her busy. She has worked on West Michigan Conference committees in the past. She works on Chrysalis and Emmaus Walk teams from time to time. During the summer she has sometimes served as camp nurse for Senior High Camp and for our West Michigan Conference Youth Assembly. She is also a Certified Lay Speaker. She enjoys reading, cooking and needlepoint.

My Pastoral Experience:


July 2006-present. Carlisle United Methodist Church - Byron Center, MI

Pastor.


  1. •Serve as the Assistant Youth Coordinator for the West Michigan Conference.

  2. •Work with the Youth Council in planning the annual Michigan Area Confirmands' Rally.


September 1999-June 2006. Weidman United Methodist Church - Weidman, MI

Pastor.


  1. •Served as the Assistant Youth Coordinator for the West Michigan Conference.

  2. •Worked with the Youth Council in planning the annual Michigan Area Confirmands' Rally.

  3. •Served as co-Dean of the Central / Grand Traverse District Senior High Camp.

  4. •Chair of the Central Distirct Committee on District Superintendancy.

  5. •Helped in training Lay Speakers in the Central District.

  6. •Counselor at District Senior High Camp and at Conference Youth Assembly.

  7. •Serve on the Conference Board of Discipleship and the Conference Council on Ministries.

  8. •Frequently serve as Spiritual Director for Emmaus Walks and Chrysalis Flight weekends.

  9. • Preacher at the Central District Bible Camp in 2003.

  10. •Bible teacher at the Central District Bible Camp in 2001.


1994–September 1999. Zion United Methodist Church - Ionia, MI

Pastor.


  1. •Led yearly leadership training.

  2. •Oversight of church staff.

  3. •Assisted in supervision and training of other pastors.

  4. •Led in program development and implementation for the West Michigan Conference and for the Michigan Area.

  5. •President of local Ministerial Association.

  6. •Served as Spiritual Director of Flight of Hope Chrysalis Board & on several Chrysalis weekends and Emmaus Walks.

  7. •Served as the Assistant Conference Youth Coordinator for the West Michigan Conference.

  8. •Helped to organize the "Michigan Area Confirmands' Rally with the Bishop."

  9. •Planned Leadership Training experiences on the Central District.

  10. •Served as Senior High Camp counselor for District camp.


1984–1994 Horton Bay United Methodist Church- Boyne City, MI

Pastor.


  1. •Led an active and growing congregation for 10 years.

  2. •Led successful financial drives each year.

  3. •Managed the church office; produced bulletin, etc. on word processor.

  4. •President of local Ministerial Association.

  5. •Served as Spiritual Director of the Chrysalis Board in Northern Michigan for several years.

  6. •Served as Spiritual Director on several Chrysalis weekends and Emmaus Walks.

  7. • Served as West Michigan Conference Youth Coordinator , on the Conference Council on Ministries, the Conference Board of Discipleship, helped in the training of Lay Speakers on the Grand Traverse District of the West Michigan Conference.

  8. •Served as Senior High camp counselor for District camp.

  9. •Served on the Michigan Area Pastor's School as treasurer.


1979–1984 Saugatuck-Ganges United Methodist Parish - Saugatuck, MI

Pastor.


  1. •Led two small congregations for 5 years.

  2. •Developed a Lay Speaking program for the Grand Rapids District.

  3. •President of local Ministerial Association.

  4. •Continued to work with the training of Lay Speakers on the Grand Rapids District.


1975–1979 Wolf Lake United Methodist Church - Muskegon, MI.

Pastor.


  1. •First full-time pastor in the history of the church.

  2. •Led the church toward financial independence & stability.

  3. •Led leadership training for church teachers.

  4. •Developed a curriculum for the training of Lay Speakers on the Grand Rapids District.




My Education:


1972-1975 Asbury Theological Seminary - Wilmore, KY


    * Master of Divinity

    * Editor of student newspaper.


1969-1971 Wayne State University - Detroit, MI


    * Bachelor of Arts

    * Major in chemistry, with studies in numerous other areas.


1967–1969 Macomb County Community College - Warren, MI


    * Associate in Science

    * Studies concentrated on chemistry and math.