The Rev. Todd Allan Petty, Senior Minister of Historic Park Church
A 1991 graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and a 1994 graduate of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Rev. Petty was called to Park Church as Senior Minister in August 2005. Previously, he served as the Senior Minister of Portage Congregational UCC in Portage, Michigan. While there, the church experienced significant growth and completed a $1.7 million Capital Campaign for building expansion. Since arriving to Park Church, many new members have been received -- a significant number under the age of 40 -- and worship attendance has grown from 190 to approximately 260. His greatest achievement, though, has been the expansion of the church's mission outreach to Grand Rapids. Since Rev. Petty began his ministry among us, the church has added a monthly Mobile Food Pantry that distributes 5,000 pounds of food to the working poor, a Winter Day Shelter (Fridays, November through February) that includes a hot lunch, and a significant relationship with Palmer Elementary School that includes several tutors for second grade students, meals, and financial grants. In December 2011, the church will add a second Winter Day Shelter (Saturdays, November through February). Rev. Petty has also developed of a Seminary Intern Program and most recently an MSW Intern Program.
In addition to mission outreach initiatives, Rev. Petty has worked with church leaders to make Park a good "neighbor" to other non-profits. Since his arrival, the church has opened its doors to the North American Choral Company, West Michigan Gay Men's Chorus, and the Arts Outreach Program of Grand Rapids Community College. For the last two years, Park Church has been an Art Prize venue -- drawing 30,000 guests to the church in a four week period.
His role as Senior Minister includes Preaching, Pastoral Care, Adult Christian Education, and numerous administrative duties including Head of Staff. Rev. Petty works closely with the Moderator, Vice Moderator, Board of Trustees, and Deacons. He also staffs the Endowment Committee, Mission Ministry Team, and the Heritage and Fine Arts Team. Beginning in February 2012, with the assistance of well-known pastor and church growth expert, Michael Piazza, Rev. Petty will lead the church through its second visioning process during his tenture.
A "Presidential Fellow" in the United Church of Christ, Rev. Petty is among ten clergy from across the denomination who have been identified as future leaders in the United Church of Christ -- either as local pastors or judicatory staff. Rev. Petty used his Presidential Fellows' grant to study large, thriving urban congregations and the leadership required to manage and grow such churches. The Presidential Fellows have been invited to next year's "Consultation" -- an annual gathering of leaders from across the denomination (i.e. National Staff, Conference Ministers, Seminary Presidents, etc.).
Beyond the local church, Rev. Petty has served on numerous non-profit boards. Very recently he served on the Board of Directors for Pilgrim Manor Retirement Community and on the Board of Directors for United Church Outreach Ministries. Additionally, he has served on Association and Conference boards, committees, and search committees. Currently, Rev. Petty is the Chairperson of the Church and Ministry Committee of the Grand West Association, Michigan Conference, UCC.
In his spare time, Rev. Petty enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and canine companions Luckie and Sydney, boating, reading, and genealogy.
Rev. Petty can be reached by calling 616-459-3203, x11 or by email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. In the event of a Pastoral Care Emergency, he can be reached at 616.322.2316.
Rev. Petty in the News
Recent Newsletter Articles
Recent Adult Christian Education Classes
- A three week lecture series on The Reformation
- A Church-wide reading of I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church - including several small group gatherings and a preaching series
- An eight week Bible Study of the Book of Revelation
- The Synoptic Gospels
- Spiritual Gifts
- Bible 101: An Introduction to Hebrew and Christian Scripture
| Next > |
|---|
