We at Pioneer were richly blessed by the ministry of Pastor Ben Martin. Unfortunately, due to tithe shortfalls (not at Pioneer, but in other portions of the conference), Michigan Conference administration has determined that his position will not be filled at this time. Please combine your prayers and patience with mine as we work to cover Pastor Ben’s duties with existing pastoral staff members and volunteers. - Pastor Shane
Think Local, Act Global:
Recalibrating What Matters - Mission or Method
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonDwight Nelson served as lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University from 1983 to 2023. During his time at Pioneer he spoke on the “New Perceptions” telecast, taught at the theological seminary and has written books, including The Chosen. He and his wife, Karen, are blessed with two married children and 2 granddaughters.
Offering
Saturday, June 06, 2015
Program:
As We Begin
The Church's One Foundation
Robert Hobby
Praise
Prayer
Sharon Terrell
Farwell to the Wolfers
Nick, Katy and Mark
Children's Story
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Albert Travis
Worship in Music
O Lord, Most Holy
César Franck
Sermon
“Think Local, Act Global: Recalibrating What Matters—Mission or Method”
Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
Hymn
Rise Up, O Church of God • 615
As We Depart
Toccata on Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Albert Travis
More In This Series
“Think Local, Act Global: Recalibrating What Matters—Mission or Method”
- Acts 15
- Galatians 2:12
- F. F. Bruce: “[Peter’s] example was bound to have a disastrous effect on others; it would, unless checked, endanger the whole principle of Christian unity. . . . Paul saw quite clearly that the concession in the matter of table fellowship was bound in the long run to compromise the basic gospel principle that salvation was the gift of God’s grace in Christ, to be received by faith alone [and not by circumcision as well].” (Acts 303-304)
- Two characteristics of a Holy Spirit guided faith community:
- Acts 15:7—“after much .”
- Acts 15:2—“sharp and .”
- F. F. Bruce: “Peter, as leader of the Twelve, . . . reminded the company that the fundamental principle which they were discussing had already been decided. . . . Cornelius and his household had not even made an oral confession of faith when the Holy Spirit came upon them. . . [W]hy should further conditions now be imposed on them which God Himself plainly did not require?” (Acts 306-307)
- Ellen White: “Thus, without controversy, prejudice was broken down, the exclusiveness established by the of ages was abandoned, and the way was opened for the gospel to be proclaimed to the Gentiles.” (Acts of the Apostles 142)
- Does circumcision end?
- Acts 16:3-4—For the sake of the Jews, not wanting to put a stumbling block or wall between him and them, Paul Timothy.
- Galatians 2:3, 4—For the sake of the Gentiles, not wanting to put a stumbling block or wall between him and them, Paul to circumcise Titus.
- Paul changed his depending on cultural circumstances and societal values.
- The Jerusalem Council models for us an essential truth for the church of God today: unity in , but diversity in .
- To fulfill the same the same church/the same denomination can practice two very different in the very different cultures and countries of the world and still remain united under the divine guidance of the same Holy Spirit the whole time.
- You can be a global faith community and practice very methods in your shared mission to “seek and save the lost.”
Unity in Mission—Diversity in Method
Update on Pastoral Transition at Pioneer
Honduras Mission Team January 2026
The Pioneer Youth Missions team is getting ready for the January 2-12 project in Honduras. The team will be conducting a camp directed by Scott Schalk for about 100 children from the Hogar de Niños and the surrounding community. Additionally there will be many worships, activities and projects at the children's home. Your financial support and prayers are requested. For more information, contact Glenn Russell (glenn@andrews.edu)
Belong: Soup for Students
Soup for Students is just around the corner! Sunday, December 7, at 6 PM in the PMC Commons. We’d love to know what you’re planning to bring—soup, bread, your smile, or all of the above! Simply text “NOURISH” to 269-281-2345 to sign up
Belong: Angel Tree
This holiday season, help make Christmas special for a student/student family by selecting a card from one of the Christmas trees at church. Each card includes a family’s list of needs and wishes—simply choose a card, shop, and deliver your items by December 14th. No need to wrap—we’ll handle that for you! Let’s spread joy together with Belong Ministries this Christmas!
Spring Semester GROW Groups
Spring semester GROW Groups will begin the 1st week of February. If you would like to lead a group please text LEAD to 269-281-2345 or click the link below to submit the attached form on or before December 15. https://pmchurch.org/ministries/growgroups/register
Dr. Woodrow Whidden, 10/15/1944 - 11/11/2025
Woodrow Whidden died peacefully at home beside his loving wife, Peggy, on Tuesday, November 11. He lived a full life devoted to his family, the ministry, teaching and academic writing. Pioneer has been his home church since 1990 when he began teaching at Andrews. Your love, generosity and comforting presence in the days since Woody's passing have meant so much to our family. Everyone is invited to a public memorial service here at Pioneer on Friday, December 5, at 1 PM. Love and Thanks from The Whidden Family
Pioneer Women's Ministries 2025 Advent Devotionals
Pioneer Women’s Ministries’ Advent devotionals will highlight a few of the promises of Jesus. To receive the “Red Letter Promises” daily devotionals by email for the first 25 days of December, text the word “ADVENT” to 269-281-2345. You can also receive a short daily text message preview of each day's devotional by providing your cell phone number when you register. We pray you will sense the nearness of Jesus during this holy season through these devotionals.
Sabbath School Volunteers Needed
Give our Pioneer kids a gift this holiday season - your time, teaching or supporting Sabbath Schools, 10:30-11:30 AM each Sabbath. Text CHILDREN to 269-281-2345 or email childrenss@pmchurch.org to learn more.
Seeking Voices for Sabbath Video Series!
Adventist Learning Community is producing a short series exploring Sabbath keeping and its impact on everyday life. We're looking for individuals to interview who joined the Adventist Church within the last 15 to 20 years and are comfortable on camera. If you're open to sharing your experience and how Sabbath has shaped your life, please contact Luke Bowers at lbowersweb@gmail.com, we'd love to hear from you!
Adventist-Muslim Relations Group
Join us to pray for active missionaries and explore how to build bridges between Adventists and Muslims. We meet at 6:30 PM on the first and third Monday each month in the Leadership Lab of the Campus Center at Andrews University.
