Pastor Jeff Chapman admits that the transition into his new position as pastor of Bethany Pentecostal Tabernacle Church in Lake Orion has not been easy for everyone.
Chapman, who took over official duties in Jan., replaces Pastor John Tucker, who passed away last October.
‘It was a difficult transition because Pastor John was the only pastor the congregation has ever known,? Chapman said.
Pastor John was influential in helping the church relocate to its current location on Joslyn Road, from a small location in Rochester some 35 years ago.
Lots of work went into remodeling the church when it was purchased, and Chapman remembers Pastor John putting his heart and soul into those efforts.
A Lake Orion High School graduate, Chapman has attended church at Bethany Pentecostal over that entire span, and said that his familiarity with the congregation has made the difficult time a little bit easier for everyone.
‘In some ways it has helped a lot because they all know us,? Chapman said of himself and his wife, Rhonda.
‘Everyone has been really good about it,? added Rhonda.
From Oct.-Jan., the congregation of about 50 had a panel of ministers in what Chapman referred to as a ‘trial period.?
‘We didn’t want to take too long, but we didn’t want to rush it either,? he said.
Of all those considered for the position, Chapman was the youngest.
As the new pastor, he hopes to incorporate many of the techniques that made Pastor John so beloved.
Having worked under Pastor John for over 10 years certainly will help Chapman.
‘He wasn’t a one-man show,? he said. ?(Pastor John) always shared the pulpit.?
Chapman and his wife agreed that Pastor John would actively seek out others that showed an interest and a talent in leading the congregation.
‘That’s something I feel is very important to continue,? he said.
Chapman noted that many congregation members went on to lead other churches as well.
‘He didn’t get rich here, he worked a full time job too,? he said of Pastor John.
In addition to leading the church, Chapman works as a brick mason, and Rhonda is a Lake Orion bus driver.
The two have been married for 10 years, and have three children.
‘We’re excited to be pastors and to be involved with this community,? Rhonda said. ‘It should be good for the younger families at the church.?
The Chapmans are very musical as well, with Rhonda serving as one of the church’s piano players and Jeff playing the drums.
The church supports missionaries in Mexico, Europe, Jerusalem and Africa, and in keeping with a tradition started by Pastor John, sends out 10 percent of what comes in to the missionaries.
‘It’s a very giving church,? Rhonda said.
The church holds services at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sun., and 7 p.m. on Thurs.
In addition, there is a 9:45 a.m. Sunday school, and Royal Rangers and Missionettes for the younger children on Thurs. nights.
There is also gospel singing at the church on the first Sat. of every month at 7 p.m.
‘Our doors are always open,? said Chapman.
‘We welcome all visitors,? added Rhonda.
Bethany Pentecostal Tabernacle Church is located at 3575 Joslyn. For more information, please call (248) 391-1940.