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Leadership

Meet Our Pastors

Rev. Dr. Jonathan White

Rev. Dr. Jonathan White brings a lifetime of wisdom, compassion, and deep theological understanding to Bostwick Lake Congregational UCC. Ordained in 1992 at Mayflower Congregational Church, Jon has served numerous congregations across West Michigan, offering thoughtful preaching, historical insight, and a steadfast commitment to community and faith. After retiring from full-time ministry in 2012, Jon continued to preach, guide congregations, and serve in interim roles, ultimately finding a home here at Bostwick Lake UCC.

Beyond the pulpit, Jon has led an extraordinary career in higher education and public service. As Emeritus Professor of Honors at Grand Valley State University, he was a founding director of the School of Criminal Justice, a department chair, and a dean of social sciences. His expertise in terrorism, homeland security, and religious violence led him to work with the FBI, the U.S. Department of Justice, and international law enforcement agencies. He has authored numerous scholarly articles and books, shaping discussions on terrorism and theological constructs worldwide.

Jon was married to Marcia White for nearly 50 years before her passing in 2022. Together, they raised two children, Dr. Katie Rios (Erik) and Charlie White (Shannon). Though his life has taken him through police service, academia, and international security, his true calling remains in ministry—guiding people in faith, fostering deep theological thought, and helping others discover God’s presence in both certainty and uncertainty.

Rev. Dr. Amanda Benckhuysen

Rev. Dr. Amanda Benckhuysen is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America with over 26 years of ministry experience. She brings to ministry a deep love for Scripture, the church, and the work of God’s Spirit in the world. Amanda is passionate about helping people encounter the living Word of God in ways that shape faith, nurture hope, and inspire acts of justice and compassion.

Before coming to Bostwick Lake, Amanda coached churches in cultivating healthy communities where people experience genuine welcome, love, and inclusion in the life of the church. She also taught the Old Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary, where she trained future pastors and leaders for service in the church. She is the author of two books, The Gospel According to Eve: A History of Women’s Interpretation which explores how women through history have read and engaged the Bible and Immigration, The Bible, And You, a biblical reflection on the immigration crisis today.

At Bostwick Lake, Amanda is committed to cultivating a warm, welcoming, and intergenerational community of faith, where all are invited to experience the transforming grace of Christ. She especially values preaching that connects Scripture to everyday life, walking with people through seasons of joy and struggle, and encouraging the congregation to join God’s mission in the wider community.

Amanda and her family love the beauty of West Michigan and enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time outdoors. She also enjoys reading, good conversation over coffee, and cheering on her daughters, Kiya and Syann, in their various endeavors. Amanda has been married for 32 years to Martin who currently serves as a pastor at Kelloggsville Church.

Leadership Teams

The Leadership Teams at Bostwick Lake Congregational UCC are dedicated to guiding and supporting the church’s mission, ministries, and community life. Comprised of elected and appointed members, these teams provide spiritual leadership, administrative oversight, and pastoral care to ensure the church operates with integrity, faithfulness, and inclusivity. From governance and personnel matters to financial stewardship and ministry coordination, each team plays a vital role in fostering a thriving and engaged congregation.

Church Council

The Church Council serves as the governing body of Bostwick Lake Congregational UCC, providing leadership, oversight, and direction for the church’s ministries, finances, and operations.

Business Team

Manages financial planning, property maintenance, and personnel oversight.

Worship Team

Oversees worship services, music, sacraments, and spiritual celebrations.

Discipleship Team

Supports local and global mission work, congregational care, and fellowship events.

Pastoral Relations Team

Supports the pastor and fosters open, confidential communication between clergy and church members.

Nominating Team

Selects candidates for church leadership positions to ensure continuity in ministry.

Personnel Team

The Personnel Team supports the church by overseeing employment policies, staff relations, and personnel matters, ensuring a fair, supportive, and effective work environment in alignment with the church’s mission.

Spiritual Life Team

The Spiritual Life Team at Bostwick Lake Congregational UCC is dedicated to fostering a deeper connection with faith through worship, prayer, and spiritual enrichment opportunities. This team works to enhance the spiritual well-being of our congregation by supporting meaningful worship services, faith-based programs, and community engagement activities.
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Empowered by Faith, Guided by Community

Our Leadership Philosophy

We believe the Holy Spirit moves through our community, inspiring each of us with unique gifts and calling us to lives of faith, witness, and service. Our leadership model reflects the vision found in Acts 2, where God's Spirit empowers all believers, affirming the priesthood of all believers—a core principle of our Protestant heritage.

As a Congregationalist church, we uphold a leadership structure that places decision-making in the hands of our congregation. Every member plays a role in shaping our mission, ministry, and commitments, including the calling of ordained ministers to serve among us. Through shared faith and responsibility, we cultivate a church that is both spiritually grounded and actively engaged in God’s work.

Our ministries, Church Council, and elected officers work alongside our pastors and staff to organize and guide the life of the church. We encourage every member to contribute their time, talents, and resources to further our shared mission.

For more information or to connect with church leadership, please contact us at:

A Church Led by Faith & Community

Every member of Bostwick Lake Congregational UCC plays a vital role in shaping the church’s future. Through prayer, service, and fellowship, the leadership team works together to nurture faith, encourage spiritual growth, and create a meaningful impact on both the congregation and the community.
Want to get involved in a leadership role?
Reach out to any team member or attend our next town hall meeting!

    Bostwick Lake Congregational UCC