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Leadership

Leadership

Meet the Dedicated Leaders of Our Church

Our leadership is rooted in faith, service, and a commitment to our community. Guided by our Vision, Mission, and Purpose, our leaders provide spiritual direction, foster a welcoming environment, and support the ministries that shape our congregation.

As a congregational church, we believe in shared leadership, where members play an active role in the life of our church. Our leadership includes the Pastor, the Church Council, and various teams dedicated to worship, discipleship, spiritual life, and church operations.

A Community of Support

Leading with wisdom and care to nurture a strong and welcoming congregation.

Faith-Guided Leadership

Committed to spiritual growth, compassionate service, and inclusivity for all.

Meet Our Pastor

Rev. Dr. Jonathan White

  • Spiritual Leader
  • Teacher
  • Shepherd of Our Congregation

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.

Today, Jon continues to lead with wisdom, warmth, and a deep commitment to an inclusive, loving faith. Whether you are seeking intellectual engagement with Scripture, a place to ask deep questions, or simply a welcoming spiritual home, Rev. Dr. Jonathan White is here to walk alongside you in faith.

A Legacy of Service & Leadership

Decades of ministry, education, and global experience shaping our church’s mission.

Scholar and Teacher

A distinguished professor and author, he has shaped minds in theology, criminal justice, and global security, bringing a wealth of knowledge to his pastoral work.

32+
years of experience

Faith & Teaching

Jon’s sermons are a blend of history, theology, and social consciousness, emphasizing God’s presence in uncertain times and calling for compassion, justice, and love. He often draws from historical contexts to illuminate Scripture, helping the congregation understand prophecy, grace, and Christ’s teachings through a thoughtful and academic lens. Whether reflecting on Advent’s message of hope or exploring biblical prophecy with modern relevance, his leadership fosters a faith that is both intellectually rich and deeply personal.

A Life of Service & Scholarship

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.

A Personal Journey of Faith & Family

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.
Inspiring Faith, Growth, and Service in the Next Generation

Samuel Sanestin – Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator

Samuel Sanestin brings a heartfelt commitment to nurturing young minds and spirits in his role as Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator. His journey, marked by resilience and a deep faith, reflects a transformative path from pastoral ministry to community leadership. Samuel's experiences have shaped his approach to guiding youth, emphasizing the importance of inner transformation and aligning one's heart with God's purpose.

At Bostwick Lake Congregational UCC, Samuel is known for his engaging presence during the Children's Moment in Sunday worship services, where he shares meaningful stories that resonate with both children and adults. His leadership is characterized by a focus on experiential learning, encouraging young people to explore their faith actively and compassionately.

Samuel's dedication extends beyond the church walls, as he integrates his faith-driven principles into broader community initiatives, demonstrating that spiritual growth and service are interconnected. His vision is to cultivate a supportive environment where youth can develop a strong foundation in faith, character, and community engagement.

As a congregational church, we believe in shared leadership, where members play an active role in the life of our church. Our leadership includes the Pastor, the Church Council, and various teams dedicated to worship, discipleship, spiritual life, and church operations.

Youth-Focused Leadership

Samuel brings energy, empathy, and purpose to every interaction with young people, creating a safe and engaging space for spiritual growth.

Faith in Action

Through storytelling, mentorship, and community outreach, Samuel empowers youth to live out their faith with compassion and confidence.

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