Gaylord E-Free Church Welcomes Julia Rupp to our Staff

I am extremely excited to announce the selection of Julia Rupp as our new full-time Director of Children’s Ministries here at Gaylord E-Free Church in Gaylord, Michigan.  Julia will begin her new full-time ministry with us beginning Sunday, October 6, as she take on the oversight of our nursery through grade six ministry. 

Julia went through quite an extensive process to reach this position including submitting a resume, filling out a very detailed and lengthy application, going through multiple and rigorous interviews, and having many reference checks completed.  The Search Team for this position was headed by Marie Sarchet and included two Elders, our CCE Team Leader, the CCE Team Liaison from the Leadership Team, along with a few educators and individuals who are involved in our children’s ministry.  This Search Team was given the job description of this new position as well as a profile of the type of person that we were looking to fill it.  Their task was to conduct a nation wide search and then narrow the field down to no more than two final candidates to turn over to me as Lead Pastor for final consideration.  This Search Team was instructed to only pass on the names of candidates that they unanimously agreed would be good for this position.  They did an outstanding job.

This team ultimately passed on to me the names and information for two final candidates.  I then, with the help and assistance of Marie Sarchet (Search Team Leader) and Jack Dutton (Director of Counseling Ministries here at Gaylord E-Free Church), conducted final interviews with both candidates.  These final interviews were very extensive and deep.  After they were over, the three of us were all in unity that God had made it clear that Julia was the right person.  We still took four additional days to pray and ponder more on this and then met again with the result being that we were still unanimously at 100% peace that Julia was the right selection.  Last night, the Elder Board gave their unanimous consent for me to offer Julia the position, which I have done and she has accepted.

Julia has a B.A. Degree in Elementary Education from Cedarville College in which she attained certification in Kindergarten through Grade Eight as well as her preschool certification.  Her course study included Children’s Ministry and her minor was in Bible.  She also has done continuing education in gifted certification, ESL Classes, and Cooperative Learning Methods from Columbia International University, as well as being certified by Child Evangelism Fellowship.  Julia has many years of teaching experience both nationally and internationally, having taught in Tennessee and in China.

Julia has served in a more unofficial role over the past year leading our Sunday morning and Wednesday evening children’s ministries and has done a fabulous job.  Most of all, Julia has an unmistakable heart for the Lord Jesus Christ, for Gaylord E-Free Church, and for meeting as many children as possible right where they are, and helping to move them to where God wants them to be. 

I am thrilled at what Julia brings to our staff and ask you to give her your great encouragement, and most of all, your fervent prayers and support.

Believing God for Great Things!

Pastor Scott