PASTOR JOEL & GRETCHEN MCLAUGHLIN
A Relevant, Scripture Based Message for Life in Today's World.
My goal is to help you become a fully committed disciple of Jesus Christ. I have a bachelor’s degree in Bible from Asbury University and a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. I’ve pastored and preached nearly every Sunday for the past 40 years. I’m up early every morning seeking God and reading the Bible from cover to cover. I love searching the scriptures for fresh insights and I would be honored to have you join me each week on this amazing adVenture in God’s Word.
I was the guy that had to be dragged, kicking and screaming into the pastorate. I couldn’t imagine having to write a sermon every week for the rest of my life. Ironically, the last thing that I ever imagined doing became the best thing that ever happened to me. I pray that our time together in God’s Word will prove to be life changing for you as well. Clearly, the best thing about me is Gretchen. We are partners in ministry and best friends in life. Keep reading and I’ll tell you a little more about our family.
— Pastor Joel McLaughlin
A Little Background
Gretchen and I came from very different backgrounds. My dad was a big farmer in Iowa while Gretchen's dad was an Air Force Colonel who eventually retired to teach oral surgery in Indiana. Gretchen's family was not active in church while my family dragged me to church three times a week.
I was 12 years old, sitting in a little country church in Iowa one hot summer night in July. I told God that if He could use me, I would serve him for the rest of my life. I knew in a moment that God had taken me up on my offer.
When Gretchen was in high school, a pastor gave her a Four Spiritual Law tract, and in her bedroom on a Sunday afternoon, she accepted Christ. She was equally committed to serving God with her life.
In the summer of 1975, we met on a ten-week mission trip to Brazil, South America. Only God could have orchestrated our meeting and a little over a year later, we were married. After we graduated from Asbury University, I continued on and graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary.
Gretchen has always been deeply involved in every aspect of the ministry as well as an amazing home school mom and wife. We are blessed with four children who love and serve God, and a growing number of grandchildren. We love hikes, bike rides, and watching movies as a family. Our love for each other is as strong as ever and our passion for the church is unwavering. We are excited to Venture On with you.