Bill Search

I'm a thirty-something minister who's job it is to make a big church feel small.

Working at a church the size of a small town is an incredible adventure! We have big buildings, lots of people, a great staff, and plenty of opportunities. But it's also easy to get lost in the crowd or confused on how to plug in. The way I see it, my job is to help make a big church feel small and to ease the connecting process.

Before the Southeast adventure my wife, Karyn, and our three kids served a growing church in west Michigan. Karyn, a native of Milwaukee, who grew up at Elmbrook Church (www.elmbrook.org), is one of the most gifted women I know. Her heart for ministry surpasses most ministers and missionaries. I often tell her had God not brought her in my life I would not be in church ministry today. We have three extraordinary kids who keep us very busy.

While not dreaming about the church, chasing my kids, or watching movies, I'm strategizing how to make small groups better. In my few moments of free time I scour e-bay for military chaplain memorabilia. Yes, years ago I had a close call with the army chaplain core - but alas, some plans are better dreams.