Dottie Miller
I was born in Petoskey, MI, the 6th of 7 children. We had a 300 acre farm midway between Petoskey, Charlevoix and Boyne City. I love to ski in the Rocky Mountains with my husband and/or sons. I love to ride bicycles and to golf in the summer. The most beautiful place I’ve been is at Heavenly Ski Resort in northern California. To be at the top and look down the snow-covered mountain to Lake Tahoe is to understand the name, “Heavenly.” We have 5 children, 4 of whom are adopted.
My Story
At age 14 the Lord led me to a small country church about a mile from where we lived. A family took a great interest in me and loved me into the Kingdom as I accepted the Lord at age 15. Following high school, I received an AS from Spring Arbor, a BA from Asbury College, then taught elementary and junior high in the public schools for 24 years, earning my MA at Michigan State University – GO GREEN. At that time, the denomination in Indy asked me to be Director of Children’s Ministries for the US and consultant to other countries. I traveled, taught, and preached across the denomination and in other countries.
My Ministry Journey to SAFMC
During this time, I felt the Lord leading me to become ordained. In 1994 I was ordained deacon and in 1996, elder. In 1999 I received my doctorate in ministry from Trinity College and Seminary. My ministry began at Spring Arbor in 1998, and the first big event I put together was Trunk or Treat, which continues to this day. For 6 years I was Children’s Pastor, then due to family issues I moved to Pastor of Hospitality and Assimilation. I LOVE what I do here, the volunteers that work alongside me, the colleagues I work with, the people of the church. I lean on and learn from God every day. I’m thankful for the deep joy he has given me amidst many trials of life.
What I do at SAFMC
As Pastor of Hospitality and Assimilation, I work with about 350-400 volunteers. This I find delightful as we put together teams for ministry in making ours a welcoming place where there is an atmosphere of love, acceptance and forgiveness, a place where the Holy Spirit is clearly present and powerful.
Among other things, we keep the facility decor looking inviting; greet people at doors and in sections where we sit in worship. We train all who work with children in safety measures, we train all our volunteers in emergency procedures, and we have a Security Team during our main service times.
We have a Fireside Cafe Ministry where we serve fresh cinnamon rolls and Biggby Coffee every Sunday morning, offering a friendly place to meet and greet new guests as well as old friends.
I LOVE MY ROLE AS PASTOR IN THIS AREA OF MINISTRY!
