MAHONING VALLEY Pastor selected for state council

The new council member is pastor of New Birth Community Church.
COLUMBUS -- Gov. Bob Taft recently appointed the Rev. Willie F. Peterson of Youngstown to the Ohio Community Service Council for a term ending 2007.
The Rev. Mr. Peterson is the founding pastor of New Birth Community Church in Youngstown, and the executive director of both the Center for Community Empowerment and The Pathway Partner Group.
"It is an honor to be selected to serve our state, Youngstown and the faith community as a member of the council," Mr. Peterson said. "Being chosen to support volunteerism and community service is something that I have always believed in. I will do all that I can to be a blessing to the council."
As a pastor, Mr. Peterson's message is about being a servant, his ministry is to the community he serves.
As a community organizer, his mission is to train and educate the community about the role of faith-based and community initiatives.
He facilitates and hosts grant-writing workshops, seminars and conferences both nationally and locally. He is a consultant for business, community, government and faith-based organizations. He also serves on the Trumbull County Workforce Policy Board and the Mahoning/Shenango Association of Fundraising Professionals Board.
Affiliations
Mr. Peterson is affiliated with the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprises in Washington, D.C., and Son of the Father's House Ministries (Atlanta, Ga.), is president of The Youngstown Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, and a member of The Baptist Pastors Council of Youngstown and several other clergy and community associations.
He is a graduate of Youngstown East High School. He and his wife, Ella, are the parents of five adult children and grandparents of nine.
The Ohio Community Service Council's mission is strengthening Ohio's communities through service and volunteerism. Council members are appointed by the governor and represent state agencies, businesses, higher education, community agencies, labor and youth.