Leading citizens and congregants

The Rev. Willie F. Peterson wants to improve people's faith and quality of life.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Rev. Willie F. Peterson's vocations as a minister and community activist are entwined. So it's no wonder his vision as the new pastor of the recently merged New Birth-Kimmelbrook Baptist Church involves nurturing a strong faith among the congregation while helping people address practical needs and daily challenges as manager of Rockford Community Center.
The church theme, "Building Up the Body of Christ By Building Up People," reflects that goal.
"I knew God wanted me to come home," said the Youngstown East High School graduate, who noted he left his pastorate in Oberlin and became pastor of Gospel Temple Baptist Church in Campbell in 1997.
"I knew I had more community work to do," he said. "And I could do it through faith-based community organizations."
In 2003, he founded New Birth Community Church, which worshipped at the Rockford center, 1420 Dogwood Lane. "And God opened another door," Mr. Peterson said, referring to his being named manager at the Rockford center, which was completed by Youngstown Metropolitan Housing in 2002.
The Rockford site also is the headquarters of the Center for Community Empowerment, a faith-based social service agency founded by Mr. Peterson.
In the meantime, the pastor at nearby Kimmelbrook Baptist Church, 1325 Victor Ave., had resigned. "I went to praying about it," said Lillian Storey, a longtime member of Kimmelbrook, who is treasurer of the merged churches.
She noted that Kimmelbrook began in the former Hanson Center, then built its church in 1964. "The Rev. Theodore Cotton was the original pastor and stayed for 35 years," Storey said.
Succeeding pastors were the Rev. Charles Ellis, who stayed two years, and the Rev. Lee Moore, who stayed about seven years, then resigned. "I believed God wanted Pastor Peterson here," Storey said. "I had to get confirmation, and that was his resume, which spoke for itself."
"We had numerous discussions," said Irene Baxter, a trustee and church mother of the merged churches who had worshipped at Kimmelbrook. She noted the merger would benefit the churches in both spiritual and financial ways. The discussions began in March, and on Easter Sunday, April 16, the two congregations worshipped as one.
"It feels great," Baxter said. "It took away the stress of uncertainty."
Mr. Peterson, well-versed in guidelines for nonprofit organizations, handled the paperwork and filed for the proper status. The church affiliation is Southern Baptist.
Mr. Peterson's move to the church formerly headed by Mr. Cotton was appropriate. "Rev. Cotton was community-minded as well," Storey said. "He opened doors to be part of the community, not a just building." And in his youth and as a young adult, the Rev. Mr. Peterson said he had some interaction with the Rev. Cotton. "My wife and I were part of The Third Generation Singers," he said. "We did concerts at Rev. Cotton's church."
While remembering the past, the congregation of about 50 and its leader can look to the future. The Rev. Mr. Peterson's co-worker in ministry is his wife, Ella Peterson. The couple will mark their 34th wedding anniversary in August.
"We can step out and do something," Ella Peterson said. Among projects she's interested in is the Change of Heart project geared to help, encourage and mentor young women "It's about building relationships," she said.
"Our church came out of our ministry, not the other way around," Mr. Peterson said.
The ministries at the church cover a range of topics, including addiction, male mentors, children, day care, family fellowship, food bank, hospitality, education, music, nursery, coffee house, pastor's aid, recreation, singles, sports, summer youth camp, backyard Bible studies, vacation Bible school, visitation, women, youth and young adults.
"Some of the programs overlap and intertwine with Rockford," he said. "That's possible as long as government grants and foundation grants aren't used for religious programs," Mr. Peterson explained. "And, religious programs must be noted in advance so people can opt out if they wish."
A joint effort of the church and center is the 50-member Tribe of Juda drill team with 11- to 18-year-old participants.
Rockford programs include a day care for preschool- to school-age children, diversion program for at-risk youth, supplemental education services that are part of a federally mandated tutoring program, a re-entry program for job placement and life skills.
Patricia Barnes, a teacher at Rockford, church member and mother of four, including three teenagers, said her family followed Mr. Peterson from Gospel Temple. "I liked Pastor and the outreach.
"The merger made sense. People came out of their comfort zone and moved on," she said.
For Ella Peterson and Barnes, outreach programs for children and youth are a vital part of the church ministry. Activities such as Sunday school, Bible study, music, dance and mime ministries pique the interest of the young.
Michael Crawford is a young man in his 20s who moved to Youngstown from New York after his grandmother died because other relatives lived here. Though he doesn't call himself a member, he is drawn to the church.
"There's an open invitation at the church and community center," he said. "They provided a place to worship and a lot of opportunities to learn about faith."
For Crawford, his connection to the church helped him get a job. "They [the pastor and church members] help you feel better about life."
Mr. Peterson acknowledged he wants to help people develop and deepen their faith. "I want to engage people in the words of Christ, but I also have a vision to empower people to give them what they need for quality of life. You can't do that without God."
His experience and service on various boards help on the practical side. Mr. Peterson noted partnerships among churches, the government and social service agencies are valuable tools when they benefit those in need.