 For more than a century, Walloon Lake Community Church has stood as a spiritual cornerstone in the heart of northern Michigan. From its beginnings in the logging village of Talcott in 1898 to its present-day role as a dynamic non-denominational congregation, WLCC has been a place where generations have gathered to worship, serve, and grow in faith. Now, in its 126th year, the church is preparing for a significant leadership transition: the appointment of Pastor Brant Cole as its 18th pastor to lead its Walloon Lake campus. The other part of this transition includes Pastor Jeff Ellis assuming the role of Lead Pastor over the church’s three campuses (in Walloon Lake, East Jordan, and Alanson).
The church was founded in October 1898, when developers Lee and Montague donated a plot of land for the construction of the first church building in Talcott (now Walloon Lake). With no machinery, local volunteers cleared the land, hauled lumber from John F. Sheatsley’s Mill, and raised the building that would become the Church of the United Brethren. Miss Maud Teachout, a passionate and trailblazing minister, led the newly formed congregation with tireless dedication—sometimes preaching five times in a single Sunday. Over the years, the church transitioned from its denominational roots to embrace a non-denominational identity in the early 1930s, reflecting its growing and diverse membership. Since then, 17 pastors have shepherded the congregation, none more enduring than Pastor Jeff Ellis, who has faithfully led WLCC for over 34 years—the longest tenure in the church’s history. Now, Pastor Brant Cole will be stepping into leadership on April 27, 2025, bringing with him a compelling vision to lead WLCC into a new season of growth, unity, and outreach. And as he does, Pastor Jeff Ellis will assume the role of Lead Pastor over all three of the church’s locations. A husband, father of three, outdoor adventurer, and recovery coach, Pastor Brant holds a Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry and Congregational Leadership from Moody Theological Seminary. Known for his thoughtful teaching and heart for discipleship, he is passionate about helping people encounter the transforming grace of Jesus in real, practical ways. “What is it that Jesus has called us to do here in northern Michigan?” Brant asks. “It’s to make disciples who love like Jesus. That means equipping and releasing this congregation to love God more deeply, to love each other more fully, and to serve our community more boldly.” He acknowledges the challenges ahead, especially in a rapidly shifting cultural and social climate. Quoting Pastor Jeff, he reminds the church that while the message of the Gospel never changes, the methods must continually adapt to remain effective. “Our methods must meet the needs of the real world we’re in,” Brant said. “We are called to be in the world, but not of the world.” His immediate focus as campus pastor will include continuing to preach the Word faithfully, nurturing spiritual hunger through worship and prayer nights, and strengthening the church’s evangelistic outreach. Special attention will also be given to kids ministry, life groups, and the training and unification of ministry leaders in this immediate season, as well. “We’re going to have a renewed focus on always making one more disciple,” he emphasized. “But it’s going to take all of us. This is our mandate—and our privilege. If we do this together, faithfully, we will see lives transformed, families restored, and our communities touched by the love and truth of Jesus.” As Walloon Lake Community Church steps into this new chapter, it carries with it a rich legacy—126 years of preaching the Gospel, serving the community, and faithfully following Jesus. And with Pastor Brant Cole, it carries a bold vision for the future: one that is rooted in Scripture, powered by grace, and driven by love.
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 In a world that feels increasingly unstable, it’s easy to look backward—to the life we left behind, to old comforts, or to ways of living that don’t require as much surrender. But Hebrews 12:14–29 reminds us that steady faith isn’t built on nostalgia or fear. It’s built on moving forward with Jesus. Just like the illustration from the sermon—about driving backwards with only your rearview mirrors—faith becomes dangerous when we try to move forward by constantly looking behind us.
The early Christians in Hebrews were facing that very tension. They had left behind Judaism to follow Jesus, and now the pull of their old life was strong. Discouraged and overwhelmed, they were tempted to retreat. But the writer of Hebrews calls them—and us—not to shrink back, but to lean into a better future. There’s something far greater ahead: a life shaped by peace, love, and holiness, rooted in Jesus and his unshakable kingdom. This passage gives us a clear call to action: live in peace with others, uproot bitterness in community, and pursue holiness. These aren’t just moral checkboxes; they’re the evidence of a faith that pleases God. When our lives reflect Jesus in how we treat others, care for each other, and live set apart, our faith becomes more than belief—it becomes a visible witness to the world around us. Hebrews goes even deeper by comparing the old and new covenants through the imagery of two mountains—Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. Sinai was terrifying: smoke, fire, thunder, and fear. Even Moses trembled. But Mount Zion paints a different picture—a heavenly city filled with celebration, grace, and a God who invites us close. In Jesus, we don’t tremble in fear; we come boldly into God’s presence, confident in his love. That doesn’t mean God is any less holy or powerful. He still deserves our awe, reverence, and obedience. But we are no longer cut off or condemned. Through Jesus, we’ve been made right with God, and that changes how we approach him. We fear God’s greatness, but we don’t fear losing his love. His kingdom cannot be shaken, and those who belong to him can stand firm—even when everything else feels uncertain. Bitterness, compromise, and fear are all symptoms of shaky faith. But God calls us to steady faith—faith that expresses itself in Christlike love. One way to fight bitterness, the sermon reminded us, is through generous love. Pray for the person you’re struggling with. Serve someone who’s difficult to love. Give with no expectation of return. It’s hard to stay bitter toward someone you’re blessing. As we grow in holiness and walk in love, we find the strength to keep going—even when our hands are tired and our knees are weak. Hebrews 12:12–13 tells us to “take a new grip” and “mark out a straight path.” Not just for our own sake, but so others can follow and find strength through our faith. That’s the kind of steady, forward-moving faith we want to cultivate as a church. So let’s be people of peace. Let’s be a community of grace. Let’s live holy lives that point others to Jesus. When the world shakes, we will stand steady—because our faith is anchored in the unshakable kingdom of God. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 4/6/25. |
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These posts are adapted from our pastors' weekly sermons.
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