About Pastor Barbara

I am a proud Michigan native and a third-generation pastor with a deep love for God, family, and serving others. My faith heritage runs strong through generations of ministry and service. I am the granddaughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. Dorothy Bouknight and T.C. and Virginia Dean, and the daughter of the late Rev. Joseph Bouknight and Kathy Bouknight. Growing up in a family rooted in faith provided me with a strong spiritual foundation and helped shape the person and leader I am today.

Family is one of God's greatest blessings in my life. I am the mother of five beautiful children from a blended family and the grandmother of four amazing grandchildren who bring immense joy and purpose to my life. My family continually reminds me of the importance of love, grace, patience, and perseverance.

Although I knew from an early age that God had a calling on my life, I spent many years trying to avoid it. Like many people who sense God's direction, I wrestled with fear, uncertainty, and feelings of inadequacy. However, God had a different plan. After being diagnosed with a tumor that required surgery, I found myself facing one of the most challenging seasons of my life. During that difficult time, I made a covenant with God: if He saw me through the surgery and healing process, I would no longer run from His call. True to His faithfulness, God brought me through the ordeal, and in 2010 I fully accepted my call into ministry.

My journey in ministry has been one of growth, transformation, and redemption. I was ordained in 2016 and answered God's call to pastoral leadership in 2022. Along the way, I experienced personal struggles and made decisions that threatened my marriage and family. Those experiences humbled me and taught me valuable lessons about accountability, forgiveness, and God's restoring grace. Since then, I have committed myself to living a life that honors God and reflects His love in every area of my life.

Beyond the church walls, I am passionate about serving my community. I currently serve on the Human Relations Commission of Jackson, Michigan, where I participate on both the Nominations Committee and the Policy and Complaints Committee. This work allows me to advocate for fairness, understanding, and positive relationships among people from diverse backgrounds.

I strongly believe that the church should be a place where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and loved. Regardless of race, gender, social status, or political beliefs, every person deserves to experience the love of Christ. My ministry philosophy is simple: meet people where they are. I strive to create an environment where people feel comfortable bringing their authentic selves without fear of judgment.

I am not what many people would consider a traditional pastor. I wear my tattoos openly, embrace authenticity, and work hard to remain approachable and relatable. I believe that ministry is about building genuine relationships and walking alongside people through life's challenges. While preaching and teaching God's Word are central to my calling, I also believe that ministry extends beyond the pulpit. True ministry involves serving, listening, encouraging, and being present in the lives of others.

My professional background reflects my heart for helping people. I hold a national license in Phlebotomy and am a Licensed Behavioral Specialist. In addition, I have clinical pastoral experience that has equipped me to provide spiritual guidance, emotional support, and compassionate care during some of life's most difficult moments. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, further preparing myself to serve children, families, and communities in meaningful ways.

Music has always been an important part of my ministry and personal life. I love to sing and am honored to be a member of the community choir, Transformation. Through music, I have experienced God's presence in powerful ways and have seen how worship can encourage, heal, and unite people.

My favorite scripture is Ecclesiastes 12:1: "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth." This verse reminds me of the importance of placing God first throughout every stage of life. My favorite song, "Praying Spirit," serves as a constant reminder of the power of prayer and the importance of staying connected to God.

Above all, my greatest desire is to bring souls to Christ—not only by preaching and teaching His Word but by living it daily. I strive to be a servant leader whose life reflects God's grace, mercy, and love. My prayer is that every person I encounter experiences the compassion of Christ through my words, actions, and service, and that God continues to use me as a vessel for His glory.