REV MICHAEL MALONE
CALLED TO
BE THE NEXT PASTOR OF FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH STOCKTON
For nearly two years now the
Search Committee has been diligently at work looking
for a settled Pastor for this congregation. Under the leadership of
Allen Myers the committee first
secured the services of our present Interim
Pastor, Rev Steve Shepard. They then
surveyed the congregation, worked with
the regional office to receive
dozens of ministerial profiles, and then contacted
many of the prospective ministers. After much deliberation the Rev
Michael Malone became their primary candidate.
Rev Malone and his family were
invited to visit the congregation the weekend
of Nov 18, and were received so well
that the committee recommended him to
the General Board. The Board then
recommended Rev Malone to the congregation,
which voted to extend the call. He gladly accepted and is making
plans to be with us as soon as he can conclude his present work. His first
Sunday will probably be in late January,
Rev Malone has a wife Laurie, and
two children -- a daughter in college and
a son, Kellen, who will be moving to
Stockton with them. For the last 5 years
he has pastored Christian Temple (Disciples of Christ) in Wellsville,
New York. He grew up in California
but graduated from Christian Theological
Seminary in Indianapolis. 
Prior to becoming a Disciples
minister, Rev. Malone worked as a social worker
with abused children and operated an outpatient substance abuse program.
He also worked as a therapist; counseling men, women, children, and
families; specializing in family and marital conflict, as well as depression.
Rev. Malone says he looks forward
to working with a progressive
church that is willing to reach out to the community by exploring
alternative forms of worship. He is eager to be a part of a faith
community that is open and inclusive of all people. We are excited about
his coming as the church makes this important move into the future.
Many thanks go to the Committee
members: Allen Myers, Samantha Bingaman, Bill
Stoner, Wayne Bennett, Nancy De Bolt, Kathy Wilson and Jean Williams.
