Pathway to Christ welcomes new preacher
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McELHATTAN -- Psalms 32:8 says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life," and for one church these words are far more than just a reassurance.
Previously known as the McElhattan United Methodist Church, McElhattan Pathway to Christ effectively disaffiliated from the United Methodist denomination on June 8, 2023.
The church began the process of disaffiliation in 2019, though the COVID-19 pandemic stalled the process somewhat. Eventually, with support of their congregation, it finally completed the separation process.
Brenda Johnson, Trustee Chairman for the church, said that there were a lot of factors that led to the disaffiliation.
"We believe, as a church, we were being led to this decision," Johnson said.
Since disaffiliating, they've had to decide on a new pastor.
The new pastor for the church is Laura Gilbert, 29, who was born and raised in the area. Baptized at age 12, Gilbert has been an active member of the church for the majority of her life.
Gilbert felt her call to preaching in 2017 after she'd been working at a hospital.
"I had to work like 17 Sundays in a row and had to miss church," Gilbert said. "That was when I got a strong calling of wanting to be involved in the church. I didn't want to miss another Sunday."
She'd begun as a Lay Speaker, then became an assistant pastor and a four-point charge.
"Everything led me here," said Gilbert, who embraced her calling.
Gilbert completed her Bachelor's in Biblical Studies, Masters in Ministry and is currently continuing her education to obtain her Masters of Divinity through the Oval Bible College; she has plans to obtain her doctorate by 2026.
Gilbert's journey is not without her share of struggles. Diagnosed with autism in her teens, Gilbert struggled to express herself outwardly at school and was non-verbal for a portion of her schooling.
"She struggles with communication one on one, but you get her in front of a congregation and she becomes an entirely different person," said Johnson. "From where she used to be to where she is now is an unbelievable transformation."
Gilbert went through all the steps to become a United Methodist Pastor, but was turned down without anyone coming to watch her give a sermon; the church committee, however, didn't hesitate to hire Gilbert as a pastor.
"All pastors who are on the pastor track have to go through a psychological evaluation. She met a psychologist for 30 minutes, if that. (The psychologist) wrote a report that Laura had progressed so far with her autism that being in charge of a church would make her regress. They said 'not now' but didn't give her anything (to work towards). It was devastating," said Johnson.
This, of course, is not the case. Gilbert has taken to her role in the church with enthusiasm and always finds new and innovative ways to teach the Bible she loves so much.
"Now she's the pastor of our church -- it's divine intervention for sure," said Johnson.
Gilbert and her whole family feel as though she's truly found her calling.
According to Gilbert, her favorite verse from the Bible is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
"It sums up everything," said Gilbert. "If I was talking to someone who didn't know anything about religion, I could say that bible quote and it would tell them."
Not only is Gilbert the new pastor, but she has two close family members heavily involved in the church to support her; three generations who are currently active in the church.
Gilbert's mother, Johnson, and her grandmother, Doris Fritz, never miss a service.
"We're all one big happy family here. Everyone looks out for everyone else," said Fritz. "We started out with older people, and now we're getting younger people. Now we have a few kids and teenagers. (Gilbert) had a vision of wanting to see teenagers (involved with the church) and then three or four teens walked in."
Gilbert is innovative in her preaching style, integrating technology into the church for her services.
"I like using technology because I can show people what I'm talking about," said Gilbert, who described projecting videos and powerpoints for the congregation to have visual examples as well as an aid for members of the church who have a hard time hearing.
"One thing that she did that got us older (church members) involved was the Good Shepherd message. She told us about sheep and their background, and a lot of little tidbits of information we didn't know. To go in depth from the beginning was awesome for me," said Fritz.
Gilbert breaks her sermons up into two different sections -- the first section will be about the Bible, and the second section will be translating the message into what that means, allowing for a modern day application for the lessons taught in the bible.
"I try to make it so that I understand it. If I can understand what I'm talking about I'm sure other people can understand," said Gilbert.
"She tries to bring the bible to modern day. She preaches the Bible, and tries to connect it to our daily lives now," said Johnson.
Gilbert does research to find videos that relate to the verses she's teaching each week as well, strengthening the modern application of these ideals.
"She memorizes everything. She also does sign language to music too," said Fritz. "She is just amazing."
At this time, the church members are happy to stay non-denominational.
"We're really excited to be independent. We can make our own decisions. Anyone who donates money now, it stays right here. God makes a way. He will always find a way," said Johnson.
McElhattan Pathway to Christ is located at 502 McElhattan drive; church services begin at 10 a.m. every Sunday and all are welcome to join.