Pastor Jon and Janie joined us on March 2, 2008. The church was able to see God's hand at work during the process of calling a new pastor. We are eagerly anticipating what God has planned for Chattanooga Valley Church of the Nazarene under the leadership of Jon & Janie Bemis.
Pastor - Jon Bemis, and his wife Janie
Both my wife and I grew up in the farming country of rural southwestern New York state. We were married in 1974 and have since lived in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Ohio, Arkansas, and now reside in Flintstone Georgia. We both accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior during revival services on Palm Sunday, 1975, and have since endeavored to seek and follow God’s will for our lives.
We have two children, Bethany and Jonathan, both are graduates of Southern Nazarene University.
Bethany is married to Sam Dech and is a marriage and family counselor in Oklahoma City. Jonathan is currently enrolled in a PhD in Religion program at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
I have a BA in marriage and family therapy from the State University Of New York, and a Master of Arts in religion from Northwest Nazarene University, and Janie has a BA in accounting from the University of Central Arkansas, and is currently enrolled in the Course of Study for ordination as a deacon through Northwest Nazarene University.
My personal ministry objectives include:
- To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all “who have ears” so they may hear the good news of God’s great love and His plan for the redemption for all mankind.
- To exhort believers to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” by calling them to a life of personal holiness and obedience to God.
- To facilitate a community mindset of ministry, in which all parts of the body of Christ find purpose and worth.
- To minister to and strengthen marriages through biblical discipleship, counsel, and education to prepare a foundation that will enable families to raise up godly offspring who will love God with all their hearts, souls, and minds.
- To provide instruction and guidance for all believers that they may mature in their faith and discover their spiritual gifts, thereby becoming partners in building the Kingdom of God.
- To be the model of a servant-husband and leader who demonstrates sacrificial love and life-long commitment through reliance on God’s wisdom and His guidance. Apart from my relationship with God, there is no greater priority in my life than my marriage to Janie and that of being a godly example for my children.
