Southern Michigan Conference of the Free Methodist Church

Southern Michigan Conference of the Free Methodist Church Partnering together to ignite a Spirit-fueled movement of disciples, leaders, and churches.

05/02/2026

Today, we pause not only to mark the closing of a chapter—but to honor a man who helped write so much of it.

For years, Superintendent Bruce Rhodes has faithfully shepherded the Southern Michigan Conference with wisdom, humility, and a deep love for both the Church and the Spirit’s leading. His leadership hasn’t just been about structure or strategy—it’s been about people. About listening well. About guiding gently. About trusting God when the path forward wasn’t always clear.

Bruce, you’ve been a steady voice in moments of change, a source of encouragement to pastors, and a faithful servant to this Conference we love. The fruit of your work is not just seen in meetings or milestones—but in lives shaped, leaders strengthened, and communities impacted.

As you step into this new season of retirement, we don’t just say goodbye—we say thank you.

Thank you for your faithfulness.
Thank you for your leadership.
Thank you for saying “yes” again and again to the call of God.

This video is just a small reflection of the gratitude carried by so many across the Southern Michigan Conference.

And while this chapter closes, the story of your impact continues—in every life you’ve touched.

Bruce, may this next season be filled with rest, joy, and the deep satisfaction of a race well run.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

05/02/2026

For 159 years, the Southern Michigan Conference of the Free Methodist Church has been a story of faith, sacrifice, revival, and Spirit-led community. From its earliest days to the present moment, God has been at work through generations of pastors, leaders, and everyday saints who said “yes” to the call.

This documentary is our way of remembering. Of honoring the prayers prayed, the risks taken, the churches planted, and the lives transformed along the way. It’s a glimpse into a legacy that doesn’t disappear—it multiplies.

As we celebrate this final chapter, we also step forward with hope. This summer, the SMC is being folded into something new: the Shoreline Conference, joining with other Michigan Conferences in a fresh expression of unity and mission.

The name may change, but the heartbeat remains.

Take some time to watch, reflect, and give thanks for all that has been—and all that is still unfolding.

“Honoring the Past, Anticipating the Future.”That’s more than a title—it’s a posture. A holy way of looking back without...
05/02/2026

“Honoring the Past, Anticipating the Future.”

That’s more than a title—it’s a posture. A holy way of looking back without getting stuck, and looking forward without forgetting.

Today we’re sharing the full booklet from our Southern Michigan Conference farewell gathering. Inside these pages is a sacred remembering:

A roll call of ministers who have gone before us—saints whose prayers still echo.

A roll call of missionaries sent to the nations—seeds of the Kingdom scattered across the world.

A roll call of leaders who stepped into denominational work—helping shape the broader Church.

A roll call of bishops who rose from this Conference—shepherds of shepherds.

And even a roll call of congregations that have closed their doors—yet whose stories are anything but finished.

Every name tells a story. Every story carries a spark. And somehow, by the Spirit, that same fire has been passed into our hands.

As the Southern Michigan Conference comes to its close and joins other conferences as the new Shoreline Conference, we don’t grieve like something is lost—we recognize that something has been entrusted.

Take some time to scroll through these pages. Remember. Give thanks. And then step forward with us into what’s next.

The story isn’t ending.

It’s being sent.

04/16/2026

Tonight is the night! Join us at 7 p.m., ET, for a truly inspiring Bishop Consecration. Be a part of this transformative moment that will uplift and empower. Tune in on the Free Methodist Church USA page and let's come together and celebrate this incredible journey.

03/05/2026

Back in August, after our Next Gen Praying Together time following the Seeking Together event, a few of our pastors started an email chain with youth leaders from across Michigan. It was such a meaningful moment of connection, and we’re excited to continue building on that momentum!

We’re hosting a Zoom call on March 9th at 7PM to reconnect, dream together, and set some goals for how we can strengthen relationships and collaboration among youth ministries throughout the conference.

If you’ve been part of the conversation—or want to join in—mark your calendar! Let’s keep moving forward together.

https://mcusercontent.com/c8b1ed236a6d29d1544741705/files/8485d6e2-b2d4-7387-57ff-d75cf9f2c783/Youth_Ministry_Connection.pdf

08/06/2025

Seeking Together starts tomorrow at The Arbor Church! We understand that not everyone has the ability to attend a Seeking Together Gathering in person, so we are grateful that The Arbor is providing a way for everyone to participate. Below are the links for the Seeking Together livestreams for each session time.

The Arbor Church in Spring Arbor, MI on August 7-8:
Thursday 2:00-5:00 pm ET https://youtube.com/live/8I-GPzbo9zc?feature=share
Thursday 6:30-8:30 pm ET https://youtube.com/live/FkXEfZdUdaE?feature=share
Friday 9:00-11:30 am ET https://youtube.com/live/7xxQ2qvVpJ4?feature=share
Friday 1:00-3:30 pm ET https://youtube.com/live/LD8UyjAjPpg?feature=share

We hope you will join us!

07/23/2025

Join with Free Methodists from across the region on August 7–8 at The Arbor Church in Spring Arbor, MI, for a sacred time of seeking God’s presence together. These gatherings will be simple but Spirit-led, with a focus on worship through music, confession, intercession, and inviting the movement of God in and through His Church.

Day 1 – 2:00-5:00 pm, dinner on your own, 6:30-8:30 pm
Day 2 – 9:00-11:30 am, lunch on your own, 1:00-3:30 pm

There will be no other programming—just the Church gathered to pray and worship.

If you plan to attend, please register using the link below. There is no cost to attend, however, registering will help with planning and communication.

https://fmcusa.org/seekingprayer

Family Camp at SBC is almost here! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable summer tradition. Whether you're staying for a f...
07/10/2025

Family Camp at SBC is almost here! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable summer tradition. Whether you're staying for a few days, the full week or driving in for a day, we hope to see you there!

https://www.somersetbeach.org/family-camp

We’ll be bringing in quite a few new ordinands at Tri-Conference this year!
06/20/2025

We’ll be bringing in quite a few new ordinands at Tri-Conference this year!

Address

PO Box 257
Spring Arbor, MI
49283

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