Pastor Michael
Pastor Michael Vreeland (Dr. Michael Vreeland) has been serving at 1st
Baptist since March 2021. He first served as the interim and then was voted
in as the pastor in June 2022. Pastor Michael loves the Word of God, and he
has a heart for cross-cultural missions.
Experience: Prior to following God’s call to serve at 1st Baptist, Michael had
extensive experience both in pastoral ministry and cross-cultural missions. He
served three different terms in missions. Most recently, he and his family
served in Southeast Asia (2017-2020). Michael and his wife also served as
ministers in a Chinese-American church in New Haven, CT (2009-2017).
Calling & Education: Michael began to receive a ‘call’ to ministry at the age
of 15. Isaiah 6:6-8 was a key passage that altered his early years. He
received his B.A. (Christian Education, Bible) at Houghton College (2001), and
then completed his Master of Divinity at Samford University (2007). Most
recently, he completed his Ph.D. in World Christian Studies from
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2021).
Family: Michael and Ruth met at Samford University and have been married
since 2006. Ruth was ‘called’ to the ministry in her college years (Judson
College, AL). She also received a Master of Divinity from Samford University
(2007) and then completed a Doctorate in Education from Midwestern
Baptist Theological Seminary (2015). Ruth is a gifted teacher and leader.
Michael and Ruth have two lovely children—Isabella and Eliana—who attend
public schools in Shelton.