The Argument
A congregation that has worshiped in Jackson since 1849 nearly watched its children’s ministry disappear. Instead, it prayed — and then rebuilt it from scratch.
A Legacy Congregation, a Fading Children’s Ministry
FACT (Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, verified 2026-10-11): The Jackson Seventh-day Adventist Church is recognized as the world’s oldest continuous Seventh-day Adventist congregation, dating to 1849, when church planter Joseph Bates, together with Daniel Palmer — the original “Blacksmith” — helped establish it in Jackson, Michigan.
FACT (misda.org): After the church school closed in 2010, the congregation saw a difficult decline in young families and children. The Pathfinder ministry gradually faded, and there was even a season when no children were present during Sabbath morning children’s programming.
COMMENTARY: This is a pattern churches across Michigan know well: legacy congregations aging out, children’s wings going quiet. What makes Jackson’s story different is that the turnaround is being documented in real time — and it started with prayer, not programs.
The Comeback
FACT (misda.org): The church family began praying boldly for children and young families, including through a 6:00 a.m. Morning Prayer Ministry led by Madlyn Hamblin since 2023. In God’s providence, a young family began attending, and others followed.
FACT (misda.org): In April 2026, Jackson Church was selected to receive an endowment fund facilitated through a Lake Union special project for Children’s Ministries in cooperation with the Michigan Conference. On July 1, 2026, Pastor Craig Harris led the first Basic Staff Training course for the clubs. On September 5, 2026, the church held an induction ceremony for the newly restored Jackson Lambs Adventurer Club, Jackson Shepherds Pathfinder Club, and Master Guide Club.
FACT (misda.org): The names were chosen with intention: the Lambs (Adventurers) will be nurtured, led, and guided by the Shepherds (Pathfinders), who may in time become Master Guides — raising “not only participants but caring servant-leaders who will guide others in faith.”
What Comes Next
FACT (misda.org): The restoration is part of Jackson Church’s five-year plan, which identifies 2027 as Children and Youth Emphasis Year — building on the renewed clubs by training leaders, involving parents, and welcoming children now.
COMMENTARY: Whatever your tradition, there is a transferable lesson here: the congregation did not wait for a demographic miracle — it trained leaders, secured funding, and started small. That is how institutions get rebuilt, sacred or otherwise. FACT (misda.org): Pastor Ian Santos, who serves the Jackson, Marshall, and Holt churches, authored the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What clubs were restored?
The Jackson Lambs Adventurer Club, the Jackson Shepherds Pathfinder Club, and the Master Guide Club, per the Michigan Conference account.
When did the induction happen?
September 5, 2026, in a service including area and club leaders.
How old is the Jackson congregation?
It traces to 1849 and is recognized as the world’s oldest continuous Seventh-day Adventist congregation.
What is the 2027 plan?
The church’s five-year plan designates 2027 as Children and Youth Emphasis Year, building on the restored clubs.
Want Jackson’s top local stories in one place? Browse the businesses shaping the area in the NeighborClick Local directory — JOIN the FREE Private Insider List for local stories, business spotlights, community updates and even if you don’t have business you’ll be an Insider.
Comments