Shalom Celebrates New Church Status and Mortgage Milestone
July 25 was more than an ordinary Sabbath for the Shalom Seventh-day Adventist congregation. Surrounded by former pastors, founding members, friends, and Michigan Conference leaders, the congregation celebrated two significant milestones in its history: officially transitioning from company to church status and completely paying off its church mortgage.
The sanctuary was filled for a special Sabbath of testimonies, worship, prayer, and thanksgiving for the ways God has led the congregation. Former pastors, founders, and friends who could not attend sent video greetings and messages celebrating with the church.
“It was a special Sabbath filled with testimonies, worship, prayers, and the Word of God,” said Pastor Daniele Spinosa. “The church was packed and filled with joy.”
Michigan Conference President Jim Micheff presented the Sabbath morning message, while Executive Secretary Israel Ramos and the Michigan Conference Hispanic Ministries coordinator Nilton Garcia joined the congregation for the celebration.
Moving from company to church status represents an important milestone for a Seventh-day Adventist congregation. It recognizes the growth and development of a church family that is prepared to assume greater responsibility for its ministry and mission. For Shalom, the occasion provided an opportunity not simply to celebrate a new designation, but to reflect on what God has accomplished and look toward what He may do next.
That growth has been particularly evident in recent years.
Since Spinosa began serving Shalom in February 2023, the congregation has intentionally invested in evangelism, discipleship, and opportunities for members to become involved in ministry. During the past three years, 17 people have been baptized.
One of the most encouraging areas of growth has been among children and young people. Rather than waiting until there were enough children to justify additional Sabbath School classes, church leaders chose to step forward in faith.
“We opened all our Sabbath School classes for children and youth, even before we had enough people to fill them,” Spinosa said.
It was not long before the classes began filling.
That willingness to prepare for growth has extended into other areas of church life. Shalom regularly conducts evangelistic meetings and Bible studies, provides training for members, develops small groups, hosts gym nights and church camps, and encourages the congregation’s various ministries.
Spinosa believes one of Shalom’s strengths is its willingness to give members, particularly young people, meaningful opportunities to serve.
“Shalom is a beautiful church where lay members and young people are empowered to take an active role in moving the church forward,” he said.
The congregation has also sought to look beyond its walls. Each year, members participate in community outreach, including feeding those experiencing homelessness. Shalom has also been involved in VIVE+, an initiative using health ministry and other forms of practical service to build relationships and create opportunities to share Christ.
The congregation’s growth has not come without challenges. Spinosa noted that immigration issues have affected some members and families within the church. Yet those difficulties have not diminished the congregation’s commitment to its mission.
“By the grace of God, we continue moving forward and working for the Kingdom of Heaven,” he said.
Perhaps that spirit is best reflected in the kind of church Shalom hopes to be. Programs, evangelistic meetings, baptisms, a paid-off mortgage, and the transition from company to church status are all worth celebrating, but Spinosa points to something more fundamental.
“We want every person who walks through the main doors of our church to feel welcome and to know that they are part of our family,” he said.
On July 25, Shalom paused to celebrate how far God has brought that family. Becoming an organized church while simultaneously celebrating freedom from its mortgage marked the end of one chapter—but also the beginning of another.
With a growing generation of children and young people, members actively involved in ministry, and a congregation committed to reaching its community, Shalom now looks ahead with gratitude for the past and faith for what God will accomplish next.
Daniele Spinosa serves as pastor of the Ann Arbor Spanish church and the Detroit Shalom Spanish Church.
