The Jackson Seventh-day Adventist Church, recognized as the world’s oldest continuous Seventh-day Adventist congregation since 1849, is entering a hopeful new chapter in ministry to children and young people.
From earlier clubs known as the Jackson Blacksmiths and Jackson Jaguars, the congregation now celebrates the restoration of the Jackson Lambs Adventurer Club, Jackson Shepherds Pathfinder Club, and Master Guide Club.
After the church school closed in 2010, the congregation experienced 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. Yet longtime members continued to recognize the spiritual value of Adventurer and Pathfinder ministries: spaces where young people can grow in faith, service, leadership, practical skills, and friendship.
A Prayer Answered
The church family began praying boldly for God to bring children and young families into the congregation. The 6:00 AM Morning Prayer Ministry, led by Madlyn Hamblin since 2023, faithfully reinforced these specific prayers for young families and children. In God’s providence, a young family began attending, and soon other families with children followed. What had once been a season of absence became an opportunity for renewed faith, intentional discipleship, and ministry. In His providence, a young family began attending, and soon other families with children followed. What had once been a season of absence became an opportunity for renewed faith, intentional discipleship, and ministry.
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. This encouragement came at an important moment as the church sought ways to strengthen its ministry to young people. The pastor, current Children’s Ministries leader Alyssa Martinez, Toyai Caudill, and Ashley Marr worked together to prepare and submit the necessary documents for the endowment funding. In May, the desire for the children to experience the Lake Union Camporee led the pastor and parents to give renewed attention to restoring the Pathfinder ministry.
Preparing for 2027
This restoration is also an important step in Jackson Church’s five-year plan, which identifies 2027 as Children and Youth Emphasis Year. The renewed clubs are helping establish a stronger foundation now—training leaders, involving parents, welcoming children, and creating meaningful opportunities for young people to know Jesus and serve others.
The names Jackson Lambs and Jackson Shepherds were chosen with a meaningful discipleship vision in mind. The Lambs, representing the Adventurers, will be nurtured, led, and guided by the Shepherds, representing the Pathfinders. In time, these young Shepherds may become Master Guides who continue the legacy of shepherding Lambs and future Shepherds to Jesus. This vision reflects the church’s desire to raise not only participants but caring servant-leaders who will guide others in faith.
On July 1, 2026, Pastor Craig Harris led the first Basic Staff Training course for those preparing to serve in the clubs. Then, last 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. The service included David Christeson, Area Coordinator; Pastor Ian Santos, Club Director; and Master Guide Nathanael Jensen, Company Evangelist at the Family and Lifestyle Medicine Center in Holt, MI.
Jackson Church’s long Adventist heritage reaches back in the 1800’s, when church planter and pioneer Joseph Bates, together with Daniel Palmer, the original Blacksmith, helped establish in Jackson, Michigan, what would become the oldest continuous Seventh-day Adventist congregation in the world. Just as the early Blacksmith helped lay a foundation of faith for generations to come, the Jackson Lambs, Shepherds, and Master Guides now carry that legacy forward—nurturing children, equipping young leaders, and guiding each new generation to Jesus. This is more than the relaunch of a club; it is a testimony of prayer, perseverance, and God’s faithfulness, as Jackson Church continues its mission of shepherding young hearts for Christ.
Ian Santos serves as the pastor for the Jackson, Marshall, and Holt churches.
