Ministry on the Margins at Dante COG

Our ministry journey at the Dante Church of God began on February 4, 2018. Being my first pastorate, a rural, small church presented its challenges. However, God has shown Himself to be faithful and has blessed this congregation in many ways. I’m very thankful for the ministry partnerships and relationships we have formed. Shortly after my appointment, the Pastor from Dante First Assembly called and welcomed us to the community. He and I have formed a strong bond of friendship.

Almost immediately, we began to see God’s favor on this church. On our second Sunday, we received a check for $3000 to pay off the church debt. New Millennium Paving from Princeton WV sealed and striped our parking lot free of charge. Dante First Assembly gave us a church van. Other churches have blessed us with monetary donations.

We have painted, replaced the ceiling tile, extended the parking lot, purchased a keyboard, and improved the grounds with those funds. On July 19th Clinchfield Coal Company signed the property over to the church free and clear and removed the revision that was in the original deed (July 23, 1955) that the property could never be sold and must revert back to Clinchfield if it ever ceased to be a church.

Our church has a desire to reach the community, by taking the Gospel outside the four walls and showing the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. Our church slogan is “The perfect place for imperfect people, to find hope in Jesus Christ.” We believe the size of our church doesn’t limit us from making an impact.

This past Easter we had an Egg hunt for the Dante community. Support for this event came from all around. The local fire department donated tables and chairs and gave free rides on the firetruck. We had over 200 in attendance for this event and have received a lot of positive feedback.

We are partnering with other churches in the community, and community organizations such as Dante Lives On and the Dante Steering Committee, to put together a community outreach center. This center will provide food, clothes, and other necessities to the less fortunate in our area.

In July, with the assistance of the block party trailer, we had a community fun day. In October we are going to be launching our student ministry outreach for ages 7-14. On October 20th we are planning a Community Fall Festival as a joint effort with the Dante Assembly Of God, Dante Lives On, and the Steering Committee, to bring unity and purpose back to a community that has been forgotten with the passing of time.

I’m thankful and blessed to have the opportunity to pastor the Dante Church of God. Some of the finest people I know live right here in Southwest Virginia. I believe we have a great opportunity to reach people for Jesus Christ and do our part in FINISHing the Great Commission.

Pastor Dallas Jones