Ministry on the Margins At Warsaw Church of God

 A Small Church with A Big Heart

Our ministry journey started on March 15, 2009, as we became the pastors of the Warsaw Church of God. Warsaw is a small town in the eastern part of Virginia, located on the peninsula called the Northern Neck. It’s located in between the Rappahannock River and the Potomac River. WCOG was started in 1961 by Bishop John Thomas, a wonderful man of God, who still attends the church today.

In the eleven and a half years, we have been honored to pastor here at Warsaw; we, as a body, have seen God do great things. We have always focused on becoming a church where we would reach all age groups, 0 to death, and not leave anyone behind. Our heart as a church was and is to fulfill the Kingdom ministry for this area.

Our vision is to take un-churched people and see them become sold-out followers for Christ. Also, to take sold-out believers and develop them into fully devoted disciples of Christ, equipped and prepared, to fulfill the great commission. Our goal is to accomplish that by one-on-one evangelism and outreach while investing and equipping those who are serving.

One thing that I have always said about the Warsaw Church of God is that it is “A Small Church with A Big Heart.” Here are a few reasons why I say that:

1. If you walked into this church today, you would be welcomed, regardless of race, background, and age. Something that I hear quite often is that this is one of the most loving and compassionate churches I have ever been in. They simply love people!

2. The second reason is that it is a very giving church. One instance that sticks out to me is when a neighbor had her car torched and burned. She is a single mom with two children and works two jobs. Talking with her, she didn't know what she was going to do. That very Sunday, I presented it to the church, and there was a very large offering received. We presented it to the young lady. A few weeks later, she informed me that she was able to get a new vehicle and only had to add $25.00 to the offering that was given. Countless times, this Small Church with A Big Heart, has stepped up and has blessed and met the need that was presented to them.

3. The third reason is that this is a church of outreach. We decided that we may not be able to reach the world, but we can do our best to reach the area where we were planted.

Here are a few of the outreach ministries that we have done:

- Community Car Show: There was no fee to participate, and every participant received a free meal and a gift. We had vendors, inflatable playhouses, live music by local groups, face painting, Buzzy the clown for the kids, and a concession stand for food. Over 400 people came through in 2019, and we had 43 cars and bikes participate in the event.

- Adopt a Teacher: We adopted 22 first time new teachers from three different area school districts who received a basket full of school supplies for the coming school year. The WCOG Family donated all supplies.

- Celebrations of Dedication: This was a Thanksgiving dinner where first responders were invited to the church for a free meal, and a small gift was given to each one. We cooked sixteen twenty-two-pound turkeys and all the fixings that day. WCOG family prepared and served the meals.

When you think of the Warsaw Church of God, just remember that this is a Small Church with A Big Heart where we are loving God and loving people to see His Kingdom Ministry fulfilled one person at a time.

I would say to each small church, you may think that you are not making a difference, but it's in the small things that God moves. Stay connected and committed to the Kingdom call.

Article by: Pastor Dave & Tami Metz
Lead Pastor