Mathis Ministries in Union City supports local congregations

Staff report
·2 min read

Dave Mathis, of Union City, may have retired as pastor of a church, but it didn't end to his mission to serve the community.

“When I retired from Living Hope in West Unity, Ohio, I felt the Lord was not done with me yet. ‘Fill the Pews!’ He was saying to me,” Mathis said.

After two years of COVID’s effect on church population, Mathis felt God wanted hm to began a new program in Branch and Calhoun counties. He quickly created a nonprofit organization “Mathis Ministries” then enlisted the help of the Village of Union City, The UC Ministerial Association and Lighthouse Funeral Home.

“The idea was simple,” Mathis said. “Bring nationally-known talent to Union City for a one night concert and have the artist stay over for a Sunday morning service at a local church.”

It would give people another reason to come to an event and to church.

Last fall, it all began with Christian country singer/songwriter, Steve Bridgmon, who performed in the Rick Mears Amphitheater on a Saturday night for a crowd of 150, then at Sherwood Free Methodist Church for a followup concert.

In September, Elvis Impersonator Doug Church came to Union City for “Gospel Songs of Elvis” and drew 500.

Jesus told his disciples to go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, Mathis said, and another lightbulb came on.

“It hit me. This is not just about filling pews,” Mathis said. “It is about bringing people to Christ, helping pastors and giving a boost to Christians going through troubled times.”

With this new direction, this year’s programs being with Pastor Bill Fix, a Christian magician, ventriloquist and author who has traveled the nation and even performed at the White House.

On May 20, Fix will be at the Union City Elementary School for an assembly and the next day at 6:30 p.m. May 21 at the Rick Mears Amphitheater. On Sunday morning, he will perform and preach at Burlington Church of God, followed by a picnic.

“If churches are to grow it will depend on the next generation,” Mathis said. "That is why kids are part of our focus."

The 2022 schedule includes:

  • Steve Bridgmon - 6:30 p.m. June 25, 6:30 at the amphitheater; June 26 at the morning service of United Congregational Church;

  • Sherry Anne - 11 a.m. July 21 at Sherwood Free Methodist; 3 p.m. at the amphitheater;

  • Bobby Bowen and Family - Aug.13, at the amphitheater; Aug. 14, Burlington Church of God. Times TBD;

  • Rev. Thomas Ramundo, motivational speaker, author, superintendent emeritus, will end the summer series with a three day Prayer Warrior Camp Sept. 9-11, location and time to be announced.

“Artists are paid far less than their usual fees, no one else receives any money,” Mathis said. “It's all volunteer work by people who believe in the cause.”

Mathis Ministries accepts donations that are tax deductible.

Pastor Bill Fix, a Christian magician, ventriloquist and author, will be in Union City May 20-22, hosted by Mathis Ministires.
Pastor Bill Fix, a Christian magician, ventriloquist and author, will be in Union City May 20-22, hosted by Mathis Ministires.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: Mathis Ministries in Union City supports local congregations