Our Mission & Vision

The North Michigan Conference is a conference of the Free Methodist Church USA. The Mission of the Free Methodist Church is to love God and people and to make disciples. The Vision of the Free Methodist Church is to bring wholeness to the world through healthy biblical communities of holy people multiplying disciples, leaders, groups and churches. For more information on the strategies the Free Methodist Church has for accomplishing this you can click on the logo below.

Leadership Team:

The Conference Leadership consists of four key leaders in the conference: the Superintendent, the chair of the Board of Administration, the chair of the Ministerial Education and Guidance Board, and the Director of the District Leaders.

Rev. Erick Ewaskowitz, NMC Superintendent (2024-2028)

Erick is humbled and honored to serve as Superintendent of the North Michigan Conference. In addition to this role, he also serves as the Director of Coaching for Mission Igniter, a church planting incubator in the Free Methodist Church. Prior to these roles, Erick pastored Free Methodist churches in Southern Michigan and in Chicagoland. He has been married to his wife, Bekki (also an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church), since October 2004, and together, they have three boys: Noah, William, and Miles. Erick is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry in Organizational Leadership at Asbury Theological Seminary. He enjoys watching his boys play sports, running, kayaking, reading, smoking meat, discovering new restaurants, and especially, making new memories with his family.

Laurie Yost, BOA Chairperson (2023-2025)

Laurie Yost is the pastor’s wife at Central Michigan Free Methodist Church and also a missionary to Asia through Free Methodist World Missions. She and her family served on the mission field in Mexico from 2006-2015 where they worked helping to train National leaders for ministry, preparing visiting work groups, and overseeing Mexico ICCM. Laurie and her husband, Brian, have been in the North Michigan Conference since returning to the U.S. Before moving to Mt. Pleasant last year, Laurie worked up north as a middle and high school teacher teaching history, Spanish, and health. Most recently, Laurie has started working part-time as the educational coordinator at the Discovery Children’s Museum. Laurie enjoys kayaking, biking, walking, and spending time with her family. She and Brian had their first grandchild 2 1/2 months ago and are excited about being grandparents.

Rev. Jim Tol, MEG/MAC Convenor (2023-2027)

First and foremost, I am simply a child of God, but I have also been blessed with a wonderful wife, Patty, and we have been married for over 30 years. We have two grown children; Joshua, our oldest son, lives and works in Westland, Michigan. Our youngest son, Jacob, lives and works in Mansfield, Texas. My educational background includes a BA in Plastics Engineering from Ferris, an MBA from Grand Valley, and an MDIV from Western Seminary in Holland. I have many years of experience in various ministry positions, have been teaching in the church for over 25 years, and have been an ordained elder in the FMC USA for 12 years as a local pastor. I have been doing product development and engineering work for over 30 years in the West Michigan area and I currently work for Cascade Engineering as a Product Engineer. My hobbies include fishing, gardening, and shooting. I consider myself a “lifelong learner,” never letting a year go by without learning new skills. I have a keen interest in sustainable living and alternative energy options, particularly ones that lower the cost of living. I will endeavor to work with the Spirit and my brothers and sisters in Christ to build up and support the North Michigan Conference of churches.

To get in touch with a member of the Lead Team please contact:

Cindy Bullock

Conference Administrative Assistant

office@fmcnorthmich.org

231-680-0071

What we believe:

The call to One Way through Clarity, Unity, and Culture

In response to numerous national conversations with FM leaders at all levels, the bishops introduce:

The Free Methodist Way: Five Values that Shape our Identity. No more identity crisis. These five values express the distinctives that set us apart from other faith families in the body of Christ. Bishops Linda, Keith and Matt invite you to join us in creating a unique culture in every local church as you lead a disciples-making, mission-engaging congregation that embraces The Free Methodist Way as a way of life.

We’re excited to share these resources with you.

Learn More