The Wesleyan Church ordains three SWU alumni
Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, general superintendent of The Wesleyan Church, laid hands on the new ministers, dedicating them to Christian ministry during an ordination service, held July 12 at ALIVE Wesleyan Church in Central.
Lyon is pictured with Joy Bryant, right, and her husband Robin.
Lyon with Michelle DeRossett, right, and her husband Kevin.
Lyon with Justin Donnahoo, right, and his wife Dee.
Three Southern Wesleyan University alumni were ordained into the ministry by The Wesleyan Church July 12.
Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, general superintendent of The Wesleyan Church, laid hands on the new ministers, dedicating them to Christian ministry during the service, held at ALIVE Wesleyan Church in Central.
Ordained were Joy Bryant, a 1992 graduate, the university’s executive director of alumni and constituent relations and a member of Pickens View Wesleyan Church; Justin Donnahoo, a 2009 graduate and associate pastor at Providence Wesleyan Church, Summerville; and Michelle DeRossett, also a 2009 graduate and children’s pastor at Smith Chapel Wesleyan Church, Liberty.
Rev. Lewis Edwards, pastor of Pickens View Wesleyan Church, described Bryant as someone who is deeply committed to the call of God on her life.
“She and her husband, Robin, have a sincere desire to serve the Lord wherever He leads. Joy loves the Lord, her family, the church and SWU with all her heart,” Edwards said.
Rev. Scott Uselman, pastor of Smith Chapel Wesleyan Church, credits DeRossett with growing a children’s ministry in a small rural church “basically from scratch,” reaching out to youngsters with and without a church background.
“When you have nine kids at small church like mine on a Sunday morning, you can be sure she’s doing something right,” said Uselman. “She’s always positive. She’s a self-starter.”
Rev. Tony Casey is impressed by Donnahoo’s tenacity in facing challenges from the time he felt God’s calling into ministry. He has played a role in launching a new Wesleyan Church serving the Charleston area.
“Two years ago he put his face to the wind and said this is God’s will for my life and I will push forward,” said Casey, adding that Donnahoo and his wife Dee spend time ministering to kids in their neighborhood, some of whom are in challenging situations.
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.