Exploring Life & Business with Dr. Michael Bullock of Hands of Faith Church; Miles’ Mission

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Michael Bullock.

Hi Dr. Michael, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, and in May of 1983 married my beautiful wife, Kathy, and moved to Zanesville, Ohio. Eight years later, we founded our church, Hands of Faith, where I have now been the Senior Pastor for almost 35 years. I also coached high school sports for 25 years, which included, Varsity Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Track, Boys and Girls Cross Country, and Girls Tennis, at three different high schools during that span. I spent a four year stint as an Athletic Director, which was a tremendous learning experience. My education includes a Business Management degree from Franklin University in Columbus, Oh; a Biblical Studies and Master of Ministry degree from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago; and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. I sit on a number of local board of directors and was appointed to an Evangelical Council for the Governor of Ohio. Most recently, I became the President of Miles’ Mission, after our youngest daughter, Jennifer, lost her son Miles to stillbirth on October 11, 2021.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Growing up, I was shy and introverted. My early family life was less than ideal for a number of reasons, and at the age of 35, I found out that the man I called “dad” was actually my step-father. The revelation of the relationship change created a variety of questions for me. Those questions both challenged me, but also helped to shape me into a truer version of myself. Prior to meeting Kathy, I had attended church less than a handful of times. After meeting her and her family, and giving my life to Christ, I began the journey of self-discovery and transformation to a more socially extroverted person based upon the changes happening both in and around me.

We’ve been impressed with Hands of Faith Church; Miles’ Mission, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a Senior Pastor, our church started in a garage and now we are in our fourth building. We are a diverse congregation as a non-denominational bible believing ministry. Our reach is regional and we are blessed to continue touching the lives of many people on a regular basis. Even though I am a pastor, I spend much of my time in support of our community through activities as a board member and community leader.

As the President of Miles’ Mission, I have had to learn a tremendous amount about the community of pregnancy and infant loss. Miles’ Mission has required me to step out of my comfort zone and become an advocate for other families of loss. We have impacted lives through the work we did in establishing the Stillbirth Prevention Day for the state of Ohio; working with hospitals to create Standardized Bereavement Care in Labor and Delivery units for families of loss; I found myself leading the design and development of our 2 acre Miles’ Mission Memorial Park, established for the purpose of dedicating bricks and space to families of loss; and became an author of two books to date (Even Now I Know and Waves of Grief). I also find myself speaking at conferences, organizational events, and churches about our work, as we continue to help other organizations in growing their resources.

As both a Senior Pastor and as President, my life is not about either/or, rather, it is a both/and situation. Both the church and the mission are about helping people to find hope, take steps to healing, and live healthy lives mentally and spiritually for the purpose of fulfilling their God-given assignment. This is what I truly live to do every day.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
One of our partners made the statement at our annual gala that many of the organizations we work with were like band members playing their own instruments. Then when I came along, it was as if I became their conductor and together we have become this amazing orchestra, harmonizing for the purpose of bringing awareness to the community of child loss. My daughters call me the unofficial mayor of Zanesville. Anyone can contact me through our Miles’ Mission website, share what it is they do, and if it lines up with our work, we move forward from there.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.milesmission.com
• Instagram: milesmission1021
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MilesMission21
• LinkedIn: Miles Mission