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Minister

Minister Natalie McDowell – Ministry Biography

Minister Natalie McDowell is a servant of God who has a heart for people of all ages and a passion for helping others grow in their relationship with God. She is married to Brother Chris McDowell, and together they are blessed with five children and six grandchildren. Family, faith, and service are the foundation of her life as she continues to walk in the purpose and calling God has placed upon her.

Minister McDowell became a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church on July 20, 2014, under the ministry and leadership of Pastor Philip Marks Sr. Through her continued dedication, love for God’s people, and willingness to serve, she answered the call to ministry. On January 26, 2025, she delivered her initial sermon and was ordained as a minister under the leadership and guidance of Pastor Amanda Pone. She has continued to serve in various areas of ministry, including My Sister’s Keeper, serving as secretary for the Missionary Ministry, teaching youth during Vacation Bible School, assisting with the Youth Sunday School class, and participating on various church committees throughout the year.

Minister McDowell’s desire is to see generations come together through the love and power of God. She believes in the divine work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and treasures the way God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit lead, guide, strengthen, and prepare her to help build the Kingdom of God. Her favorite scripture, Romans 10:9, reflects her foundation of faith: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Through her ministry, Minister McDowell seeks to encourage, uplift, and remind others that no matter their age or season of life, God has a purpose and plan for every believer.

Trustees

Core Responsibilities
  • Property Management
  • Financial Oversight
  • Legal and Administrative Duties
  • Ministry Support

Deacons and Deaconess

Core Responsibilities

Their mission is to assist with ordinances.  To sponsor candidates for membership.  To visit and be watchman for and care for members.  To serve as a committee of review and to be helpers to the Pastor.

Secretary

Core Responsibilities
  • Administrative Duties
  • Financial and Office Management
  • Support for Church Leadership
  • Event and Facility Coordination

Church Clerk

Core Responsibilities
  • Record Keeping
  • Membership Management
  • Clerical Duties
  • Meeting Support
Core Responsibilities

Beautification

  • Interior & Exterior Aesthetics
  • Cleanliness and Maintenance Support
  • Special Projects or Events
Core Responsibilities

Kitchen

  • Food Preparation and Service
  • Kitchen Operations and Maintenance
  • Event Coordination
Core Responsibilities

My Brother's Keeper

The My Brother’s Keeper Ministry at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church centers around the biblical principle found in Genesis 4:9, where God asks Cain, “Where is Abel thy brother?” The ministry’s name reflects a commitment to spiritual accountability, compassion, and community support, especially among men.

  • Spiritual Accountability, Compassion, and Community Support
Core Responsibilities

My Sister's Keeper

The My Sister’s Keeper Ministry at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church is a women’s ministry focused on nurturing, supporting, and reclaiming women within the church and community. Its name is inspired by the biblical principle of being responsible for one another in love, compassion, and spiritual care.

  • Love, Compassion, Spiritual Care
Core Responsibilities

Ushers

  1. Greeting & Hospitality
  1. Order & Reverence
  1. Service Support
  1. Appearance & Conduct

Exhibit Christian Character: Be courteous, patient, and spiritually minded in all interactions.

Core Responsibilities

Pastor Aide

  • Spiritual and Emotional Support
      • Pray regularly for the pastor and their family 
      • Offer words of encouragement and moral support 
      • Be available during times of crisis or stress to provide comfort and counsel
  • Hospitality and Fellowship
    • Extend hospitality to visiting pastors and their families 
    • Organize and host events for the pastor’s birthday, anniversary, and other special occasions 
    • Plan and coordinate celebrations such as Pastor Appreciation Day and holiday gatherings 
Core Responsibilities

Christian Education

Christian Education plays a vital role in promoting spiritual growth, moral development, and biblical understanding within a faith-based community. The roles and responsibilities of Christian Education at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church involves:

    1. Teaching Biblical Truths
    • Provide instruction based on the Bible.
    • Help learners understand Scripture and apply it to daily life.
    • Promote theological literacy and spiritual maturity.
    1. Mentorship
    • Train and support teachers, volunteers, and ministry leaders.
    • Help kids to learn biblical understandings with Vacation Bible School with engaging activities such as the following:
      • Bible stories and lessons
      • Songs and music 
      • Arts and crafts 
      • Games and recreation 
      • Snacks and fellowship
Core Responsibilities

Armor Bearer

The term “armor bearer” comes from the 1 Samuel 14:7, where an armor bearer assisted and protected a leader in battle. The roles and responsibilities of an Armor Bearer at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church is the following below:

  • Assistant: Handles a leader’s needs, such as carrying their Bible, preparing their pulpit area, or managing their schedule.
  • Security: Acts as a lookout for threats or distractions, ensuring the leader can focus.
  • Spiritual Support: it’s someone who supports a leader in prayer and spiritual warfare.
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Core Responsibilities

Media Team

Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church Media Team plays a vital role in supporting worship services, outreach, and communication efforts.  The roles and responsibilities are the following:

  • Audio/Visual Support 
  • Live Streaming & Recording 
  • Presentation Management 
  • Social Media & Online Presence 
  • Management Photography & Videography 
  • Website Management
  • Graphic Design 
Core Responsibilities

Missionary Ministry

  • The Missionary Ministry of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church strives to set forth the purpose of the church and the church’s priority of spreading the Gospel wherever it is needed, by word and deeds. Reaching out in Service and Love to meet the needs of others within the Community, the Nation and the World.
Core Responsibilities

Bereavement / Celebration Ministry

  • Mission Statement
    To assist those who are bereaved in the midst of one of life’s most difficult challenges by sending cards and flowers.

    Scripture

    Romans 15:1–3 (KJV)

    1. We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
    2. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.
    3. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.