Pastor: Ed Emmerling
Pastor Ed and his wife Reneé together have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. Reneé works in healthcare administration at a local hospital and has been a nurse for over 25 years. Pastor Ed has been privileged to be Pastor of Westside Church since 2002. Westside Church was begun by Ed’s grandfather in 1955, and is the church Pastor Ed attended from nursery to adulthood.
Before surrendering to the call of God to pastor, Ed was a journeyman “Die Maker” at General Motor for 11 years. During this time he served as a volunteer youth leader in the church. Between 1990 and 1997, he planned and led annual youth group mission trips within the U.S.
He received a Bachelor of Ministry Degree from Andersonville Baptist Seminary in the year 2000, and a Master of Ministry Degree from Rockbridge Seminary in 2008. Before becoming Pastor at Westside Church, he left General Motors, and served the church as Associate Pastor from 1997 to 2001.
During these years as Associate and Senior Pastor, he has served as Youth Evangelism Coordinator for the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. This position provided the pleasure and opportunity to plan and lead events for youth evangelism ministries across the state. In the past, he served the Genesee Baptist Association for several years as Associational Youth Leader and Consultant. He is currently serving as “New Work” team leader in the association.
Pastor Ed is no stranger to the opportunities of hands-on mission ministries. He has helped lead international mission trips to the Philippines, Siberia and the Dominican Republic. He has lead mission groups from his church to work in the Dominican Republic on several trips beginning in 2005. He was also a member of a “Ten Pastor” mission group to go to Siberia.
He vigorously pursues his personal mission statement which says, “Using my strength of casting vision and inspiring others I will be a part of a team in developing innovative and new ministries to impact people with the love of God and the Word of God to help them take their next step toward Christ.”
He is a good administrator, and energetic and charismatic leader, who loves people; and is loved by all age groups in our church.
Alexis Marrero - Minister of Music and Media
Alexis and his wife Melissa have been a part of Westside Church for many years. Melissa grew up here and Alexis has been serving here for over 15 years. They have 2 children, Hannah who is a young adult and lives in the greater Detroit area and Alex who serves in the United States Air Force as a Fire Fighter. Alexis and Melissa have both served in the music ministry for many years before taking over the leadership role in 2017. Alexis is talented not only in music but also very gifted in technology and media. He keeps our sound, lighting, and online presence relevant and running smoothly.
Tim Taipalus - Minister to Families
Tim and his wife Tammy have been a part of Westside Church Since 2016. They have a heart for the hurting and helping people take another step toward Christ. Beginning in 2019 Tim came on staff to lead our ministry to families and his life experience and testimony have helped him to walk alongside many people in their life transformation through the Gospel. Tammy leads out in our Women’s Ministry and uses her passions and gifts to help ladies in their spiritual journey. Tim is a gifted communicator and is passionate minister of the Gospel. They attend with their son Kendall who has some special needs. He is a blessing to our church in so many ways. They have 3 adult daughters and 1 granddaughter also who are wonderful blessings.
Jason Bradow - Minister of Evangelism and Missions
Jason’s family has been attending Westside Church since 2009. He served as a volunteer lay minister until 2019 when he came on staff leading our evangelism and missions ministries. Jason is a skilled craftsman in many construction trades and has a degree in Organizational Management with a minor in Bible. Jason communicates the Gospel in a humble authentic way that causes audiences to let down their guard and listen up. He has a heart to serve God sharing the life changing power that he has experienced with others near and far.
Mindy Bradow - Administrative Assistant
Mindy and her Husband Jason have been attending Westside Church since 2009. They have 2 beautiful teen daughters and a sweet toddler to keep them young. They stay busy with them and their activities but still find time to serve faithfully in the church in many ministries. Mindy was asked to serve on staff as our administrative assistant. She leads out in our adminstration and oversees our facilities to keeps us running smoothly.