Pastor's Testimony

I grew up in Glendora, CA and attended Azusa Pacific University. My parents held weekly Bible Studies in their home and from an early age I knew and loved the Lord. Through the years my heart was turned by the things of the world and I walked away from the Lord for a time to pursue the glory of sports.

Prior to moving to Michigan with my wife Beth, I attended Calvary Chapel of West Covina where Raul Ries was Pastor. For over four years, after moving to Michigan, I struggled with an alcohol dependency (which the Word of God refers to as the sin of “drunkenness”) while Beth & I half-heartedly searched for a church home.

“But God,” in his infinite mercy called me back into fellowship at Calvary Chapel of Oakland County in 1999 when after 2 years I fully surrendered my life & heart to Jesus in the Winter of 2001. During that time, I have served as a Sunday school teacher to the 5th & 6th graders, an overseer to the Usher Ministry, and as an Elder.

In early 2006 God placed a new calling on my life, that of Associate Pastor. It was confirmed to me by the Lord in a very personal way through His Word as I read Colossians 3:23-24 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”

When CCOC Pastor David Halan was called out to Montana to oversee a young church, I was hearing and then seeing the Lord’s call on my life to a greater degree. In John 21 Jesus told Peter to feed his sheep and through several events in my life, it was very apparent that God was calling me to minister to His people and to serve them as Pastor. This call was further solidified when the church board, after a considerable amount of prayer and heartfelt discussion, asked me to fulfill his calling and take on the responsibilities of Senior Pastor of CCOC.

I have committed my heart & life to following our Lord Jesus Christ, studying and sharing the good news of His Word, and ministering to God’s people as a Pastor, Teacher, Servant, and Leader.

Along with my wife Beth, my daughter Hannah, and my son P.J. (Phillip James) it is my hearts desire to rejoice with the church family at CCOC in all of the “great things” Jesus Christ has done and will continue to do, in and through HIS people.

Pastor Bill DesRochers