Seventh-day Adventist Pastor Dismissed by Michigan Conference Following Controversial Leadership at Berrien Springs Village Church

Ron Kelly, the senior pastor of Berrien Springs Village Church, has been dismissed from his position by the Michigan Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In a YouTube video, Kelly shared his experience, stating that he received a call on December 1, informing him he needed to be at the conference office the following day to discuss employment issues. He expressed surprise, noting that matters he believed had been resolved were not addressed at the level he expected. Kelly requested written grievances against him but was told this was not possible. The next day, he appeared before the conference committee without prior knowledge of the allegations, which he described as lacking the “Christian kindness, redemption, and just behaving” he anticipated.

Kelly’s tenure at Berrien Springs Village Church, located near Andrews University and the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, was marked by its alignment with certain right-wing conspiracy theories. The church became a hub for promoting anti-vaccination sentiments and other beliefs framed under the banner of “religious liberty.” Members of the congregation actively supported Christian nationalist movements, with some speakers participating in the church’s religious liberty conferences.

In his announcement, Kelly urged followers to remain faithful to the Seventh-day Adventist Church and encouraged prayer for his family. He now plans to continue his ministry through his own YouTube channel, where he intends to share his perspective on the events that led to his dismissal.

The situation highlights the internal dynamics of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, particularly regarding leadership decisions and the handling of pastoral responsibilities. It also underscores the broader tensions within the denomination concerning the interpretation of religious liberty and the role of congregational leadership in shaping theological and social stances. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in ecclesiastical processes, reflecting the biblical call to “do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

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