Michael Purdon
Serving as Lead Pastor at New Life Baptist Church, where the gospel meets everyday life in Grove City and beyond.
Michael Purdon serves as the Lead Pastor of New Life Baptist Church in Grove City, Ohio. His ministry is rooted in faithful expository preaching, intentional discipleship, and a deep love for the local church.
God's call on his life became clear during his time at FUEL Camp - a Baptist youth camp held at Camp Chautauqua. It was there that the Lord placed a burden on his heart for ministry, a calling he has carried faithfully ever since. He later trained under the guidance of Dr. Wayne Hudson, whose mentorship shaped his pastoral approach and commitment to the Word.
Michael has a particular burden for the people of Grove City. He believes the church is not just a building but a family sent into the community to share the hope of Christ. Whether he's preaching on Sunday morning, meeting with a young family over coffee, or discipling the next generation of leaders, his heart is to see people know Christ and grow in him.
"The church is not a building - it's a family sent into the community to share the hope of Christ."
New Life Baptist Church - 3989 Neff Rd, Grove City, OH
Called to preach, equipped to lead, and sent to serve. Here is where Michael invests his time, his energy, and his heart.
Lead Pastor at NLBC
As Lead Pastor, Michael guides the congregation at New Life Baptist Church through faithful, verse-by-verse preaching and a vision for gospel-centered community. He oversees the church's ministries, shepherds the staff and elders, and casts a vision for reaching Grove City with the love of Christ.
gcnewlife.comFUEL Camp Director
As Camp Director for FUEL Camp, Michael oversees one of the region's premier youth camp experiences. FUEL Camp meets at Camp Chautauqua and provides students with a week of biblical teaching, worship, and community. The camp is where Michael himself first felt called to ministry.
FUEL Camp on FacebookYouth & Discipleship
Michael has a particular passion for youth ministry and discipleship. He invests in raising up the next generation of leaders, walking alongside young people as they grow in their faith and discover God's calling on their lives. His discipleship approach is personal, patient, and grounded in Scripture.
Outreach & Community
The local community is central to Michael's ministry vision. New Life Baptist Church is actively engaged in outreach efforts throughout Grove City, building relationships and meeting practical needs. Michael believes the church grows not by drawing a crowd but by serving a neighborhood.
FUEL Camp is more than a summer program - it is a launching pad for a lifetime of faith. Held at Camp Chautauqua, FUEL Camp brings students together for a week of intense biblical teaching, genuine worship, and community that points every part of the experience toward Jesus.
As Camp Director, Michael oversees every aspect of the camp experience. From recruiting speakers and worship leaders to coordinating logistics and training counselors, he works to ensure that every student who walks through the gate encounters the gospel in a real and lasting way.
FUEL Camp holds a deeply personal significance for Michael: it was at FUEL Camp where God first called him into ministry. That moment changed the trajectory of his life, and now he has the privilege of creating that same space for a new generation.
Follow FUEL Camp on FacebookAt a Glance
- Week-long summer camp held at Camp Chautauqua
- Biblical teaching focused on knowing God and making him known
- Worship, recreation, and life-changing community
- Students build friendships that last beyond the week
- Many campers have gone on to vocational ministry
I would love to hear from you
Whether you have a question about the church, want to know more about FUEL Camp, or just want to connect - do not hesitate to reach out.