Cornerstone Community Church - New York Mills, New York

Mike Ballman - Pastor

Preface: I was born into a Christian home. From my earliest recollection, my parents modeled and shared the gospel. But my love relationship with Christ really began when I was a young teen, seeing my parents’ faith in God through trying times.

My story: I attended Houghton College, where I got my BA in International Studies and Political Science. At Dallas Theological Seminary, I received my Master of Theology in Pastoral Leadership and Family Life Ministries. I was Pastor of Neighborhood Church of the C&MA (Christian and Missionary Alliance) in Dallas, TX. After that, I was pastor of Faith in Christ Fellowship Church in Chadwicks, NY. Now that I am a pastor at Cornerstone, I look forward to loving and serving the people of greater Utica.

Collaborator: I met my wife, Pam, at Houghton College in the first week of our freshman year. We worked together in the cafeteria. She wiped off the tables and I vacuumed the floor. Knowing she was out of my league, I was too afraid to ask her out, but I asked God for a sign—and He answered. I knew I had a chance when on a miraculous day in October of 1988 she made a point of being extra careful not to push food off the tables onto the floor for me to vacuum. That was all I needed to muster the courage to ask her out…and the rest is history…

Inspiration: My mentor, Pastor Leonard Blight, probably doesn’t even know that he is my mentor. That’s because it was his actions, not his words, that had the greatest impact on my life. He taught me the ministry of presence. When he comforted Pam and me during a time of suffering, he didn’t provide easy answers, just time—lots of time sitting and listening and crying with us. His presence and compassion constantly reminded us of the goodness of God.

Epilogue: In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the Adirondacks with Pam and Noah, and letting Leon beat me in pop-a-shot basketball.

E-Mail:


Main Pages Home Location Get to Know Us Catch the Vision Core Values Doctrinal Statement History Mission Staff Bios Vision Who We Are Community Life Cares Children Connecting Teens Sermons Audio Music Worship Style Attendees Leadership Board Ministry Leaders Links MV Churches Network Utica Rescue Mission	Cornerstone Community Church - Biographies Mike Ballman - Pastor Preface: I was born into a Christian home. From my earliest recollection, my parents modeled and shared the gospel. But my love relationship with Christ really began when I was a young teen, seeing my parents’ faith in God through trying times. My story: I attended Houghton College, where I got my BA in International Studies and Political Science. At Dallas Theological Seminary, I received my Master of Theology in Pastoral Leadership and Family Life Ministries. I was Pastor of Neighborhood Church of the C&MA (Christian and Missionary Alliance) in Dallas, TX. After that, I was pastor of Faith in Christ Fellowship Church in Chadwicks, NY. Now that I am a pastor at Cornerstone, I look forward to loving and serving the people of greater Utica. Collaborator: I met my wife, Pam, at Houghton College in the first week of our freshman year. We worked together in the cafeteria. She wiped off the tables and I vacuumed the floor. Knowing she was out of my league, I was too afraid to ask her out, but I asked God for a sign—and He answered. I knew I had a chance when on a miraculous day in October of 1988 she made a point of being extra careful not to push food off the tables onto the floor for me to vacuum. That was all I needed to muster the courage to ask her out…and the rest is history… Inspiration: My mentor, Pastor Leonard Blight, probably doesn’t even know that he is my mentor. That’s because it was his actions, not his words, that had the greatest impact on my life. He taught me the ministry of presence. When he comforted Pam and me during a time of suffering, he didn’t provide easy answers, just time—lots of time sitting and listening and crying with us. His presence and compassion constantly reminded us of the goodness of God. Epilogue: In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the Adirondacks with Pam and Noah, and letting Leon beat me in pop-a-shot basketball. E-Mail: