By Kelly Wise Legg
Boyette Springs Church of God recently welcomed its new pastor, Michael Parnell. Born and raised in Haines City, Fla., Parnell graduated from Haines City High in 1986. His arrival to the Riverview area is a divine calling a long-time in the making.
Parnell accepted Christ as his Savior during high school and felt the calling into ministry while in college. He began his ministry in the Church of God denomination, where he holds three credentials, the highest being Ordained Bishop. Parnell is also finishing his Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies.
“I began pastoring my first church in 1998 in a small community just south of Kissimmee called Intercession City,” said Parnell. “My family and I were there for seven years and saw God do amazing things.”
Parnell and his family then moved to Deland, accepting a position as an associate/executive pastor at the Sanctuary Church of God for another seven years. From there, Parnell was called to pastor a church in Starke, Fla.
Through a series of unsolicited events, the Lord made it clear that He had commissioned Parnell to serve alongside the people of the Boyette Springs Church of God.
“This was actually a confirmation to what I felt God had placed in my heart, regarding the Riverview area several years ago,” said Parnell. “God opened the door this past September and we transitioned to Riverview to become the lead pastor at Boyette Springs Church of God.”
Parnell’s vision for the church is to become an authentic community of faith that will have a significant impact in the Riverview area.
Boyette Springs Church of God is both multi-generational and multi-cultural which is also a part of the overall vision for the church.
“I believe our fellowship to be one of the friendliest and inviting churches in the area,” said Parnell. “Boyette Springs Church is great place to belong.”
Parnell has been married to his wife, Amber, for almost 24-years and they have a 21-year-old son who is pursuing a degree in Creative Writing for Entertainment through Full Sail University.
Boyette Springs has an active youth ministry with its own worship time and the children’s ministry is active and continuing to grow. Boyette Springs Church of God is located at 12114 Boyette Rd. in Riverview. For worship times and events calendar, visit www.boyettespringschurch.org.
