Committed to healthy leaders and thriving churches, the initiative aims to equip congregations throughout the Movement for lasting ministry in their unique contexts.

By Carl Stagner | Read Time: 3 minutes

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Church of God Ministries is pleased to announce Joshua Brandt as executive director of Congregational Vitality. As God’s sovereign hand continues to move in remarkable ways across the Church of God movement, this news comes as yet another development inspiring confidence in the trajectory of Church of God Ministries under the steady leadership of Pastor Monté Dillard.

Of course, Joshua Brandt is no stranger to the Movement. Serving in the lead pastor role at The Gathering in Muncie, Indiana, and Pennway Church of God in Lansing, Michigan, he established quite the reputation for effective local church leadership. Those who didn’t know him then, however, have learned of Joshua Brandt’s credibility through the role of chair of the Committee on Credentials over the past three years and as associate state pastor for the Church of God in Michigan.

From the pulpit of the local church to the national scene, Joshua Brandt has enjoyed the privilege of witnessing the Church of God movement from a variety of perspectives—and through victories and challenges.

“Over the past several years,” Joshua explains, “I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside pastors and congregations across Michigan. I’ve seen churches navigating difficult seasons, but I’ve also witnessed incredible stories of faithfulness, innovation, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Those experiences have convinced me that God is still at work throughout our Movement.”

It had to be hard to leave ministries making such a difference, but when the Spirit opens the door, you walk right on through.

“What drew me to this role,” Joshua reflects, “is the opportunity to come alongside leaders and congregations across the U.S. and Canada to encourage, equip, and strengthen them for the mission God has given us. I believe our greatest days are not behind us if we remain deeply rooted in Jesus and open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.”

Congregational Vitality

The formation of Congregational Vitality signals a new season of emphasis on coming alongside local churches to enhance their ministry—not the other way around.

“One of the things that excites me most,” Joshua explains, “is that our focus extends beyond programs to people. Our desire is to help cultivate vital congregations by investing in healthy leaders. That means listening well, connecting leaders with helpful resources, fostering collaboration across ministries, and encouraging practices that strengthen churches for long-term ministry. Every congregation is unique, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach.”

“We want to be good listeners first,” he continues, “learning from churches and ministry leaders across the United States and Canada, while helping identify practices and resources that can encourage greater health and vitality. Ultimately, we want churches to flourish in their local communities as they make disciples, develop leaders, and participate in God’s mission.”

Two Times the Impact

To help Joshua accomplish these goals, Church of God Ministries also announces the hiring of his associate director of Congregational Vitality, Josh Tandy.

Brandt explains: “Josh brings valuable experience as a church planter, pastor, coach, and leader. He has a genuine passion for helping churches reach people who don’t yet know Christ, and he understands many of the challenges pastors face today. Beyond his experience, Josh is relational, a deeper thinker, and eager to work together to define our work. Those qualities matter just as much as competence.”

In seasons of change, it can sometimes be difficult to sense the excitement for the new. But Joshua Brandt sees much reason to rejoice.

“One of the things I appreciate most about the Church of God is that we’re a movement built on relationships rather than hierarchy,” he reflects. “That means influence happens best through trust, collaboration, and shared mission. I see our role as helping connect people, encourage healthy conversations, identify what God is already doing across the Movement, and come alongside leaders as trusted partners.”

“I see tremendous opportunity ahead,” he continues. “We are in a season where there is openness to what God is speaking to his church. I am already dreaming about what the Church of God will look like in ten to twenty years. What if we all understood what it meant to be alive in Christ? That would impact every neighborhood where we live and worship.”

Joshua Brandt and his wife Laura have been married for nearly three decades. They are blessed with three adult daughters, each one making an impact on the world.