OUR VISION
The outlined vision is a mental picture to give meaning, purpose, and direction to where Grateful church is headed – Ezra 10:4 and Phil 4:15 before you join the church - Prov. 11:27. The specificity of the vision is to: (a) attract attention, cooperation, and commitment; (b) make sure Grateful Church is a fit for you, and (c), an appeal to your eagerness to join the church. Grateful Church envisions:
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To reignite the faith of urban inner-city millennials and Gen X (MGX) singles, young married couples, and first-time parents in God, strengthening the family units to lead the unchurched to Christ
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To help MGX discover their dreams and utilize their inherent gifts to humanize the gospel for greater ministry impact by demonstrating the love and power of God to transform lives in Phoenix, Arizona
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To engage by inclusion, the depth, shades, flow of MGX’s sentiments and gifts in a multicultural mix of authentic worship and storytelling for a sense of belonging.
GRATEFUL CHURCH
MEET THE PASTORS AND STAFF
THE PASTORS: REV. DR. WILSON EJIM AND DR. NONYE EJIM
Before opening Grateful Church in Phoenix, Rev. Dr. Wilson Ejim and his wife, Dr. Nonye Ejim, pioneered two mission churches in Washington and Oregon. They have also ministered in many conventions and crusades across America, the Philippines, and Nigeria. Blessed with six children -- three boys and three girls -- Pastor and Mrs. Ejim have a passion for helping Gen Xers, Millennials, and young families rekindle their faith in God and build stronger communities.
PASTOR WILSON EJIM
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Senior pastor of Grateful Church International in Phoenix, Arizona
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Doctoral degree in Business Administration from Northcentral University, Prescott, Arizona
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MBA degree from University of Phoenix in Arizona
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Graduate of the School of architecture at Southern University Baton Rouge, Louisiana
PASTOR NONYE EJIM
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Pastor of Grateful Church International in Phoenix, Arizona
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Practicing pharmacist and graduate of Roseman University School of Pharmacy in Henderson, Nevada
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Featured singer in conventions and crusades across the USA, Philippines, and Nigeria
Ami Podlesnik
President, Grateful Church Women’s Group
Coordinator, Engage-Phx Ministries of Grateful Church
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Ami holds a BA degree in Anthropology from Stockton University, New Jersey. She also pursued graduate studies on Whole System Design with a focus on sustainability and intentional communities from Antioch University. She has a background in Occupational Therapy with seniors and children, years of experience leading exercise classes for seniors, and has 30yrs experience in the complementary health care Arena working in Chiropractic offices, wellness centers and the YMCA. Her marriage to Joseph Podlesnik is blessed with a wonderful son, Michael.
Tarson and Zeynab Ephrem
President, Grateful Church New Convert Ministry
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Tarson is pursuing a degree in business management and works as a manager in retail. He and his wife, Zeynab, are blessed with four wonderful children. His daughters Melivia and Rhoda work with the Grateful Church worship team.
Kelechi Ejim
Kelechi has a passion for gospel music and holds an BSN degree in Nursing from Chamberlain School of Nursing in Phoenix, Arizona. He works at multiple hospitals in the valley as an ICU and PCU nurse. Kelechi plays multiple musical instruments and loves working with people to develop their music skills. He organizes a quarterly musical jam session, a community focused and popular family fun night that promotes and recruits musical talents in our community.
Chika Ejim Jr.
Chika holds an RN, BSN degree in Nursing from Chamberlain School of Nursing in Phoenix, Arizona. He is an OR nurse in Phoenix. Chika loves working with millennials as the Youth Leader to inspire godly living. Additionally, he is apart of the sound engineering team.