Dr. Charles Whitfield

Dr. Charles John Whitfield
Our community and world sadly lost a Godly loving pastoral leader on Friday, September 2, 2022, when Charles John Whitfield went to be with the Lord. He was born on August 8, 1933, and his life and legacy impacted and influenced thousands in so many ways.
HE WAS A LOYAL HUSBAND.
He met the love of his life Judy Ann Whitfield in high school. They would be married over 70 years and serve together in their life's most cherished work at Grace Baptist Church for over 60 of those years. Side by side and inseparable defined each day.
HE WAS A LOVING FATHER AND GRANDFATHER.
He never missed a ball game of his son Dan, and he thought Beethoven should take a back seat to his daughter Susan's piano proficiency. Watching "The Secret Garden" or time at the Lake cottage communicated his love to his grandchildren.
"HE WAS A "PASTOR."
It is fitting that a man of few words could have one single word explain and encapsulate his life, leadership, and legacy. That word is "Grace."
His highest priority was passionately proclaiming the saving grace of Jesus. He believed every service should include and person should receive an invitation to accept God's amazing grace.
He extended "grace" to his congregation, community, and churches across the country and other continents. Hospital visits, funerals, and pastoral care were his passion and priority. Through sixty steadfast years of service, thousands would attest that he provided healing and help for the hurt and hole in their hearts.
"Grace" was the name he selected for the church he started and served faithfully for 57 years.
Weddings, baby dedications, graduations, etc. were all excuses to celebrate God's grace.
He even exited life "gracefully." Dealing with the difficulties of dementia with dignity and determination, he peacefully passed in his sleep.
HE WAS A "PASTOR'S PASTOR."
• He graduated from Midwestern Baptist College with undergrad, masters, and doctorate degrees in Pastoral Ministries and Biblical Theology.
• He was Registrar and Dean of Students at Midwestern Baptist college for 25 plus years equipping a generation of spiritual leaders that spanned the globe.
• He founded and led the Birmingham Bible Institute for 40 years training over 6000 Christian leaders in the State of Michigan.
• He was recognized by the State Senate for being the longest-tenured minister at the same congregation in Michigan.
• He preached at hundreds of churches, Christian colleges, conferences, and camps across the country to pastors and Christian leaders.
• He led 20+ trips to the Holy Land, personally providing the means for many pastors to enjoy a life-changing Biblical experience.
• He provided friendship, fellowship, and a safe forum for scores of pastors and missionaries.
Every day was dedicated to inspiring, influencing, and initiating love in action to all who crossed his path. Those he served would say he left a legacy that will last.
He is survived by children Susan and Daniel and their spouses Marty and Heidi, grand-children Marty John, Amie, Brooke, Chelsea, and J.D., great grand-children Sawyer, Scarlett, Meriska, Zander, Chelsea, McKenna, Phillip, Savanna, Corinna, Kayla, Ezekiel, and Joel. He is survived by thousands of spiritual children who will impact and influence hundreds of thousands for good and for God for time and eternity.
The funeral service will be held on Monday, September 12, 2022 at 11am at Grace Baptist Church, 280 E. Lincoln St., Birmingham, MI 48009. A public viewing at church will begin at 10am. Memorial donations to the church. A.J. Desmond & Sons, (248) 549-0500. Burial following the service at Greenwood Cemetery.
"With love and appreciation for your faithful service, the family formally invites all full-time Christian workers who were taught by Pastor Whitfield at Midwestern Baptist College or the Birmingham Bible Institute as well as all previous and current board or staff members of Grace Baptist Church to be honorary pallbearers for the funeral and graveside service."