Two East Lansing Churches Welcome New Parish Leaders
The pulpits of two East Lansing churches were filled this year with new leadership as Edgewood United Church of Christ and All Saints Episcopal Church called new pastors.
Founded in 1953, both progressive congregations are well known for their social justice commitments, including contributions to local racial reparations funds. ELi spoke with the new leaders to learn about their journeys and their hopes for ministry in East Lansing.
The faith leaders took winding roads to their positions in church leadership. One was inspired to join the ministry after fighting for fresh water justice and the other worked as a college professor.
Pastor Greg Briggs at Edgewood United Church of Christ
Pastor Greg Briggs spent years working in the auto industry in Holland before entering seminary. His path to the United Church of Christ was anything but straightforward.
“I grew up Roman Catholic,” he said, “but I would say it was more formative to me being a science nerd and a sci-fi nerd than the Roman Catholic Church.”
Briggs was raised near the mid-Michigan town of St. Louis, which he recalls as a major EPA Superfund site. The community’s struggles with industrial pollution helped shape his early sense of justice.
“I kind of got my start into what is now a ministry [when I was] advocating for water justice,” he said.
At the time, though, he didn’t see it as ministry. After confirmation in the Catholic Church, he entered what he calls his “whole agnostic phase.”
“[My family] can’t believe I’m a minister,” he added with a laugh. “I can’t believe I’m a minister!”
Briggs said the UCC tradition drew him in because it mirrored his own journey.
“Their tagline at the time was ‘Ministry for the Real World,’” he said. “I wanted a place that’s engaged with the real world.”
Before coming to Edgewood, Briggs served as an interim pastor in Michigan cities Grand Ledge and Charlevoix, and out of state in Massachusetts. Even from a distance, he often heard about Edgewood’s work.
“I have a lot of clergy friends and Edgewood was always one of the places that showed up,” he said. “Especially in a time where it’s harder and harder to differentiate between Christianity and Christian nationalism. Edgewood is definitely a place trying to stand against Christian nationalism and embrace our faith.”
That openness, he said, defines the congregation.
“We’re on that edge of being a community grounded in a particular tradition, but also open to people of different faiths and intersections.”
Briggs was called as Edgewood’s pastor in February and has since welcomed what he describes as “spiritual refugees” from other traditions. Each Sunday he closes with the same benediction:
“Go from this place knowing that God has always loved you, loves you now, and will always love you. We’re not coming at this from a place of shame, guilt, or sin—we’re coming from a place where we’re all part of the beloved community.”
Rev. Andrew Armond at All-Saints Episcopal Church.
Like Briggs, Rev. Andrew Armond also arrived at his current tradition by a winding path. The grandson of a Southern Baptist minister, he grew up in Ruston, Louisiana, and studied at Louisiana Tech University and Baylor University.
“I always loved to read, so I added English as a major,” he said. “I wanted to be the next C.S. Lewis.”
Before entering the priesthood, Armond spent nine years as a college professor in North Carolina and Oklahoma. Ordained just five years ago, he has already noticed a shift in those joining the Episcopal Church.
“There are churches that are safe places for LGBTQIA folks,” he said. “There are churches that welcome your whole self. Community is important, but it’s not the only reason people should go to church. Primarily, church should feed people spiritually and nurture their faith.”
Armond said he was drawn to All Saints because the congregation blends intellectual and spiritual depth with public action.
“It’s pretty rare to find a place that really has all those dimensions of spiritual life,” he said.
Still new to East Lansing, Armond and his wife are enjoying local discoveries—from Lake Michigan beaches to Horrocks Farm Market.
“This place is freaking amazing,” he said with a grin. “A popcorn section, a beer section!”
Just four weeks into his tenure, he said the community has already felt welcoming and genuine.
“It’s a place where people can be themselves and find nurture and love,” he said. “This is a new adventure for me, my faith, and my family. We’re just super excited to be here.”