New Pastor Reverend Michael Droege
On December 12, 2021 Reverend Michael Droege was called as the 5th Pastor to lead Wilson Memorial Church of Watchung, NJ into 2022. Reverend Droege, however, is not “new” to the Wilson Church family. He began his time at Wilson as the Director of Youth and Family Ministry over 10 years ago. Since then he has grown in his role at Wilson, recently serving as Acting Pastor after the retirement of Reverend Barbara Peters in early 2021. While Michael’s focus has mainly been on youth during his tenure, he is looking forward to his new role as head Pastor to keep Wilson Church relevant and thriving in our challenging and changing times.
“The church has always been called to adapt itself to meet the challenges and human need wherever we find ourselves. What that meant a century ago, or even pre-pandemic, is different than what it means today. Our core message of love and wholeness remains our rudder, helping us to be adaptable, but keeping our roots in our calling. There is a great need now for a focus on health and well-being. Isolation, fear, and grief have strained the mental health of all ages and we hope to be a center of gravity for human connection and hope in the world,” said Reverend Droege.
“We are in the early stages of developing wellness programs open to all in the community. These will be both in person and online, particularly those for families, so that we can help people access a supportive community even if they can’t come to our building. We have a particular interest in serving populations deeply affected by the last couple of years. Those include adolescents, seniors, and those experiencing food insecurity. These will be areas requiring our attention in this new year. With this focus, we look forward to our Sunday worship services remaining vibrant, diverse, and relevant gatherings where all people can connect with God and others, always leaving with something to lift their spirit and help them navigate their life.”
Reverend Droege and his wife Carol live in Watchung. They have 5 adult children. Michael grew up in the St. Louis area before moving to New Jersey in 1997. Since coming to Wilson, he has received his MA from Drew University in Theology and a PhD (pending) in Practical Theology from the University of Pretoria. His door is “always open” and he welcomes anyone who is interested in learning more about Wilson Church or who just needs a listening ear to contact him through the church office or email wilsonchurch@verizon.net.
Wilson Church is an inter-denominational church that extends a warm welcome to anyone who seeks to be strengthened in their walk of faith. We are an inclusive community comprised of members and friends from many church backgrounds. Services are Sundays at 10 a.m. and are offered as in-person or online worship atwilsonchurch.org. The church office is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
