A collection of references on the character, work and ministry of Michael Rose.
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I am a pastor in Arizona. Michael Rose has been a great encouragement and mentor to me and my congregation. We flew him out to lead, serve, and teach our people about who they were created to be and to discuss creative ways of doing authentic and meaningful community. His humor, kindness and enormous heart was a great service to our community and we look forward to working with him in the future.
- Ben C., Pastor
Phoenix, AZ. USA
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Mike personifies that rare individual who truly cares deeply for people and for the human condition. His depth of character and innate qualities and abilities have made him keenly insightful and intuitive with a remarkable ability to see the big picture, while still remaining full aware of the details and complexities of the situation. Mike’s instinctive sense of compassion and empathy is sincere and authentic; a God-gift to anyone who has ever felt alone and misunderstood. Take all of this and fuse it together with his years of training and experience and there is no doubt in my mind that God has equipped Mike with a unique combination of perceptive wisdom, aptitude and ability to help anyone who has ever felt the sting of life (and haven’t we all?).
- Robert M., Musician, Author, Artist and Home School Dad.
Calgary, Alberta. Canada
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I first met Michael during our days at University in Saint Stephen’s N.B. Canada. He was in his final studies in the Masters of Ministry program, I a newbie to the program.
A Canadian pastor not content with the rudimental duty of church life; Michael’s contention was and is “community and questions would lead to discovery of all things spiritual.” I happened to agree with Michael in theory and practice, so it was, the Canadian pastor and the South Mississippi USA pastor had conversations outside the bounds most pastor and leaders, on both sides of the boarder, would never engage…. Michael’s strength is to seek God passionately, to wait for discovery of the deeper spiritual meaning of life and Christian service. In a world where playing it safe is the best order of business for the church and pastor; Michael’s courage is seen in his conviction…
First hand, I have seen how character and courage of conviction motivates Michael in class, in conversation, and in prayer. His presence and determination to remain true to his principles and what God has demonstrated to him has buttressed my belief that all things spiritual is in community and questions.
… He is real and he is accessible.
- Gary G., Collegiate Institute for Ministry.
Gulfport, Mississippi. USA
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Having worked with Mike on a daily basis for numerous years, I have had the opportunity to walk with him through the good, bad and ugly of life. In particular, I have observed him coming alongside many people, helping them sort through life, move past lingering wounds, and toward a rich and rewarding relationship with God. He is exceptionally empathetic, and out of this flows a generous amount of mercy, patience and care. I have found him to be a faithful friend and colleague, who has a particular gift of pointing people toward Jesus, and helping them experience a deeper sense of intimacy with God. I would highly recommend his services to anyone who longs for a deeper understanding and connection with God, or who simply need a refreshing respite along the journey of life.
On a personal note, of the many things I could say, I have found that Mike’s fierce yet gentle integrity has helped pull me from the mud of life many times.
– Mark L., Author, Teacher.
Taber, Alberta, Canada
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“Michael has had a very positive impact upon our lives. He met us right where we were at in our journey, saw our hearts and offered a listening ear, honest prayer and counsel, and at no time judged or condemned us for where we had previously been. His thoughtful wisdom spurred us on into deeper relationship with Jesus as we explored our brokenness and gained understanding of past experiences and choices. As a very welcome companion on our road out of religion and dysfunction, Michael has challenged us with appropriate questions and encouraged us with loving support. He has been our teacher, counselor, pastor, and is now also a very dear friend. We are thankful to Michael for his willingness to walk alongside us over so many bumps in the road, for the energy he gives, and for his gentle honesty. We thank God that Michael is an integral part of our lives, as we live real life together in community.”
- Al & Lynn S., Helicopter Pilot / Technician and Birth Doula
Bow Island, Alberta. Canada
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One of Mike’s greatest assets, and one of the things I most appreciate about him, is his ability to think strategically. He is not confined to the walls of the moment. He has a remarkable ability to think outside the box, a gift that is vital in ministry to today’s post-modern and perhaps post-Christian world. As well, Mike has the willingness to do the hard work that is necessary to see strategic plans become more than just plans. He is not afraid to risk. If I was developing any sort of ministry team (church planting, staffing an existing church, developing a para-church group), Mike would be among my top choices. It has been a joy to know Mike. I look forward to what the future may hold for our personal and ministry relationship.”
- Danny M., Pastor
Gilbert, Arizona. USA
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In 2009 I began working with Mike to develop his personal brand. What unfolded from the branding exercise was abundant personal assets that spoke volumes of his leadership, communication and compassion for others. These personal assets have been nourished through his love for God and his pursuit of learning whether it be from his Masters degree, advanced studies, reading and sharing.
Mike has a natural aptitude towards building. He is a self starter and is equipped with vision for e-commerce and business. He is an initiator with the fortitude to develop, administer, actualize and evaluate.
- Niki R., Marketing and Brand Consultant
Kamloops, British Columbia Canada.
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… literally taking us in when we had nowhere to live, being there to listen and help us through a crisis at 3 in the morning without making us feel even a tad badly for calling at that time. He’s been fair and encouraging as someone we have worked with in business, and has always shown integrity and great thoughtfulness in this regard as well as personally. He’s someone you feel comfortable around because you know he really cares. … we have seen him minister with great tenderness and anointing and sensitivity to the Lord’s Spirit. He’s a deep thinker and seeks to truly live what he believes. Passion and commitment to loving God and others characterize his life.
- Andre & Kimberly L., Entrepreneurs
Picture Butte, Alberta, Canada.
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His listening ear, honest questions, and timely words of encouragement have been a gift to me. He is a man who longs to know Jesus and live life out of the overflow of the love of the Father that he has experienced. I have observed how this encounter with the love of God has shaped how Mike loves his kids, his wife, his friends, and anyone else that crosses his path. His genuine love for people, honesty with his own struggles, and lack of pretense makes him a safe person to confide in and receiving coaching from. He is passionate about helping people and communities find freedom from oppressive structures, harmful habits, or faulty thinking, and instead live life to the full through a encounter and relationship with Jesus.
- Tim S., Consultant, Coach
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Throughout my years I have met few people with the character of love, charity and respect that I have experienced in my friendship with Michael Rose. Michael is on a very short list of people in my life that I truly trust with the intimate details of my life…the struggles, the defeats and the victories.
As a young person I used to struggle with acceptance from my peers. I was always trying to please everyone around me and I had run myself ragged playing the game of trying to please everyone. Through my relationship with Jesus and the guidance of Michael I learned that life is not a game and that I cannot please everyone. The only person I need to please is Jesus. I remember one specific conversation in which Michael felt called to speak to me about the games I was playing with myself, God, and those around me. It must have been a hard thing for Michael to do…to call out a friend and risk the possibility of offense. As it turned out I felt the depth of care and love that Michael had, only wanting his friend to experience freedom from the chains were binding him.
- Bryce P. Business Owner
Brooks, Alberta. Canada
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