Thirteen years ago, a young man fresh out of Moody Bible Institute was beginning his life of faith – by cleaning toilets at New Hope Community Church just north of Traverse City.

Craig Trierweiler learned all aspects of the church over the years - from poop to pulpit - and, with a standing ovation from the audience, was installed as Senior Pastor this September for a congregation that now numbers around 1,500 members.

New Hope began over 20 years ago in a living room in Holiday Hills with just 14 people in attendance. Since then, founding Pastor Dave Standfest led the church through growth with campuses in Traverse City then to Petoskey and Bellaire.

This September marked the first change in leadership for the church in its history.

Trierweiler credits Pastor Dave for teaching him humility and service from day one when he worked as a summer intern and then later as a full-time janitor for the church.

“He had me sweep the parking lot with a broom,” Trierweiler said with a laugh. “And if you’ve ever seen the size of our parking lot… you’d know exactly what he had in mind for me!”

Trierweiler looks back on his year as janitor as a great resource for his work today.

“We say the DNA of our church is messes and miracles, and that is exactly what I’ve seen,” he said. “It’s learning to do ministry the way it was intended. Not to be served, but rather to serve.”

New Hope is a non-denominational “Bible-believing” church, according to Rick Stewart, New Hope’s executive pastor with services and programs for all ages. He has served the last 8 years side-by-side with Trierweiler.

“Craig’s path - from janitor to senior pastor - is definitely an unusual way for someone to come into a church,” Stewart said. “To put down a plunger and pick up a Bible isn’t what they teach you in Bible School!”

But, Trierweiler said, it was without question, a job he wanted.

“I wanted to be a part of New Hope,” he said. “So, it happened to be poop! I took the job and was happy to move back to my hometown with my wife and join the church and their vision.”

Trierweiler grew up in Leelanau County (where his parents still reside) and lives in Traverse City with his wife Kori and their four children, ages 12, 10, 8 and 6. He will receive his Masters of Arts in Ministry Leadership in May of 2013 from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.

New Hope Community Church is located 2 miles north of the Grand Traverse Resort.