The Reverend F. Michael Valentine began his ministry at First Christian Church on March 1, 2007. He came to Bellefontaine from an eleven year ministry at Bethany Christian Church in Roanoke, Virginia. Before that, he spent twelve years at the First Christian Church in Ionia, Michigan. He also served congregations in Pennsylvania and Indiana.
Pastor Mike grew up a Wolverine, being born and raised in Jackson, Michigan. He obtained a bachelor of arts degree from Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana in 1973. He received a master of arts in religion degree (cum laude) and a master of divinity degree (cum laude) from the Anderson School of Theology, Anderson Indiana in 1976. He was ordained to the Christian ministry in 1979.
He and Joan Galioto were married on July 6, 1980. They have one daughter, Cassandra, who recently moved to Jacksonville, North Carolina to begin work as a recreational instructor at Camp Legune.
Pastor Mike is a member of Kiwanis and finds enjoyment in several activities, including hunting, fishing, bowling, golf, cheering for U of M, and collecting and operating Lionel trains.
