Meet Armand Aronson

From Meijers to Ministry

 West Michigan is blessed to have many people of faith whose lives are anything but ordinary. Armand Aronson is one of those people.

About seven years ago, employed as Director of Market Intelligence at Meijers Inc.,  Armand began to feel a chapter closing in his life.  At the time he was already involved as a layman in prison ministry and was a popular speaker and musician on weekend retreats, but Armand felt the Lord calling him to something else.  So, at 50 plus years of age, after much thought, prayer and encouragement from others, he decided to go to seminary.

 WMCN asked Armand to describe this experience of being back in school after so many years. “Shocking,” was the response. “It was like drinking from a fire hose. So much to learn. So much reading, but not books I would have chosen.”

 Now, after attending Calvin Seminary part time for six years,  Armand is will graduate this spring with a Master Arts of Missions. He will be ordained in First Christian Church in Ionia,  the church he has been serving as pastor for the past several years.

 Under Armand’s leadership, the historic church has enjoyed a major roof replacement and window upgrades, protecting some of Ionia’s most beautiful stained glass windows.  But, more importantly, the congregation has been led by a caring and loving pastor. The thing Armand desires most in his ministry? “To make more and better followers of Jesus Christ.”

 Armand is a self taught musician, playing the guitar and mandolin. He has authored a book to teach others how to learn to play the guitar in ten weeks. This book has helped many not only to enrich their own worship, but also to share what they have learned by participating in the congregation’s worship. Armand has also played in a group called Heaven Sent, which ministers to those residing in retirement homes.

 It is hard to imagine this busy man having spare time, but when he does, he enjoys working in his woodshop. His favorite creations are handmade fish crafted from cherry, maple and walnut. These are polished individually until they are a fine piece of jewelry.

 Some of Armand’s favorite scriptures are John 1:1-2, 14; and Matthew 28:18-20.

Visit Armand’s website at www.joyjoyjoy.com and hear him sing, “I Have a Joy, Joy ,Joy, Joy Down in my Heart.” And with Armand’s big smile and booming laugh, the  joy in his heart is very evident.