Wolf Point Pastor Says Serving In Community Has Been Blessing

When Pastor Mike Kauffold and his wife, Julie, came to First Baptist Church in Wolf Point back in 1996, they were probably not quite sure whether eastern Montana was the right place for them.

After all, previous to that time, Mike had lived in the warmer climates of California and Vermont.

“It’s a pretty rude awakening when you move up here during the winter,” he said.

Then, his first service at the church happened on April 1, April Fool’s Day.

“I wondered what in the world did we get into,” Mike laughed.

But there’s no doubt now that Wolf Point and the church are home for the couple. Last week, First Baptist Church held a roast beef dinner to celebrate the 25 years of service. The event featured guest speakers including the president of the Montana Southern Baptist Association.

Pastor Kauffold said he was especially touched with a slide show and by out-oftown relatives providing congratulations.

“It was really special,” he said. “It was a real joyful occasion.”

He said the last 25 years have certainly been satisfying for him. He also serves as pastor for the Vida Community Church. At one time, he also was the pastor for the First Baptist Church in Poplar.

“Building relationships with people in the community, both in and outside of the church,” he said of one of his biggest accomplishments during the time. “It’s all about the people on one end.”

The pastor got a late start in life as far as going into the ministry. One day, he decided there is something more important than working for a company so somebody else receives greater profits.

“I had no plan for that,” Mike said of going into the ministry. “Just a lot of things added up in my life.”

Before he could even expressed his thoughts about dedicating his life to God, Julie told him that they were moving and he was going into the ministry. She already knew what was going though his head. The couple has now been married for 42 years. “It’s been a good journey,” Mike said.

During his time in the area, Mike was a part-time Bible and computer teacher at Lustre Christian School in the early 2000s. He then spent seven years working for Hi-Line Sports. He has also worked for Wolf Point school’s technology program.

“I’ve made a lot of friends and meet a lot of people working at Hi-Line Sports and the school,” Mike said.

First Baptist Church holds services each Sunday at 11 a.m.

“It’s been such a blessing to be part of this community,” Mike said.