Pastor Profiles: Scott Blanchard Encourages Faith, Hope and Life at Lakepointe

Regardless of the title used, Scott, Pastor Scott and Reverend Pastor Sir all refer to one person at –lead pastor Scott Blanchard.

A native of Troy, MI, Blanchard, 36, started his career in pastoral ministry in 1999 at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church in Pensacola, FL. In 2009, Blanchard, his wife, Karen, and son, Nate, returned to Blanchard’s home state so Blanchard could start Lakepointe Church, which currently operates out of in Macomb Township.

“I love to be able to physically help and serve people,” Blanchard said of his career in ministry. “I enjoy helping people with spiritual guidance and wisdom.”

In an effort to expand Patch's coverage of the local faith community, Patch reached out to Blanchard to talk about his job as pastor, Lakepointe’s role in the local community and his thoughts on faith at home and abroad.

Macomb Patch: From what sources do you draw inspiration for your work?

Scott Blanchard: First of all, the Bible. Second, I enjoy listening from other pastors and reading books. Some of my favorite authors are: Max Lucado, Rick Warren, Andy Stanley, Jon Acuff, Dave Ramsey and Mitch Albom.

Macomb Patch: What do you want to accomplish in Macomb Township?

Blanchard: At Lakepointe Church, we want to help the residents of Macomb Township by offering serving opportunities to help each other, fun events for the entire family, resources to help with addictions and encouraging messages of hope.

Macomb Patch: What do you hope your congregation takes from your leadership?

Blanchard: Because I’m 80 percent deaf, I want the people in our community to be inspired to do what they feel lead to do. Many times, people come up with “excuses” about themselves and eventually, they live a life of regrets. I hope that people would see that I’m not afraid of my “handicap,” and I’m living the life that I’m supposed to live–and in turn, they will be inspired to “just do it” and to not live a life of regrets.

Macomb Patch: What do you believe is the greatest problem or issue affecting our world today?

Blanchard: I truly believe that the greatest problem in our society today is that we have gotten away from what it means “to live a life of faith in Christ.”

Macomb Patch: How would you finish this sentence, "By the time I retire as a pastor, I hope to have ..."

Blanchard: A growing body of people who don’t just “GO to church” but they “ARE the church” and impact not just Macomb Township and metro-Detroit area, but to impact the world.

Macomb Patch: What is the best advice you've ever been given?

Blanchard: BE who you are and DO what you are made for. Don’t worry about what people may say or think about you; you can’t please everyone.

Fast Facts about Pastor Scott: 

• Favorite Bible passage is Philippians 1:6 (NIV): Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

"This means to me that God is not done working in my life and that He has a greater plan than that of my own," he said.

• Favorite Film: Gladiator, Indiana Jones series
• Favorite Place to Visit: Colorado, Florida beaches
• Favorite Band or Composer: Coldplay, Big Daddy Weave, Third Day, Chris Tomlin, Hillsong
• Favorite Food: Steak and BBQ–pulled pork, ribs (from Dreamland)
• Hobbies: Golf and reading