PONTIAC, MI – After more than 30 years of dedicated leadership, Pastor Kent Clark announced he is stepping down from his roles as CEO of Pontiac-based nonprofit Grace Centers of Hope (GCH) and Lead Pastor of Grace Gospel Fellowship church.
Effective Jan. 1, Clark will transition to the honorary title of Pastor Emeritus, continuing with the organization by serving as GCH’s Chairman of the Board, meeting with key partners, and attending special events.
On Oct. 20, a Legacy Celebration was held at Grace Gospel Fellowship church in Pontiac to honor the remarkable contributions of Pastor Clark and his wife, Dr. Pam Clark, director of Women’s and Children’s Programs at GCH. Dr. Clark, who has also served in her role for more than 30 years, will also step down, effective January 1, and will be replaced by Amber Weiss.
“Serving Grace Centers of Hope and Grace Gospel Fellowship for the past three decades has been the greatest honor of my lifetime,” Clark said. “From the beginning, I’ve been driven by the belief that offering food and shelter alone wasn’t enough to truly change lives. Together with an incredible team, we’ve built a ministry that not only meets immediate needs but also transforms lives, helping individuals find hope, purpose and a future. As I step down from my leadership role, I am filled with gratitude for the countless lives that have been touched and the tremendous community that has supported this mission.”
The Legacy Celebration event featured a video celebrating decades of accomplishments by Pastor Clark and Dr. Pam Clark, the official passing of the torch to Darin and Amber Weiss, a special thank you video from the entire church, a solo performance of “In Christ Alone”, and a luncheon. The event also welcomed special guest and featured speaker Frank Reich, former NFL player and coach, and former president of Reformed Theological Seminary’s Charlotte campus.
Also at the Legacy Celebration, Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel presented Pastor Clark with a proclamation from the city recognizing his extraordinary impact on Pontiac.
Pastor Darin Weiss has been selected to succeed Pastor Clark as CEO of Grace Centers of Hope and Lead Pastor of Grace Gospel Fellowship. Weiss, who currently serves as COO at GCH, brings a deep commitment to the organization’s mission and a clear vision for continuing its transformative work in the community.
“I am truly appreciative and humbled to follow in the footsteps of Pastor Clark, whose unwavering commitment and vision have transformed Grace Centers of Hope into the life-changing ministry it is today,” Weiss said. “Pastor Clark’s leadership has been a beacon of hope for thousands of men, women, and children, and his passion for helping those in need has set an incredible example for all of us. We will take his wisdom and move forward as we continue to grow the Grace Centers organization and our impact in the community for many more decades.”
GCH, originally founded in 1942 as the Pontiac Rescue Mission, has been a beacon of hope for those struggling with addiction, homelessness, and abuse. Under Pastor Clark’s leadership, the nonprofit has expanded its mission far beyond providing food and shelter, instead working to address the root causes of homelessness, and helping individuals transition back into society as productive members of the community.
- Since its inception, GCH has served an estimated 20,000 men, women, and children, with approximately half of that number receiving assistance during Pastor Clark’s tenure, which started in 1994.
- Under Pastor Clark’s leadership, GCH has grown into one of Michigan’s largest and oldest faith-based outreach organizations supporting disadvantaged individuals and families.
- In recent years, the organization expanded its outreach to include the William A. Davis Women and Children’s Center, a 22,000-square foot, three-level facility with 106 beds in 25 semi-private rooms.
- GCH’s men’s shelter also underwent a major renovation in fall 2024 that was unveiled earlier this month, including 37 additional beds, a recreation room, gym and music room.
Pastor Clark said that as he moves on to his new Emeritus role, he is confident in the organization’s future.
“Under Darin’s leadership, Grace Centers of Hope will continue to grow and impact even more lives. Pam and I have been truly blessed, and we are excited to see what God has in store for the future,” said Pastor Clark.
