2026 Summer Camp Bios

Introducing - PASTOR MITCHELL W. BURCH

Mitchell’s ministry of nearly 50 years began when he felt the call of God upon his life at an early age. Since then he has served as evangelist at camp meetings, ministers meetings, international conventions and international preaching missions. His pastoral ministry began in Oak Hill, West Virginia as a full- time Associate Pastor. There he served for three years. After his ministry in Oak Hill, he was called to the First Church of God in Morehead, Kentucky. There he served for eight years; the church experienced wonderful growth and expansion.

His next pastoral charge of nine years was in Cincinnati, Ohio at the Dayspring Church of God. During his ministry the church tripled in AM attendance and developed a variety of new ministries, which continue to reach the community for Christ.

His third pastorate , Mitchell served as Senior Pastor of the Vancouver First Church of God in the State of Washington. During his 7 years of ministry the church experienced much transition and change. Under his leadership, the church and King’s Way Christian School experienced ministry growth and expansion. In July 2006, the church dedicated its $10 million Community Life Center and Christian High School facility. Today the church moves on in success and an exciting future.

Mitchell has also served 9 years as State Ministries Pastor for the Church of God in West Virginia. He then served as Senior Pastor of the Towne Boulevard Church of God in Middletown, Ohio for 7 years. He then moved back home to Buffalo, WV and started serving his home church, Buffalo Church of God in 2018.

Pastor Mitchell was born and raised in the river town of Buffalo, West Virginia by his father and mother, A. Wayne Burch and Gloria Burch, Church of God pastors of 48 years. He graduated from Buffalo High School in 1978 and then pursued higher education at Gulf Coast Bible College (presently Mid-America Christian University). He graduated from Orlando Bible Institute and Seminary, holding a Bachelor of Bible Theology Degree and from Atlantic Seminary with a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Biblical Preaching He is used widely in camp meetings, conventions and ministry seminars across the country and in various parts of the world.

Pastor Burch has served on various state committees in West Virginia, Kentucky Washington, and Ohio. He served on the National Steering Committee for the association of Church of God Evangelists. He was a member of the “Open Forum” doctrinal dialogue panel of the Church of God and the Christian Church/Churches of God and the Christian Church/Churches of Christ. He served on the Task Force of Discipleship and Evangelism for the Church of God. He served as the Secretary for the National Prayer Ministry Board of Directors and as a member of the International Program Committee for the Church of God. He has served on the Board of Trustees of Warner Pacific College. He served on the Vision Implementation Task Force of the Church of God, the Board of Directors for LIVE Ministries and Church Builders Plus Board of the Church of God.

Mitchell is the founder and President of Burch Renewal Ministries and serves the church at large as an Evangelist and Consultant.

Mitchell is also a coach at Buffalo High School where he coaches the Championship Lady Bison Basketball team.

Pastor Mitch is married to Missy Burch they have three grown children and 5 grandchildren.

Chad Harlan is currently the Lead Worship Pastor overseeing the multi-campus worship ministry of the First Church of God in St. Joseph, Michigan and has been serving there since January of 2012.  Previously, he served the First Church of God in Marion, IL for 7 years as Worship and Visitation Pastor.  He along with his wife, Tracey were both ordained in the Church of God in July of 2005 and have had the pleasure of being on staff together.  They have been blessed with three grown children who are also musically inclined and have two new grandchildren.  Chad has been serving the Church of God in worship ministry for 25 years.

Chad has played the piano since the age of two, has been a studio session musician, and has had the opportunity to share the stage with various Country and Southern Gospel artists.  God has allowed Chad to minister through camp meetings and conferences throughout the United States each year.  In 2020, Chad developed the Worship Leader Roundtable affinity group for the Church of God nationally which helps to disciple and encourage worship leaders throughout the Movement.  Chad enjoys building relationships with and leading people into a meaningful time of worship.  Because of his love of coaching people, Chad launched his own coaching business, Team Powered Coaching in 2023.  In his spare time, Chad enjoys working outdoors and driving classic cars.