Rod Willey with his wife, Donna, and children from their churhc plant.
Debbie Michel
April 30, 2025However, Donna began noticing that while they were physically together in church, Rod’s mind was elsewhere—immersed in his practice.
Reflecting on their life, Donna realized something was missing. On a trip to Andrews University, she felt compelled to purchase a new Bible at the nearby Adventist Book Center, yearning for a deeper connection with her faith. As she read Genesis through Exodus, her perspective transformed. "I realized that God, who created the world, could recreate me," she said. This personal spiritual awakening soon influenced Rod, who saw Donna’s transformation and began reassessing his own purpose.
Nine years into his career, Rod experienced an unexpected moment in his office when a staff member, struggling with personal challenges, sought guidance. Without hesitation, Rod suggested turning to God, which led to an impromptu Bible study with several office staff and their families. What began as a small gathering of four people quickly grew to 12, and this experience ignited a passion in Rod beyond dentistry.
During a mission trip, then-Illinois conference president, Jim Brower, suggested they consider planting a church. Initially resistant, Rod and Donna eventually felt a calling to embark on this journey. Juggling their expanding dental practice, which grew to employ eight dentists, they found themselves with more time to dedicate to their newfound mission.
In January 1995, they held their first Sabbath service in the waiting room of their dental office. As their congregation expanded, they sought a permanent location. After much searching, they found an abandoned school building up for auction. Despite financial and logistical challenges, their faith led them to take a leap. The congregation secured the building for $150,000—an incredible deal as it was later appraised at $850,000. This acquisition not only provided a dedicated worship space but also solidified their commitment to church planting. Over time, multiple baptisms resulted from their ministry, including several of their dental office staff and patients who had been deeply moved by their faith-based approach to business and life.
One particularly moving moment came when Rod noticed that one of the Sabbath school teachers had never been baptized. Curious, he approached the man after class and asked, "What does it take for you to be baptized?" The teacher paused, thought for a moment, and replied, "I guess I just need to make the decision." This conversation led not only to his baptism but also to the baptism of his entire family.
Another blessing came when they learned that repurposing the building for religious use qualified them for a significant tax break. This unexpected provision reaffirmed their belief that God was guiding their efforts every step of the way.
Over the past 30 years, Rod and Donna’s journey has reshaped their lives. Their office became an extension of their ministry, with worship sessions for staff, prayers with patients, and even baptisms among employees. Their small church also embraced global outreach, including raising $4,000 this past Christmas to free a family from indentured labor in Pakistan.
The Willeys credit their success to their conference’s unwavering trust and encouragement, allowing them to navigate challenges while focusing on their mission. "Compassion and personal transformation are what grow a church," Donna emphasized.
On Feb. 25, 2025, Rod and Donna Willey told their testimony to a group of pastors and church planters at the North American Division eHuddle conference at Andrews University. Watch a clip of their talk through the link above.
Debbie Michel is editor of the Lake Union Herald.
