Pastor John began his work at FPC in January of 2019.  He came to us with over a decade of pastoral ministry experience serving churches in Missouri and Tennessee.  He graduated from Evangel University in 2003 with a BA in history and theology.  He went on to complete his MDiv at Central Baptist Theological Seminary (ABC) in Kansas City, KS.  He has been admitted to Memphis Theological Seminary to complete his DMin participating in their "Land, Food, and Faith Development Cohort".  

Pastor has a passion for the Church and Reformed Theology and enjoys seeing individuals and families understand the life giving message of who God is and how much God loves them.  He has a deep love for rural and small town America and longs to see the gospel shape the lives and ethics of a community.  He has the heart of a preacher and brings life and energy to expounding the scripture on Sunday morning and during midweek gatherings.  

"Its through innovation, collaboration, and facilitation, guided by the Spirit and grounded in the scripture, that we see a church begin to discern God's purpose for them and then to rediscover their vitality as a visible sign of the Kingdom rooted in the time and place of their community."  

Feel free to email or call Pastor John.  He enjoys being out in the community and would love to have the chance to sit down and share life with you over beer or coffee (your choice...:-)

The Session of First Presbyterian Church is elected by the congregation to represent its interests and plays a crucial role in the governance and spiritual leadership of the congregation. Comprising six elders, the Session provides direction and oversight for the church’s mission and ministries. Each elder serves up to two consecutive three-year terms before taking a mandatory one-year break, ensuring a continual infusion of new perspectives and ideas. This rotation helps maintain a dynamic and responsive leadership team that adapts to the evolving needs of the church.

To effectively manage the diverse aspects of church life, each elder or a combination of elders is responsible for overseeing specific committees. These include the Finance Committee, Property Committee, Communications Committee, Worship Committee, Fellowship Committee, Christian Education Committee, Outreach Committee, and Membership Committee. These committees handle the essential functions and activities of the church, allowing the Session to ensure that all aspects of church life are effectively coordinated and supported.

The Deacons of First Presbyterian Church serve as dedicated caregivers, embodying the church's commitment to compassion and service. Elected by the congregation, the Deacons focus on providing support and assistance to members of the church and the community at large, especially those in need. Their role encompasses a range of responsibilities, including offering practical help during times of crisis, coordinating support for individuals facing challenges, warmly welcoming visitors during services to foster a sense of community and belonging, and organizing outreach efforts to extend the church’s care to the broader community.

In addition to their direct service, Deacons work to foster a spirit of fellowship and connection within the congregation. They collaborate closely with other church leaders and committees to ensure that the needs of the members are met and that everyone feels supported and valued. Through their efforts, the Deacons play a vital role in nurturing the spiritual and emotional well-being of the church family, reinforcing the church’s mission of love and care.