Welcome Home to First Church of God in Wooster!
Who We Are
For over 150 years, the First Church of God has stood as a welcoming beacon of faith in Wooster, Ohio, a place where individuals and families alike can encounter the life-changing love of Jesus Christ. From our humble beginnings downtown to our current, spacious location, our commitment has remained steadfast: to be a Christ-centered church dedicated to our mission: To Love God, Teach His Word, Share the Gospel, and Serve Others. Whether you are a long-time resident or new to the area, we extend a heartfelt invitation to you, to join our vibrant church and experience the warmth of belonging.
At First Church of God, you’ll discover a family-friendly atmosphere where people of all ages can connect with God and one another. We believe in fostering an environment where spiritual growth flourishes, and where every individual feels valued and embraced. Our doors are wide open to singles, families, and everyone in between, inviting you to worship, serve alongside us, and build lasting connections with fellow believers.
Encounter God Through Uplifting Worship
Join us each Sunday for our inspiring worship services. We gather to lift our voices, blending cherished hymns with expressions of praise. Our Sunday service at 10:30 A.M. is a time for the entire church fellowship to come together, experience the power of biblical teaching, and encounter the presence of God. For those unable to join us in person, we are pleased to offer online church services, bringing the message and fellowship directly to you.
We also have earlier opportunities for group learning, including
8:00 A.M. Bible study and engaging Sunday school classes for adults at 9:15 A.M.
Grow Deeper Through Biblical Teaching
We are a Bible-based church committed to teaching the unchanging truths of Scripture. Through engaging sermon series and various Bible study groups, we provide opportunities for everyone to deepen their understanding of God's Word and apply it to their daily lives. Whether you are exploring the Bible for the first time or have been a lifelong student, you will find resources here to fuel your spiritual journey.
Investing in the Next Generation
We are passionate about nurturing the faith of children and youth. Our thriving children's ministry offers fun, educational, and age-appropriate programs, including Sunday school classes for children and our exciting annual Vacation Bible School. Our dynamic youth ministry programs provide young people with a supportive environment for spiritual growth, fellowship, and interactive youth ministry activities. We strive to be a family-friendly church in Wooster, equipping the next generation to be Christ-following leaders. We also offer a safe and caring nursery for infants through kindergarten during our Sunday services.
Connecting and Serving Together
At First Church of God, we believe faith is best lived out in community. We offer a variety of opportunities for connection and service
Small Group Ministry
Our small group Bible studies provide a more intimate setting for building relationships and exploring God's Word together.
Men's Fellowship Groups and Women’s ministry programs offer specific opportunities for adults to connect, encourage one another, and grow in their faith.
Prayer Chain Ministry
Provides a vital supportive network of praying believers for personal requests and the needs of our community.
Community Outreach
Our congregation participates in multiple fundraisers and mission oriented events to feed the hungry and help those in need. Join in as we spread the love of Jesus to the world.
Church Community Events
Throughout the year, we host various church events and gatherings, such as church camp and our Living Nativity, providing opportunities for fellowship and fun for the whole family.
Meet Our Senior Pastor: Arnie Kaufman
Pastor Arnie Kaufman is a devoted leader with a deep love for Jesus Christ and a genuine passion for serving the Wooster community. His commitment to conservative values and his ability to connect biblical truths to everyday life make his messages both relevant and impactful. With a heart for building strong relationships and nurturing spiritual growth, Pastor Arnie’s leadership embodies our mission to Love God, Teach His Word, Share the Gospel, and Serve Others. He extends a warm welcome to all who seek a Bible-preaching church where they can grow in their faith.
A Legacy of Faith, A Future of Hope
Having served Wooster for over 150 years, the First Church of God stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and community. We are not simply resting on our history; we are a vibrant and active community church with a vision for the future. We are excited about the opportunities ahead to continue sharing the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and making a positive impact in our community and beyond.
We invite you to visit us and experience the welcoming spirit of the First Church of God. Whether you are seeking a family-friendly church, searching for small group Bible studies near Wooster, or simply wanting to connect with a faith-based community, you will find a home here. Come and discover how you can grow in your walk with Jesus. Join us as we continue our journey of faith, rooted in history and reaching towards the future with hope and the love of Christ.
