About us
Rooted in History, Focused on Jesus
For over 150 years, the First Church of God has been a beacon of faith in Wooster, Ohio. Our journey began on South Street in the heart of downtown, a testament to our long-standing commitment to this community. In 1972, we moved to our current location, and we have grown to deeply appreciate our present home, which offers ample space for fellowship, recreation, and future expansion. Our grounds provide a wonderful setting for picnics, games on the playground, and even the warmth of a campfire under the stars – fostering a true sense of church fellowship.
Our mission is simple yet profound: To Love God, Teach His Word, Share the Gospel, and Serve Others. At the core of everything we do is Jesus. With a wide range of activities designed for the whole family, we endeavor to cultivate a loving and supportive atmosphere where families can worship together, experience continuous spiritual growth, and actively volunteer to serve the Lord side-by-side. Our heart is to reach Wooster and the surrounding areas with the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ.
With our approach to worship services leaning conservative, we deeply value the rich tradition and spiritual depth found in singing hymns. This form of Christian worship music connects us to generations of believers and allows us to express our faith through song. We are a Bible-based church, firmly grounded in the teachings of Scripture, which form the foundation of all our ministries and programs.
We are proud to be a family-friendly church, offering a welcoming environment for people of all ages. Our commitment to intergenerational ministry is evident in the diverse opportunities we provide for connection and growth. We believe in equipping families to navigate life's challenges with a strong foundation of faith.
Meet Our Leadership
Pastor Arnie Kaufman - Senior Pastor
Pastor Arnie Kaufman is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ with a genuine heart for serving the people of the Wooster area. His deep love for Scripture and his passion for connecting faith to the realities of everyday life are evident in his weekly messages of hope, grace, and truth. Pastor Arnie's commitment to conservative values is balanced by his sincere desire to meet people where they are on their spiritual journey. He firmly believes in the power of building strong relationships, nurturing individual spiritual growth, and sharing the transformative love of Christ through acts of service and heartfelt compassion.
Beyond his pastoral duties of preaching and visiting church members, Pastor Arnie finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. You might often find him appreciating the beauty of the countryside, cherishing moments spent with his family, or readily offering a helping hand wherever it's needed in our community church. Whether you have walked with Jesus for many years or are just beginning to explore your Christian faith, Pastor Arnie and the entire family of the First Church of God extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to you. He provides valuable pastoral care and embodies the evangelical values we hold dear.
Amanda McVay-White - Secretary/Treasurer
With a deep commitment to the First Church of God community, Amanda McVay-White serves with both her organizational skills and a caring heart. As Church Secretary, Amanda ensures the smooth flow of church communications and carefully manages records, always ready to assist members and visitors with a welcoming spirit. In her role as Treasurer, Amanda works diligently with the Deacons to oversee the church's finances, handling budgets and church donations with transparency and integrity, ensuring the church's resources are stewarded responsibly. Beyond her dedication to the church, Amanda is a passionate dog lover who finds joy in the simple beauty of nature, enjoys getting lost in a good book, and cherishes spending quality time with her daughter. Just as she embraces all facets of her life with enthusiasm and care, Amanda brings that same dedication to her service at the First Church of God, where she plays a vital role in supporting its mission and fostering a welcoming environment for all.
Ministries for All Ages
We are a church that embraces individuals and families from all backgrounds. We offer a variety of ministries designed to meet the diverse needs of our faith community
Youth Ministry
Our youth ministry provides a dynamic and supportive environment for teenagers to learn about God, build meaningful relationships, and engage in youth ministry activities for teens. We aim to equip them to be Christ-following individuals.
Children's Ministry
Our vibrant children's ministry offers age-appropriate programs, including Sunday school classes for children, ensuring that even our youngest members have opportunities for spiritual growth and learning about God's love through fun and educational activities.
Nursery
We provide a safe and loving nursery for infants through kindergarten during our Sunday service, allowing parents to fully participate in our programs.
Prayer Chain Ministry
Our dedicated network of prayer warriors are ready to lift up the needs of our church family and community. Contact John Nixon to submit a prayer request. We believe in the power of intercessory prayer.
Ministries for All Ages cont.
Throughout the year, we also host various church events such as Vacation Bible School, Camp Otyokwah, and our Living Nativity, providing additional opportunities for fellowship, learning, and spiritual growth for the entire family. We strive to be a compassionate church community focused on solid Biblical teaching, discipleship, and support for your journey of faith. We encourage you to explore the many ways you can connect with our church family and experience the love of Jesus at the First Church of God.
Men's Fellowship Groups
These gatherings provide opportunities for men to connect, build strong relationships, and grow in their faith together. Contact Chuck Hess.
Women’s Ministry Programs
We offer various programs designed to encourage and equip women in their faith journey.
Music Ministry
We enjoy beautiful music. There is a sign up sheet in the church office for special music.
Community Outreach
Our church family participates in many outreach ministries throughout the year, including feeding the hungry and purchasing Christmas presents through Mountain Vision. Contact Church Office