The latest news from many resources for American Baptist Churches.
Pastor Jeff “Hutch” Hubschman Goes to be with his Lord and Savior
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Pastor Jeff “Hutch” Hubschman, age 63, of Mount Gilead, went on to be with his Lord and Savior on May 4, 2023. Jeff pastored Bryn Zion Baptist Church in Mount Gilead. He passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family, following a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.
In 2011 Jeff was asked to fill in for a few weeks at Bryn Zion Baptist and it wasn’t long after that he became the church’s full-time minister. There was something about Jeff that made you want to listen when he spoke. He believed in people and educating them to be and do their best. In addition to speaking from the pulpit, Jeff utilized his gift as a speaker for Gideons International, where he was a former President of the Morrow County camp. He was a speaker for Heartbeat of Morrow County, and later began serving on their board. He also served on the board of West Central Community Correctional Facility in Marysville, as a representative of Morrow County.
Read more: Pastor Jeff “Hutch” Hubschman Goes to be with his Lord and Savior
Akron Association Welcomes a Familiar Face as Associate Regional Minister
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The Rev. Kevin E. Slyh has been called to serve as the new ARM for the Akron Association in Northeast Ohio beginning March 1, 2023.
Rev. Slyh began his pastoral ministry with ABC-Ohio in 1979 after graduating from Asbury Theological Seminary. He served as full-time pastor with three congregations; First Baptist Tiffin from 1979-1983, Park Avenue Baptist Church in Mansfield from 1983-1988, and First Baptist Church in Canton from 1988-2011. Following these full-time ministries, Kevin has served as either a part-time pastor or interim pastor at Community Baptist Church in Tallmadge, Springfield Baptist Church in Akron. Calvary Baptist Church in Elyria and First Baptist Church in Perry.
Rev. Slyh comes to us having served the region in various other ministries as well. He is a past-president of the ABC-Ohio Region Board and has held various other positions and served on committees at the region and association level. He fondly remembers many years ago when he was a Camp director at Judson Hills Baptist Camp in Loudonville, Ohio.
When asked what he looks forward to accomplishing in this new role, Kevin said, “I look forward to serving and being an encouragement to our association pastors and their families, as well as assisting Rev. Kevin Thomas, Northeast Ohio regional minister.”
Kevin resides in Hartville, Ohio with his wife Susan (47 years). They have always considered ministry something they embraced to do together. They have two married daughters and three grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys high school and college sports. He’s also never short on good clean jokes. ABC-Ohio welcomes Rev. Kevin E. Slyh.
First Baptist South Zanesville Seeks Youth Minister
First Baptist Church in South Zanesville is seeking an energetic person with a strong commitment to Christ and a desire to minister to youth in grades 6-12. The ideal candidate will be pursuing a ministry-related degree and/or have experience in Christian youth ministry. We are seeking a person with the skills and desire to start a new program “from the ground up.” At present, the position is part-time (up to 15 hours per week.) Wages will be based on education/experience and the number of hours the accepted candidate is able to be employed.
To apply, forward a resume with references to Youth Minister Search Team at fbcz(at)columbus.rr.com or to First Baptist Church, 80 E. Main Street, South Zanesville, OH 43701. No telephone inquiries, please. Email only. Applicants will be forwarded a complete job description and application form.
Rev. Calvin "Chuck" Ferrell, Jr. Called Home to the Lord
Reverend Calvin “Chuck” Ferrell, Jr. of Waverly WV, passed away Sunday, December 11, 2022. He pastored two churches, Gravel Hill, Fly OH and Pine Grove Baptist, Parkersburg WV. Please keep the Ferrell family in your prayers.
Born in Bedford, OH on October 3, 1947. He was the son of the late Rev. Calvin and Imogene Ferrell.
He graduated Clear Creek Baptist College and Eastern Theological Seminary before pastoring Gravel Hill and Pine Grove. In retirement he served many local churches as pulpit supply. He was always ready to lend a helping hand or listening ear to those in need.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Connie Newell Ferrell; one son Steve (Becky) Ferrell; one granddaughter Emily Ferrell; bonus grandchildren Courtney (Seth) Miller, Katie (Josh) Radabaugh; four great-grandchildren; four sisters, Pat Monroe, Sandra Lamb, Carol Wise, Cindy Knopp; and several nieces and nephews.
Please keep the Ferrell family in your prayers.