Dear Bluffton student,
When I look back on my time as a college student, my growth as a Christian came from both being involved in campus ministries as well as participation in a local church. My faith was enriched in new ways by visiting several different churches representing a variety of Christian traditions.
The churches in the Bluffton community have strong connections with our university and look forward to welcoming our students in their congregations, whether as one-time visitors or as regular participants. My hope and prayer is that you will make use of the opportunity to worship in different churches, and that you will find a local “church home” during your college years at Bluffton.
Blessings in Christ,
Stephen “Tig” Intagliata
Campus pastor
Churches in the village of Bluffton
APOSTOLIC PENTECOSTAL
Shepherd's Flock Apostolic Pentecostal Church
505 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 21
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-905-5730
mdn137@yahoo.com
Pastor: Mark S. Neddeau
First Lady: Dana R. Neddeau
Hours: Sunday 10 a.m. and Wednesday 6 p.m.
Worship style: Pentecostal/ open and free
Website: www.apostolicsunite.org
ALLIANCE
Cable Road Alliance
2264 N. Cable Rd.
Lima, OH 45807
419-331-5500
Average attendance: 200
Senior Pastor: Ronald Jones
Executive pastors: David Latsha and Mike Boyes
Worship coordination: Beth Moore
Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sundays
Adult and Children Sunday school classes: 9:30 a.m. Sundays
Other meeting times: Small groups meet at various times throughout the week; 7 p.m. Wednesday night prayer meeting
Ministry to students: Various events and Bible studies;
7 p.m. Wednesday night meeting;
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
Opportunities to serve: Sanctuary choir, teaching, AWANA leaders, music/drama, video and sound technicians
Transportation: Check with Bluffton families
Worship style: Blended
ASSEMBLY OF GOD
First Assembly of God
1575 E. High St.
Lima. OH 45804
419-229-5601 or 419-229-5633
Average attendance: 380
Pastor: Rev. J. Randy Davis
Associate pastor: Tom Golden
Worship time: 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Sunday
Other meeting times: Wednesday family night, 7 p.m.
Opportunities to serve: Youth ministry, music ministry and outreach evangelism
Worship style: Informal, Spirit-filled and Spirit-directed
Transportation: Can be worked out
Tri-county Family Assembly of God
835 North Main St.
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-1382
tricountyfamilyaog@earthlink.net
Average attendance: 125
Pastor: Rev. Terry D. Hunt
Youth/college pastor: M. Garver
Minister of christian education: Lori Hunt
Worship: 10 a.m. Sundays; 6:30 p.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9 a.m. Sundays
Fussion: 6:30 p.m. (college students)
Family ministries: 7 p.m. Wednesdays,
Opportunities to serve: Christian education, music, children’s ministries, worship team
Worship style: Informal, spirit-filled, evangelical
Transportation: Yes, call 419-358-1382
BAPTIST
Bluffton Baptist
345 County Line Rd.
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-0170
www.blufftonbaptistchurch.com
Average attendance: 65
Pastor: John McMinn
Worship: 10:45 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sundays
Other meeting times: 6 p.m. Sunday for discipleship training; 7 p.m. Wednesday for prayer meeting and devotions
Ministry to students: Young adult class ages 18-24
Opportunities to serve: College Praise Team
Worship style: Blended and informal
Transportation: Call pastor – 419-490-1914
CATHOLIC
St. Mary's Catholic
160 N. Spring St.
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-8631
cinkrott@earthlink.net
Average attendance: 225
Pastoral leader: Sister Carol Inkrott
Chaplain: Rev. Timothy Ferris
Worship: 4 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. Sunday
Other times: 7 p.m. Holy Days
Christian education: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday
Ministry to students: Campus ministry – Sr. Carol Inkrott,
RCIA – classes – TBA
Opportunities to serve: Eucharistic minister, lector, organist, choir, youth ministry, catechist or helper with religious education program.
Worship style: Liturgical
Host families: Yes
Transportation: Within walking distance
CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
County Line Church of the Brethren
4227 N. Hardin Rd.
Harrod, OH 45850
419-649-4364 or 419-649-5265
Average attendance: 200
Pastors: Thomas Dearth and Ray Hadley
Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sunday
Other meeting times: 6 p.m. Sunday, Bible study
7 p.m. Wednesday, evening Bible study
Ministry to students: Young Adult Sunday School Class
Opportunities to serve: Music, teaching; working with young people, etc.
Worship style: Bible based teaching and preaching; Charismatic
Transportation: Check with Bluffton families, contact the pastor at the church or e-mail, clcob_5364@watchtv.net
Elm Street Church of the Brethren
619 E. Elm St.
Lima, OH 45804
419-227-8910
http://www.cob-net.org/church/elmstreet.htm
Average attendance: 60
Interim Pastor: Doug Price
Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sunday
Bible study: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Ministry to students: Full participation in church life
Opportunities to serve: Music, teaching; after school program; neighborhood evangelism
Worship style: Blended
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Bethel Church of Christ
4014 County Rd. 330
Ada, OH 45810
419-326-8552
Average attendance: 250
Senior pastor: Brandon Mayden
Worship: 8:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 9:45 a.m. Sunday
Other meeting times: 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Ministry to students: Sunday School, fellowship activities
Opportunities to serve: Teach and assist youth activities and youth group
Worship style: Informal
Transportation: Call church office at 419-326-8552
Emmanual Church of Christ
P.O. Box 132
8375 Phillips Rd.
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-1561
Garmatter@adelphia.net
Average attendance: 120
Pastor: Eric Rummel
Youth Leader: Matt Spangler
Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 9 a.m. Sunday
Other meeting times: 7 p.m. Wednesday, evening Bible Study
Opportunities to serve: Teaching Sunday school, prayer fellowship, praise and worship team, Family Promise
Worship style: Casual
Transportation: Contact church ahead of time
St. John's United Church of Christ
223 W. College Ave.
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-5641
stjohnucc@embarqmail.com
Average attendance: 85
Pastor: Carol Clements
Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sunday
Ministry to students: Young adult Sunday School class
Opportunities to serve: Choir, special music, youth and children’s ministry, prayer ministry, food pantry
Worship style: Blended
Host families: Yes
Transportation: Within walking distance, but call for arrangements if needed
CHURCH OF GOD
First Church of God at the Crossroads
775 S. Thayer Rd.
Lima, OH 45806
www.limacrossroads.org
Average attendance: 600
Lead pastor: Randy Bargerstock
Worship leader, College and Children's Ministry: Jason Hinkle
Administrator: Tim Hubbell
Director of student ministries: Tim and Barbara Hubbell
Experience designer: Barbara Hubbell, barb@limacrossroads.com
Worship: 6 p.m. Saturday; 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Sunday School: 7 p.m. Saturday; 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Bible study: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Opportunities to serve: Various opportunities in most areas of ministry
Worship style: Contemporary
CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
Lima Community Church of the Nazarene
2945 N. Cole St.
Lima, OH 45801
419-223-9646
info@LimaCC.com
www.LimaCC.com
Average attendance: 2050
Worship times: Contemporary - 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 & 10:45 a.m. Sunday,
10:45 a.m. The Source venue at Axis Building
11 a.m. East Side venue at Howard Johnson H otel
Ministry to students: MSC - Mission Shaped Communities
Opportunties to serve: All kinds! Call for what is available
Worship style: Generally contemporary
LUTHERAN
English Evangelical Lutheran
111 Grove St.
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-2591 or 419-358-6147
Average attendance: 100
Pastor: Kevin Mohr
Worship: 9 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 10:15 a.m. Sunday
Ministry to students: College-aged, young adult Sunday School class
Opportunities to serve: Choir, teach Sunday School, youth group, praise team
Worship style: Blended contemporary and traditional
Transportation: Within walking distance
MENNONITE
Ebenezer Mennonite
8905 Columbus Grove Rd.
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-8588
Average attendance: 425
Associate pastors: Jim King and Richard Potter
Youth pastor: Wade Slechter
Worship: 10:15 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9 a.m. Sundays
Evening worship: 7 p.m. Wednesdays
Family night: 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Bible studies
Ministry to students: College and Career Sunday School class
Opportunities to serve: Sunday School teachers; youth club leaders, children’s club leaders; choirs; special music, small groups
Worship style: Contemporary and traditional
Transportation: Call for arrangements
First Mennonite
101 S. Jackson St.
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-5766
fmc@bluffton.edu
www.fmcbluffton.org
Average attendance: 275
Pastor: Steven Yoder
Associate pastor: Louise Wideman
Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 9:15 a.m. Sunday
Other meeting times: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Handbell Choir;
7 p.m. Wednesdays, Chancel Choir
Ministry to students: Potlucks, staff available for pastoral care
Opportunities to serve: Choir directors, singers and hand-bell players; teach or help with Sunday school, youth group, children’s club, perform at coffee shops
Worship Style: Formal, blend of traditional/contemporary
Host families: Yes
Grace Mennonite
502 E. Main St.
Pandora, OH 45877
419-384-3502
gmc@bluffton.edu
Average attendance: 180
Transitional Pastor: Dennis Schmidt
Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sunday
Ministry to students: Potlucks, staff available for pastoral care
Opportunities to serve: Gleaning, youth and children’s ministries, adult choir, worship, Sunday school
Worship style: Blend of traditional/contemporary, creative use of drama
Transportation: Yes
Host families: Yes
Lima Mennonite
1318 N. Main St.
Lima, OH 45801
419-222-2120
limamc@earthlink.net
Average attendance: 60
Pastor: David Elkins
Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Spanish speaking service: 4 p.m. Sunday
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sunday
Ministry to students: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Bible Study
Child care: During Sunday school and worship service
Opportunities to serve: Neighborhood outreach, teaching, worship participation (planning, singing, leading), piano playing and much more
Worship style: Informal
Transportation: Yes! Call for arrangements
Salem Mennonite
4275 W. State Rd.
Elida, OH 45807
419-339-1505
salemmc@watchtv.net
www.salemmennonite.com
Average attendance: 75
Pastor: In transition
Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sunday
Opportunities to serve: Music ministry, volunteer opportunities
Worship style: Traditional/blended
St. John Mennonite
15988 Road 4
Pandora, OH 45877
419-384-3680
Average attendance: 450
Pastors: Dave Stratton and Lynn Thompson
Worship: 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 9:45 a.m. Sunday
Other meetings: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Ministry to students: College and single adult class
Opportunities to serve: Ensembles, children, youth, worship team
Worship style: Traditional and contemporary
Host families: Yes
Transportation: Call for arrangements
MISSIONARY
Pandora Missionary
300 Rocket Ridge
P.O. Box 173
Pandora, OH 45877
419-384-3154
Average attendance: 130
Senior pastor: Sam Ochstein
Children's church: Jane Roberts
Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 9 a.m. Sunday
Opportunities to serve: Special music, children/youth ministry, check website for other opportunities
Worship style: Informal, mix of contemporary and traditional
Host families: Yes
Transportation: Church van will pick up, call for arrangements; church is approx. 7 miles from Bluffton.
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Church on the Rock
4500 Road R (Putnam Rd.)
Pandora, OH 45877
419-384-3001
Average attendance: 40
Pastor: Nathan Miller
Times of worship: 10 a.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. Wednesday
Christian education: 10:30 a.m. Sunday, 7:15 p.m. Wednesday
Other meetings: 7 p.m. Monday night prayer meeting;
9:30 a.m. Friday morning Bible study,
Special Sunday evening services
Opportunities to serve: Special music, praise team, children’s ministry worker, greeter
Worship style: Contemporary
Transportation: Call for arrangements
Journey Church
225 W. Bigelow Ave.
Findlay, OH 45840
www.ourjourneycommunity.org
info@ourjourneycommunity.org
Average attendance: 120
Pastor: Trevor Wright
Worship: 9 a.m. traditional, 11 a.m. postmodern, Sunday
Christian education: 10:15 a.m. Sunday
Other meeting times: Periodic classes, spiritual disciplines retreat, service opportunities
Ministry to students: Congregational life is geared toward young adults
Opportunities to serve: Worship team, hospitality ministries, soon to offer classes in creative arts to disadvantaged children in the community, future ministry with pregnant teens
Worship style: Relaxed, informal, “come as you are”, full band, multi-media
Transportation: Carpool with other students (contact campus pastor)
Kalida Family Outreach Center
404 W. Northland Dr.
Kalida, OH 45853 (just north of Kalida off highway 115)
419-532-2525
office@kfoc.org
Average attendance: 150
Pastor: Jim Swihart
Associate pastor: Derrick Wallace
Christian education: Dawn Swihart
Worship: 9:30 a.m. Sunday
Opportunities to serve: Various opportunities in most areas of ministry
Worship style: Contemporary
PRESBYTERIAN
Bluffton Presbyterian
112 N. Main St.
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-5806
www.Blufftonpc.org
Average attendance: 100
Pastor: Matthew Zuehlke
Worship: 10:15 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 9 a.m. Sunday
Opportunities to serve: Lay leaders, voice and bell choirs, lead adult Sunday School, assist with youth group, Kid’s club
Worship style: Follows Presbyterian order of Worship, communion on the first Sunday of the month
Transportation: Within walking distance
Market Presbyterian
1100 W. Market St.
Lima, OH 45805
419-229-9040
www.mspcLima.org
Average attendance: 70
Pastor: Two area pastors alternate preaching
Rev. D. Kaiser
Rev. T. Holmes
Traditional Worship: 11 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sunday
Opportunities to serve: Choir, Music Ministry; children and youth; missions
Worship style: Formal/somewhat liturgical
Dress: Casual
UNITED METHODIST
First United Methodist
116 Church St.
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-8921
blufftonfirst@gmail.com
www.fumcbluffton.org
"Like us" on Facebook @ Bluffton First United Methodist
Average attendance: 120
Pastor: Bryant Miller
Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Discipleship Groups: 8 p.m. Tuesday Women's Community Group;
8 p.m. Wednesday Men's Community Group
Other meeting times: 7 p.m. Tuesday Handbell Choir rehearsal;
9:30 a.m. Sunday Praise Band rehearsal
Ministry to students: 9 p.m. every other Sunday "Connections" College/Young Adult Bible study @ Bob's Place on campus
Opportunities to serve: Praise Band, Handbell Choir, special music, nursery help, kids' ministry help, youth ministry help, mission trips
Worship style: Casual with a blend of traditional and contemporary music
Transportation: Within walking distance
Mt. Cory United Methodist
(sister to Pleasant View)
300 N. Main St.
Mt. Cory, OH 45868
419-859-3779
Average attendance: 45
Pastor: Jerry Lewis
Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sunday.
Worship style: Blended
Opportunities to serve: Special music, choir, bell choir
Pandora United Methodist
108 Washington St.
P.O. Box 151
Pandora, OH 45877
419-384-3905
Average attendance: 100
Pastor: Rev. Duane Kemerely
Worship: 9:30 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 8:30 a.m. Sunday
Ministry to students: Young Adult Sunday School class
Opportunities to serve: Special music, choir, youth and children’s ministry, evangelism
Worship style: Blended traditional, variety of music, evangelical
Transportation: Call for arrangements
Pleasant View United Methodist
300 CR 37
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-859-3779
coryview@wcnet.org
Average attendance: 45
Pastor: Jerry Lewis
Worship: 9:15 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Opportunities to serve: Special music
Worship style: Blended
Transportation: Call if needed
Rockport United Methodist
5505 Rockport Road
Columbus Grove, OH 45830
419-641-3401 or 419-233-5255
http://rockportumc.weebly.com
Average attendance: 40
Pastor: Greg Coleman
Worship: 9 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Ministry to students: Connections College group at 9 p.m. on Sunday nights.
Contact Krysti for details: 419-233-5255; gromankj@bluffton.edu
Opportunities to serve: special music, teaching, missions, serving at Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen
Worship style: Blended
Transportation: Call or text 419-233-5255
Trinity United Methodist
2022 SR 103
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-2001
Average attendance: 90
Pastor: Don Clinger
Worship: 10 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 9 a.m. Sunday
Bible study: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Ministry to students: Holy Grenade college group
Opportunities to serve: Christian education, music, children’s ministries, worship team
Worship style: Traditional/Contemporary
Transportation: Call for arrangements
