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
ALLIANCE
Cable Road Alliance
2264 N. Cable Rd.
Lima, OH 45807
419-331-5500
Average attendance: 300
Pastor: Ronald Jones
Student ministries pastor: David Latsha
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 & at 6 p.m. Sunday nights;
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
www.limafirst@who.rr.com
Average attendance: 175
Pastor: Rev. J. Randy Davis
Youth pastor: Rev. Mark Andreasen
Worship time: 10:30 a.m.
Christian education: 9:30 a.m.
Other meeting times: Wednesday family night, 7 p.m.;
Sunday evening, 6 p.m.
Ministry to students: Youth, Sunday school
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: Jeremy Gipson
Minister of music: Angie Price
Minister of christian education: Lori Hunt
Worship: 10 a.m. Sundays; 6:30 p.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9 a.m. Sundays
Crossfire Youth Alive: 7 p.m. Mondays
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
blufftonbaptist.org
Average attendance: 110
Pastor: Steve Renfrow
Worship: 10:45 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sundays
Other meeting times: 7 p.m. Sundays, 7 p.m. Wednesdays
Ministry to students: Young adult class ages 18-24
Opportunities to serve: Teach pre-school children & youth
Worship style: Blended and informal
Transportation: Call pastor – 419-358-1886
CATHOLIC
St. Mary's Catholic
160 N. Spring St.
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-8631
cinkrott@earthlink.net
Average attendance: 400
Pastoral leader: Sister Carol Inkrott
Chaplain: Rev. Thomas Gorman
Worship: 4 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. Sunday
Other times: Holy Days 7 p.m.
Christian education: Wednesday 6:30-7:30
Ministry to students: Campus ministry – Sr. Carol Inkrott,
RCIA – classes – TBA
Opportunities to serve: Eucharistic minister, lector, organist, choir, 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: 200-250
Pastors: Thomas Dearth and Ray Hadley
Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sundays
Other meeting times: Sunday evening service, 7 p.m.
Wednesday evening Bible study, 7 p.m.
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, ted_6@wcoil.com
Elm Street Church of the Brethren
619 E. Elm St.
Lima, OH 45804
419-227-8910
www.cob-net.org/elmsttreet.htm
Average attendance: 60
Pastors: Wesley Richard and Sue Richard, wrichard@nicsweb.com
Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sundays
Bible study: Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
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: Dave Underwood
Worship: 8:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9:45 a.m. Sundays
Other meeting times: 6:30 p.m. Sunday evenings
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 @ 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: 87
Pastor: Eric Rummel
Worship: 10 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9 a.m. Sundays
Opportunities to serve: Choirs, teaching Sunday school, prayer fellowship
Worship style: Casual
Transportation: None
St. John's United Church of Christ
223 W. College Ave.
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-5641
stjohnucc@bright.net
Average attendance: 105
Interim Pastor: Rev. Don Rock
Worship: 10 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9 a.m. Sundays
Other meetings: Choir rehearsal 7 p.m. Wednesday
Ministry to students: Young adult Sunday School class
Opportunities to serve: Choir, special music, youth and children’s ministry, prayer ministry
Worship style: Formal/informal, variety of music, open communication
Host families: Yes
Transportation: Within walking distance
CHURCH OF GOD
First Church of God at the Crossroads
775 S. Thayer Rd.
Lima, OH 45806
www.limacrossroads.org
Average attendance: 700
Lead pastor: Randy Bargerstock
Worship leader: Jason Hinkle
Administrator: Tim Hubbell
Director of Student Ministries: Tug Taviano
Experience designer: Barbara Hubbell, barb@limacrossroads.com
Director of Children’s Ministries: Jill Graham
Worship: 6 p.m. Saturday; 9:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m. Sundays
Sunday School: 7 p.m. Saturdays; 9:15 & 10:45 a.m. Sundays
Bible study: Wednesday evenings, 7 p.m.
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
Lead pastor: Dan Huckins
Worship times: Contemporary - 6 p.m. Saturdays, 9 & 10:45 a.m. Sundays,
The Source 10:45 a.m. Sunday
Ministry to students: Monthly social events
Worship style: Contemporary, The Source – emerging worship
LUTHERAN
English Lutheran
111 Grove St.
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-2591 or 419-358-6147
Average attendance: 120
Pastor: Kevin Mohr
Worship: 9 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 10:15 a.m. Sundays
Ministry to students: Blended worship of contemporary and traditional styles; 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
Senior pastor: Richard Potter
Associate pastor: Jim King
Youth pastor: Wade Slechter
Worship: 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sundays
Evening worship: 7 p.m. Wednesdays
Family night: Bible Studies 7 p.m. Wednesdays
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
Worship style: 8:15 a.m. – contemporary, 10:30 a.m. – 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. Sundays
Christian education: 9:15 a.m.
Other meeting times: Handbell Choir, 6 p.m. Wednesdays;
Chancel Choir, 7 p.m. Wednesdays
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: Rob Burdette
Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9:15 a.m. Sundays
Ministry to students: Potlucks, staff available for pastoral care
Opportunities to serve: Gleaning, youth and children’s ministries, adult choir
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. Sundays
Spanish speaking service: 3:30 p.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sundays
Ministry to students: Bible Study, 7 p.m. Wednesdays
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: Mel Hathaway
Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sundays
Worship style: Formal/informal
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. Sundays
Christian education: 9:45 a.m. Sundays
Other meetings: 7 p.m. Wednesdays
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
www.churchrus.org
Average attendance: 130
Senior pastor: Robert G. Wood (419-369-4155)
Youth: Brent Sloan
Worship: 10 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9 a.m. Sundays
Other meetings: Bible Study and Prayer, 7 p.m. Wednesdays
Opportunities to serve: Special music, children/youth ministry
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: Sunday 10 a.m. & Wednesday 7 p.m.
Christian education: Sunday 10:30 a.m. & Wednesday 7:15 p.m.
Other meetings: Monday night prayer meeting, 7 p.m.;
Friday morning Bible study, 9:30 a.m.;
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
1716 North Ridge Rd.
Findlay, OH 45840
(across from Outback Steakhouse)
www.ourjourneycommunity.org
info@ourjourneycommunity.org
Average attendance: 55
Pastor: Trevor Wright
Worship: 5:30 p.m. Sundays
Other meeting times: Movie discussion, 1st Saturday of the month
Ministry to students: Congregational life is geared toward young adults
Opportunities to serve: Worship team, hospitality ministries, offer classes in creative arts to low-income children in the community
Worship style: Relaxed, informal (couches, tables and chairs), “come as you are”
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. Sundays
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: Lewis Vandernaald
Worship: 10:15 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9 a.m. Sundays
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: 120
Pastor: Susan T. Reichenberg
Contemporary Worship: 9 a.m. Sundays
Traditional Worship: 11 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sundays
Opportunities to serve: Choir, Music Ministry; children and youth; missions
Worship style: Formal/somewhat liturgical
UNITED METHODIST
First United Methodist
116 Church St.
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-8921
bumc@wcoil.com
Average attendance: 120
Pastor: Ryan Grace
Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9:15 a.m. Sundays
Other meeting times: Chancel Choir rehearsal, 9:15 a.m. Sundays; Handbell Choir rehearsal,
7 p.m. Sundays (may vary); Bible study, 6 p.m. Wednesdays
Ministry to students: Sunday School class; carry-in dinners; constant availability of pastor to students
Opportunities to serve: Choir, special music, nursery help, mission trips
Worship style: Spiritual
Transportation: Within walking distance
Host families: Yes
Mt. Cory United Methodist
300 N. Main St. (sister to Pleasant View)
Mt. Cory, OH 45868
419-859-3779
Average attendance: 70
Pastor: Jerry Lewis
Worship: 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Other times: Bible study, Wednesdays, 7 p.m., at Pleasant View
Christian education: 9:30 a.m. Sunday
Ministry to students: Youth group, grade 7-college, Sundays 6:30 p.m.
Opportunities to serve: Special music
Pandora United Methodist
108 Washington St.
P.O. Box 151
Pandora, OH 45877
419-384-3905
Average attendance: 90
Pastor: Rev. Mark Hollinger
Worship: 9:30 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 8:30 a.m. Sundays
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: 70
Pastor: Jerry Lewis
Worship: 9:15 a.m. Sundays
Other times: Bible study 7 p.m. Wednesdays
Christian education: 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Ministry to students: Youth group, grade 7 – college Sundays,
6:30 p.m. at Mt. Cory church
Opportunities to serve: Special music
Worship style: Traditional/informal
Transportation: Call if needed
Riley Creek United Methodist
Corner 7L & M
P.O. Box 151
Pandora, OH 45877
419-384-3905
Average attendance: 15
Pastor: Rev. Mark Hollinger
Worship: 9:15 a.m. Sunday
Christian education: 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Worship style: Traditional, informal/rural
Trinity United Methodist
2022 SR 103
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-2001
Average attendance: 90
Pastor: Don Clinger
Worship: 10 a.m. Sundays
Christian education: 9 a.m. Sundays
Bible study: 7 p.m. Wednesdays
Ministry to students: Holy Grenade college group
Opportunities to serve: Christian education, music, children’s ministries, worship team
Worship style: Traditional/Contemporary, contemporary service started June 2002
Transportation: Call for arrangements
