Our Staff

  • Tyson Nofzinger - Lead Pastor

    Tyson Nofzinger is the Lead Pastor at First Church of God. Tyson is married to Beth, and they have three girls. They have over 20 years of experience leading churches and parachurch ministries in Northwest Ohio and Southern Michigan.

    The kids keep them busy with soccer and gymnastics. They love spending time with their church family and enjoy the outdoors. They also enjoy playing video games, cards, and board games together and with friends. You may also catch them watching anything Star Wars, Marvel, or Harry Potter.

    Tyson and Beth grew up in Northwest Ohio and are big fans of the Buckeyes and Browns. They love serving Jesus and this community, and hope you’ll take the time to explore the website and consider becoming a part of the incredible First Church family!

    Email Tyson!

  • Larry Kennedy - Associate Pastor

    Larry has served as the Associate Pastor since 1998 and has been attending FCOG since 1988. He also attended as a child in the 60’s and early 70’s. He married Tina Reynolds in May of 1993 and they have 2 children, Hannah and Isaac. Larry is a graduate of Vision Christian Bible College and Seminary. He has a Bachelor of Theology degree and a PhD in Clinical Christian Counseling.

    For relaxation, he enjoys watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ohio State Buckeyes play football…although it may not be very relaxing at times. He also really enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

    Pastor Larry’s favorite bible passage is James 1. It is his desire to help all people see their need for Jesus Christ and the wisdom and guidance He offers for our life journey.

    Email Larry!

  • Amanda Mock - Children's Ministry

    Amanda Mock is the children’s ministry director at First Church of God.

    She is married to Kyle and they have four amazing kids.

    She has a passion for teaching young people about Christ and leading them in their Christian faith.

    Email Email Amanda!!

  • Mike Baxter - Office Administrator

    Mike serves as our Office Administrator.

    He and Lisa were married here at First Church in September of 1989 and have three adult girls: Amanda, Erin, and Emily, and 6 grandchildren.

    Mike has been in ministry since 1999 serving as a youth pastor, in media ministries, teaching ministries, and as an administrative pastor for the past 15 years.  His passion is to walk through the bible with others and watch God’s Word connect with them.

    In his spare time, he and Lisa enjoy camping and just sitting in the quiet of a campground.  He also enjoys working on his “project” car and other projects around the house.

    Email Mike!!

  • Michelle Mayes - Rainbow Promise Childcare Center

    Michelle Mayes serves as the administrator of the Rainbow Promise Child Care Center and Preschool, coming to us in June 2019 from Lexington, KY where for over 20 years she worked as a church daycare teacher, assistant director, and director.

    Having attended church all her life, she became a believer at a young age.

    Michelle met her husband of 25 years at Defiance College, from which she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. The two have 3 active teenagers whose activities they love to support.

    Michelle has a passion for educating children, nature, gardening, music, arts & crafts, and drama.

    Email Michelle!