Full Name: Reverend Barbara B. Sholis
But please call me: Barb or Pastor Barb
Position: Senior Pastor
Born: In Louisville, Kentucky; Oct 4th
Family Facts: Married to Bob, who is also clergy, and we have one daughter Sarah. Sarah married Ryan in 2005 and we now have a wonderful son-in-law as well! We also have two loveable “rescue” beagles -- Hunter and Murphy -- as well as two mellow cats -- Toby and Gabe.
Education: B.A. in English from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio; M.Div from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio.
How I became a Christian: Through the guidance of my family, particularly my father. As an adult, I grew to understand through many life lessons that what I perceived as a child, namely, this amazing love of Jesus Christ, will transform our lives if we will simply open the door to our hearts and invite Christ in.
How I ended up at First Church: The Bishop! In retrospect, though, I know that it was God’s nudging that brought me to First Church. This is a amazing church family and I am blessed to be working alongside each one of them in God’s call upon their lives.
The most important thing I do around here is: Help us to remember that we are covenant people! That partnership with God leads us anew into discovering, claiming, and living with conviction God’s dynamic vision for our lives and for His church.
My vision for the future of First Church is: “God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:9) My vision is to continue to deepen our understanding of koinonia (fellowship with God and with each other) and the vital partnership that God calls us into as Christians. By reaching up to God, reaching in to one another, and reaching out beyond our four walls into the parish of God’s world, we will understand what it means to be in ministry on Christ’s behalf.
One way folks can pray for me is: To lift up my ministry with gratitude as a witness to God’s patient, persistent, enduring love.