Mission, Worship, and Music Are the Focus at First Pres Muncie

The Reverend Ronald Naylor, is celebrating 25 years in the pulpit at the First Presbyterian Church in Muncie, Indiana, according to The Star Press. First Pres is his fourth pastorate, having previously served in Rushville, Indiana; Greenville, Ohio; and Port Huron, Michigan. He earned his masters of theology from Princeton Theological Seminary.

Founded in 1828, First Pres is the second oldest church in town, but the congregation remains quite vibrant in mission. With $189,000 in total mission giving last year (25% of overall contributions), the church's 686 members are able to be very active in both worldwide and local mission. The congregation has been able to send Reverend Naylor on 6 mission trips to Haiti, as well as on visits to Honduras and Mexico. They've sent him to Central Europe, even the Vatican. The church is also involved in Korea, not only because it has a sister congregation in Korea with over 10,000 members, but because an associate pastor conducts services for a contingent of 115 Korean worshipers in Muncie.

The church focuses much attention on its worship and music programs. It has a second associate pastor with extensive experience in music and youth; an organist who also serves as music coordinator; and a worship and music leader with a strong background in music.

Reverend Naylor is to be congratulated on his fine stewardship of what sounds like a wonderful congregation. You probably would have made a fine lawyer, but we're confident you've found your niche.