Mission, Vision, and Values
Key Responsibilities
The Lead Pastor role at First Christian Church offers a rare opportunity to step into a legacy of steady, humble leadership and help guide the congregation into its next chapter. With a strong foundation built by decades of faithful ministry and many life-long, committed members, the church is rooted in both tradition and a shared vision for the future. Volunteers, the congregation, and the broader community are eager to link arms and hearts and grow together in impact and purpose.
Strong Communicator: The next Lead Pastor at First Christian Church must be a gifted and relatable communicator who teaches with both biblical accuracy and heartfelt conviction. Preaching should be expository in nature—anchored in Scripture—and delivered in a way that connects practically to everyday life. The ideal candidate will have a communication style that is authentic, relational, and accessible to both long-time believers and those exploring faith for the first time.
Church Builder: This is a prime opportunity for a strategic leader who thrives on building systems, shaping culture, and equipping the church for sustainable growth. In partnership with the Elders, the new Lead Pastor will help guide vision development, strengthen staffing structures, establish ministry rhythms, align the calendar around strategic priorities, and inspire the congregation to reach into the community with the hope of the gospel.
Discipleship Focus with a Heart for the Lost: First Christian Church is deeply committed to spiritual growth and intentional discipleship, and they’re equally passionate about reaching the lost. The ideal candidate will be able to balance both: equipping believers to grow deeper in their walk with Christ while inspiring and mobilizing the church to share the gospel in everyday life. This leader must carry both conviction for sound doctrine and compassion for those far from God.
Spiritual Shepherding: This next chapter will require more than just strategic leadership—it will require spiritual care. The new Lead Pastor should model a vibrant, growing relationship with Jesus, cultivating personal rhythms of prayer, humility, and integrity. Beyond the pulpit, this leader will shape a church culture that values soul care, emotional health, and relational investment—shepherding people with truth and tenderness.
Rural Living: Located in the heart of northern Oklahoma, Blackwell offers the charm and closeness of rural living. The ideal candidate will not only be comfortable in this setting but also energized by the opportunity to do meaningful ministry in a smaller town. Life moves a little slower, but relationships run deep. This leader should be ready to embrace the pace and invest fully in the rhythms of rural community life.
Succession: After 25 years of faithful and fruitful leadership, Pastor Jeff has stepped down as Lead Pastor. His legacy is marked by humility, stability, and love for the church and the city. The transition has been intentionally planned, and Jeff remains a beloved presence in the church family. He continues to serve in a limited teaching role and plans to take a sabbatical once the new pastor is in place. The team is hopeful, united, and ready to rally around the new leader God is bringing to write the next chapter of impact and growth.
First Christian Church, located in Blackwell, OK, is a historic and welcoming congregation with deep roots in the community. Since its founding in 1893—just months after the opening of the Cherokee Strip—the church has served as a cornerstone of faith and fellowship in Kay County.
Throughout its 130-year history, First Christian Church has shown a remarkable spirit of perseverance and unity, steadily expanding its facilities and outreach in step with the growing needs of the community. The congregation has worshiped in several buildings over the decades, with its current home on East Coolidge opening in 1959.
Former Senior Pastor Jeff Koch faithfully led the church from 2000 to 2025, continuing a legacy of strong, servant-hearted leadership.
Located in the heart of northern Oklahoma, Blackwell offers a small-town atmosphere rich with history, hospitality, and a strong sense of community. First Christian Church remains committed to welcoming all who seek a church home, offering a warm environment where faith is nurtured, relationships are strengthened, and Christ is glorified.
First Christian Church is located in Blackwell, Oklahoma, nestled in Kay County in the northern part of the state. Just off I-35 and near the Kansas border, Blackwell is a small, close-knit town with a rich history in agriculture and oil production.
While quieter than a major metropolitan area, Blackwell offers a charm all its own. It’s the kind of place where people know their neighbors, community events are well-attended, and faith and family run deep. The residents of Blackwell are resilient, hard-working, and full of heart—proud of their town’s heritage and hopeful for its future.
The surrounding region is filled with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, including fishing and boating at nearby Kaw Lake, exploring local parks, or heading to the Great Salt Plains for a unique Oklahoma experience. While Blackwell itself maintains a peaceful, small-town pace, it’s just a short drive to larger cities like Ponca City and Stillwater, giving easy access to more shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Whether you’re enjoying a Friday night football game, supporting local businesses, or serving your neighbors, Blackwell is a place where community and purpose come together.