–by Mary Helen Darah
PUBLICATION DATE: Aug 04, 2020

Epworth United Methodist Church, located at 4855 Central Ave., welcomes Rev. Dr. Stephen Swisher as its new senior pastor. Swisher serves on the West Ohio Clergy Ethics Training Task Force and is a Certified Trainer for the Faith Trust Institute in the areas of Clergy Ethics, Healthy Boundaries and Safe Sanctuaries. He holds advanced degrees including a Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Sacred Literature. He has been awarded the Harry Denman Excellence in Evangelism Award from the Foundation for Evangelism in Nashville, Tenn. and the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. Swisher has also served as a Doctoral Mentor and Adjunct Faculty member in Preaching and Leadership at United Theological Seminary.

The new minister is a fourth-generation Methodist leader and has pastored churches of all sizes and looks forward to leading Epworth into the future while celebrating its heritage. “Epworth United Methodist Church is both historic in nature but as relevant as the issues facing America today. We are proud of our heritage but never just content with our distinguished past. Every day we are engaged in mission and ministry to help our neighbors here at home and beyond as we proclaim Christ from the heart of Toledo,” he stated.
In addition to being the author of “God’s Way to Good Health,” published by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Press, Swisher has had many unique experiences throughout his ministry. He recently concluded 5 years of service as the Chaplain of the Ohio State Senate and has also opened the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives in prayer.
Swisher looks forward to getting to know the current members of Epworth and hopes others will come and experience worship at his new church home. As those who know him have said, “Dr. Swisher can relate to anyone about anything at any time.” He and daughter Emily are settling into the community and are enjoying their new residence in Sylvania.