First Church of God
- Denomination: Church of God
- Location: Columbia City, IN
- Size: 1000
- Website: https://firstchurchconnect.com/
- Hiring for: Senior Pastor
Stretched thin
When the esteemed senior pastor of First Church of God stepped down in 2022 after 13 years of leadership, the church entered a pivotal and long transition period. For two years, Executive Pastor Rob Bergman helped bear the leadership load, developing the church’s unity and staff culture while navigating the difficulties of an understaffed team. Rob’s steady friendship and guidance helped the church stay grounded and maintain operations critical to their mission, but it was clear that the staff couldn’t continue at this pace without a permanent senior leader.
The church needed a teacher, shepherd, and visionary who would align with the church’s values while providing new direction and skills. Someone to reinforce the church’s familial atmosphere, embrace its multi-generational community, and equip the team for discipleship. First Church of God was ready for a relational, visionary pastor who could realign the staff toward new areas of growth. The sooner they found that leader, the better.
About First Church of God, Columbia City
Founded in 1885, First Church of God is a historic congregation deeply rooted in Columbia City, Indiana. With parts of the congregation attending the church for generations, First Church of God plays a uniquely personal role in the community. Their mission is simple: to help all people meet Jesus, know Jesus, and follow Jesus.
The church is known for its family-oriented atmosphere and thriving kids and student ministries. The long-lasting connections run deep, and they continue to grow through thriving small groups and weekend gatherings. It’s a church with a long legacy, driven forward by a desire to continue making an impact in Columbia City for years to come.
The ideal candidate: a leader of leaders
First Church of God was seeking a senior pastor who could fit seamlessly into a culture that has been developing since 1885. The right person could present new skillsets that could strengthen the team, sustain thriving ministries, and clarify the path forward for the church.
They were looking for someone who was:
- Educated, holding both an undergraduate and a seminary degree
- Seasoned, with at least seven years of ministry experience
- People-oriented and a team player
- Theologically aligned, fully resonating with the church’s beliefs and values
- A skilled speaker and visionary leader
- A disciple who makes disciples, and is able to train leaders to do the same
The search
Time was passing quickly. The church needed to fill out their team without compromising the process. They hoped to end the search with a pastor who would shape the future of their church for years to come. That’s why they partnered with Vanderbloemen for the first time. This partnership would widen their reach, move the search forward, and utilize the expertise of a team of experts in the field.
Executive Search Consultant Rick Callahan led the search, equipped with 34 years of ministry experience. His understanding of pastoral leadership and church dynamics helped him seek out a DNA-level fit – someone who matched the church’s identity, calling, and values. After Rick interviewed First Church of God’s leadership and built a profile for the search, Executive Search Recruiter Will Hancock joined the process. He and Rick collaborated to build a curated slate of candidates — each one vetted not just for not just the right qualifications, but for character and values.
The first slate of candidates held promise, and the church carefully considered each one, but they didn’t feel ready to move forward. Careful not to rush the process, they were holding out for the right fit. Together, the church staff and Vanderbloemen team redefined the vision for this candidate. The church believed there was someone out there who would be a clearer fit — someone who would check boxes, but could also be like family. The second round of candidates presented brought fresh momentum, and with it, the opportunity they’d been waiting for.
About Shaen Marks
Discovered in the second slate of candidates was Shaen Marks, an experienced senior pastor serving in Kansas. Shaen experienced a calling toward preaching and teaching in a community like First Church of God’s congregation. With the opportunity to shepherd First Church of God, he plans to embrace the community, digging deep roots for long-lasting leadership.
Originally from Sacramento, Shaen married his high school sweetheart, Katie, in 2004. Together, they have five children ranging from 9 to 17 years old. Shortly after accepting the call to First Church of God, the Marks family relocated to Columbia City, ready to plant themselves into the church and the wider community.
Shaen brought more experience and skills than the search team originally hoped to find, including:
- Nearly 20 years of ministry experience
- A Master’s from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Strengths in vision casting, discipleship, preaching, and staff development
- A proven gift for building culture and training leaders
Shaen’s calling, experience, and heart for people made him a natural fit. His leadership is already helping the church develop a new rhythm, and his presence promises a clear vision for growth grounded in purpose. With a new shepherd in place, the church enters a new season with renewed clarity and momentum, and the faithful legacy of First Church of God in Columbia City continues.
