Meet Our Pastors
Thomas Gang
Tom was born and raised in Canton, Ohio where he met his wife Linda. At the age of 28 years old, he received Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour after being invited by his friend Dick Bradley to attend the First Baptist Church of New Philadelphia. Tom was trained for ministry in many servant and leadership roles, completing four years of education at the NP Shepherds School of Ministry. After working in the medical equipment industry for over 20 years, he entered into full time vocational ministry and was ordained a Baptist minister, then sent out as the founding pastor of the First Baptist Church of Jackson. Tom was later presented with an honorary Doctorate from the First Bible Baptist College in Tagum, Philippines for his extensive work in SE Asia. Pastor Tom and his wife have 3 grown children, Valarie, Rachel and Samuel.
Stephen Wineka
Stephen grew up in Green, Ohio as the son of Pastor Rory and Pat Wineka. As a child, Stephen received Jesus Christ as his Saviour. Having a call to ministry, Stephen earned a bachelor’s degree from the Moody Bible Institute and completed a four year curriculum at the Jackson Bible Institute and School of Ministry. He resigned his executive position at Charles Schwab to enter vocational ministry and was ordained a Baptist minister of the gospel here in our local church. Stephen has served in numerous ministries for children, as well as adults, and is an Associate Pastor. Stephen and his wife Meghann have three children, Lilyann, Lucas, and Lucy.
Aaron Stanley
Aaron was born in Akron and graduated from Green High School before serving in the Ohio National Guard for 6 years. At the age of 18, Aaron was challenged to examine whether or not he was saved and, at that time, truly trusted in Christ as his personal Saviour. Aaron served in various ministries at FBCJ for many years and is following the Lord into full-time ministry where he now serves as an associate pastor carrying out many pastoral duties and responsibilities to include visitation and pastoral care. He is married to Rebecca, raising three boys, Ethan, Brody, and Ezra.
Cory Howell
Cory grew up in the Canton area and was invited to the First Baptist Church of New Philadelphia by his friends at the age of 12. Having been with FBCJ since their send-out in March of 2000, Cory would eventually receive Christ as his Saviour a year later at a summer camp preached by Pastor Mike Blake. He believed he had a call to ministry since the age of 16 which led him to join the Jackson Bible Institute and School of Ministry a year after high school. Having previously led various children’s ministries and adult Sunday School, Cory is currently leading our Sr High Youth Ministry. He and his wife Heather have two boys, Wyatt and Ryder.
Rory Wineka
Rory was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. After graduating from the University of Akron in 1970, he taught English and Latin in the Akron public schools. God saved Rory’s soul through the ministry of a Southern Baptist Pastor at a coffee house in Delaware in 1971. Rory later served under the ministry of Pastor David Burnham at the Chapel in Akron and entered the Ashland Theological Seminary where he earned his Master’s degree in Bible and Christian Education. Rory ministered as a senior pastor for over 20 years and then came to FBCJ to serve as an associate pastor from 2004-2017. Though officially retired, he continues to minister within our church body along with his wife, Pat.
What is Pastor Emeritus?
Emeritus is an honorary title given to someone who has retired from a position, such as a pastor, as a way of honoring his service. The term “emeritus” comes from the Latin word emereri, which means to earn one’s discharge by service. Giving the title “Pastor Emeritus” to a retiring pastor is a way for our church to continue to honor his service to the church. We at FBCJ want to graciously recognize our beloved pastors that have served us so well over the years. These pastors are officially retired from our church staff, but continue to serve as the Lord leads them alongside the body of Christ.
Rory Wineka – Pastor Emeritus: 2/16/2004 through retirement 9/30/17