In Alliance, Ohio, First Church of God is a congregation whose life centers on worship and Bible teaching across generations. Founded in the 1880s as a branch of Church of God in Anderson, IN, it is known for a Sunday rhythm that begins with Sunday School and continues through worship and Children's Church, while age-specific Bible studies meet on Wednesday. The church gathers at 505 N. Lincoln Ave.
Alliance Roots and an Open Welcome
Its roots reach to the 1880s, when the congregation was founded on the Truth found in God's Word. First Church of God continues as a branch of Church of God in Anderson, IN. The church defines its mission as reaching everyone with the love and redemption of Christ and says worship is open to people regardless of creed, cause or religion.
As a branch, the congregation remains tied to Church of God in Anderson while maintaining its own local pastors, deacons and ministry leaders. Its leadership structure includes dedicated responsibilities for worship, teaching and visitation, youth work, Christian education, children's ministries, hospitality, outreach, congregation life, property, finance and fellowship.
The physical location is 505 N. Lincoln Ave., Alliance, OH 44601. The office phone is 330-821-1449, and office@firstchurchofgodalliance.org reaches the church office. Mail is addressed to 1180 W. State Street, PMB 215, Alliance, OH 44601.
Sunday School, Worship and Children's Time
Sunday begins at 9:15 AM with Sunday School for all ages. At 10:30 AM, the worship service and Children's Church begin together. Nursery care is provided for infants and preschoolers during worship.
- 9:15 AM: Sunday School for all ages.
- 10:30 AM: Worship Service with Children's Church.
- During worship: Nursery care for infants and preschoolers.
The in-person gathering starts at 10:30 AM. Sermons are streamed live on Facebook at 11:00 AM every Sunday, and past sermons are available on the church's Facebook account as well.
Wednesday Nights on the First and Second Floors
Wednesday activities continue throughout the year, including summer. Doors open at 6:15 PM, and the three scheduled groups meet from 6:30 to 7:30 PM.
- NewLife Kids serves preschool through fifth grade on the first floor.
- The Salt Youth serves sixth through twelfth grade in the youth room on the second floor.
- Adult Bible Study welcomes people age 18 and older in the Multi-Ministry Center on the second floor.
Men's and women's Bible studies also take place throughout the year at varying times.
Pastors and Ministry Leaders
Anthony Molihan serves as senior pastor, Jack Ruble as pastor of teaching and visitation, and Jordan Halstead as youth pastor. Marie Unkefer directs children's ministry on Sunday, while Tara Jordan directs the children's Wednesday ministry. Nursery and preschool co-coordinators are Kristianna Hurford, Lori Molihan and Kasilyn Meadows. Josh Wright leads the men's Bible study, and Brandy Curry leads the women's Bible study.
Melody Ruble leads the prayer chain and the Women in Grief Support ministry. Seven deacons divide responsibilities across hospitality, local and global outreach, Christian education, congregation life, property, finance and fellowship. The named deacons are Larry Nichols, Rod Peterson, Emily Rhome, Chrissy Christner, Dwain Unkefer, Roger Rhome and Rick Close.
JOY and Recurring Fellowship
The church has a monthly ministry for adults age 55 and older. Calling themselves JOY, short for Just Older Youth, they meet each month and welcome anyone 55 and older. Monthly bonfires are another recurring fellowship activity and have been hosted at private homes. JOY meetings and bonfires sit alongside the regular schedules for worship, study and outreach, giving adults additional recurring opportunities to gather.
What the Church Teaches
The church's teaching begins with the gospel of Jesus Christ: people cannot live at God's standard through their own strength, and all have sinned. It states that all people deserve eternal death, but the name of Jesus is the only name in which a person can call for salvation. Salvation is given by grace at repentance and rebirth in Christ, not something a person can earn. The Bible is described as the infallible, inerrant Word of God and the authority by which all life is measured.
God is revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus is affirmed as God, as the one who died on the cross, rose to everlasting life on the third day, ascended to the Father and is preparing a place for his church. The Holy Spirit is described as presently dwelling on earth, raising up those who believe and distributing gifts according to grace. The church also teaches that the second coming of Jesus cannot be predicted and will occur unexpectedly.
Human nature is described as sinful from birth because of Adam and Eve's fall. The church is the collection of all believers in Christ, and membership is attained at salvation. Believers are called to pursue holiness, while unity is treated as inseparable from holiness. Those in leadership are held to a higher standard of accountability and are to serve as examples of Christ. Christian stewardship covers an entire life, including hopes, desires, possessions and finances, with tithing identified as the minimum standard of giving for a mature believer.
Three physical acts are part of the church's practice: baptism by immersion, Communion and footwashing. The kingdom of God is described as a present reality within those who have been saved. On gender and marriage, the church teaches that God purposefully created male and female, that all who are reborn are equal in God's church regardless of gender or ethnicity, and that marriage is a holy act of worship joining one biological male and one biological female. It has adopted resolutions from the Church of God, Anderson, IN concerning homosexuality, same-sex marriage, and protection against forced officiating or hosting of same-sex marriages.
Resources for Reading, Service and Giving
For those beginning a regular Bible-reading practice, the church provides a Bible Reading Guide as a starting point for discipleship. A Connection Card is available, volunteer access is handled through Planning Center, and giving is available through a dedicated giving option. These practical supports sit alongside the regular schedule of worship, teaching, senior fellowship, men's and women's Bible studies, youth work, children's ministry and outreach.
First Church of God's story stretches from its 1880s founding to a regular rhythm that places Sunday school, worship and age-specific study side by side. At 505 N. Lincoln Ave. in Alliance, the church continues as a branch of Church of God in Anderson, IN, rooted in biblical teaching and shared fellowship.