Pastor Allen Wayne
I grew up in Steubenville, Ohio. When I was 14, my father recommitted his life to Christ. This had a profound effect on me, and I received Christ as my Savior during this time.
I got involved with the youth group at Kolmont Community Church (the church my family attended), and it was during this time that I began to sense a desire to serve God in a greater way. A man named John Brumett discipled me (he's a Pastor in Texas now), and he became my spiritual mentor. Pastor Brumett encouraged me to get a Bible college education to help prepare me to pursue the call of God on my life.
In 1990, I moved to Baltimore to attend Maryland Bible College & Seminary. During my years at Maryland Bible College, I participated in Noah's Ark Bible Club, Nursing home ministry, security team, military outreach at Aberdeen Proving Ground, and was a member of the Student Council. I graduated with a Degree in Biblical Studies. My wife, Carrie, and I were married two weeks after graduation.
After being part of a prayer group for Latin America on Sunday nights for several years, Carrie and I felt God leading us to be a part of a church planting team in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We moved there to be a part of the team in 1996. While living in Argentina, we learned a lot--both spiritually and practically speaking. Our son, Samuel, was born there in 1998.
Upon returning to the U.S., we spent time in Baltimore, Maryland; Seneca Falls, New York (assisting pastor), and Pulteney, New York (senior pastor) before finally moving to Rome, New York in 2008. For several years, I supported the church by serving as an elder and as the administrative assistant and bookkeeper, and did so with my whole heart. During the last year of that "season" in my life, I sensed that God was leading me on to "more." Carrie and I prayed about what "more" was to be. When Pastor Whalen announced he was retiring, I sensed that the Holy Spirit was telling me to offer to pastor the church here. So that brings us to today.
I have a full-time job in Whitesboro, and I will continue to work there as I pastor our church.
My idea of a perfect day would be to watch sports ("Go Buckeyes!"), exercise with my son, spend time with my family, and drink a strong cup of coffee with my Bible in front of me. My greatest joy and satisfaction is sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and proclaiming God's Word
.