On September 1, 2018, Rev. Toby Wagoner became pastor at First Baptist of Ravenswood. He and his wife Jennifer have five children under the age of 30, and four grandchildren. Originally, from Roane County, Pastor Toby worked as a radio broadcaster for over 15 years in Spencer and in state government in public health for over a decade. He served in
bi-vocational ministry since 2007-2018. Pastor Toby had previously served as youth pastor at First Baptist in 2014, where he was instrumental in growing the youth program.
While in his role as youth pastor, Toby created and branded the church’s teen ministry “Captivate.” He helped facilitate the End Zone after-game party following each home football game that has an attendance of over 125 young people each night. Additionally, he has led youth mission trips for the church to Myrtle Beach to work in a homeless feeding kitchen and nursing home. He has also encouraged young people to get involved with the Salvation Army and the church’s Community Kitchen in Jackson County.
As pastor at First Baptist, Toby brings the same excitement that he had in his youth ministry to the entire congregation. He leads an upbeat and interactive Bible Study on Wednesday nights. He is actively promoting multiple areas of ministry where persons can get involved in the church including a full choir, a bell choir, women’s fellowship group, men’s fellowship group, family life activities, Community Kitchen, End Zone, children’s programs and more.
The church provides a nursery, Sunday School classes for all ages, youth groups for all ages, and even a children’s church service during morning worship. Ann Johnson, a local elementary school teacher, serves as the Student Youth Director for the church. Ann has contagious enthusiasm and is building a wonderful program.
“I am extremely honored and humbled to be serving Ravenswood First Baptist,” said Pastor Toby. “I love this community, and this church loves this community. Our desire is to see more people come and join us, as we grow together in love and faith. We are an active and engaged church, grounded in family values. Our worship service is blended – offering both traditional and contemporary Christian music.”
As far as education, Pastor Toby is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry with a focus on Biblical Studies at Liberty University. Prior, he completed his Masters Degree in Biblical Studies (MABS) from the prestigious Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. He also received both his pastoral diploma and his Advanced Biblical Studies certificate from the West Virginia Baptist Convention’s (WVBC) School of Christian Studies (SCS) as part of the American Baptist Churches USA denomination. He has a Bachelor Degree and Associates Degree from West Virginia University at Parkersburg.
He is ordained through the Good Hope Association of the WVBC where he has served on the Association’s executive committee for six years. His ordination is recognized by the American Baptist Churches USA. Pastor Toby has been a guest minister at several churches across West Virginia.
Healthy families are important to the church. Therefore, Pastor Toby, makes himself available to our church family to provide pastoral care to individuals and families for marriage planning and marital support, family counseling, spiritual counseling, hospital care visits, funeral service planning, salvation and baptism consultation, home visitation, and emergency or crisis response needs.
For Immediate Help:
Suicidal Thoughts: For persons who may feel suicidal or if you think you may be having suicidal thoughts, please call 1-800-273-8255 now for immediate help 24/7/365. Call right now. There is hope. Jesus loves you.
Addiction: For persons wanting to enter addiction recovery, please call
1-844-435-7498 now. You can get help 24/7/365. Visit the Help4WV website and enter into an electronic chat with someone confidentially if needed. You can do this. Call now. The church also hosts a 12-step addiction recovery program called Broken Chains on most Friday evenings at 6:00.
