Who Are We?

Red Oak First United Methodist Church

Red Oak First United Methodist Church is located at 600 E. Hammond St. We hold two services on Sunday morning, one at 8 am and one at 10:30 am. We welcome all visitors as we work to build a community across the generations.

What We Believe

As a United Methodist congregation, we believe that our lives as followers of Jesus are not just about how God comes to us but also about how God works through us.

Personal faith is very important and is to be lived out in concrete ways in the world. The love we receive through our relationship with Jesus Christ compels us to love our neighbor and ourselves just as we are unconditionally loved and offered ample grace.

Methodism is founded on a history of intellectually engaged believers who hold themselves to the standard that Jesus set for us. We are to be the Body of Christ in the world and we are not asked to check our brains at the door.

Methodism is not a doctrine heavy denomination, which means that Methodists sitting next to each other in worship, or working next to each other on a mission trip, may not agree on substantive issues. While we have a passionate faith with strong convictions, we also recognize that the world is not always black and white. We ask questions, wrestle with difficult issues, and respect our brothers and sisters who may believe differently than we do. We believe we are stronger because we are not all alike.

Our Mission

To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:19-20)

We invite you to join us as we grow together in Christ!

Staff

Rev. Doctor Eric Z. Sayonkon, Pastor

Rev. Doctor Eric Z. Sayonkon, has served churches from Liberia, Ghana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Iowa. He has over 21 years of ministry experience involving pastorate, discipleship, evangelism, missionary and chaplaincy ministries. He is an Ordained Elder in the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church and member of the Board of Ordained Ministry. He served as part of the Healthy Church Initiative (HCI) consultation team helping churches to experience transformation from inward to outward focus with God’s vision.

Pastor Eric holds a BA in Pastoral Ministries from Central Christian College, an MDiv from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Garrett- Evangelical- Theological Seminary. He is endorsed by the United Methodist Endorsing Agency and trained as a chaplain. He and his wife Eboni have two wonderful children, Luke and Abigail. He escaped the civil war in his homeland of Liberia and lived as a refugee in Ghana. While in Ghana he was a missionary pastor serving the mission of God. It is his calling to lead and shepherd God’s people to spread the reign of God through compassion, mercy, and justice throughout the world. His passion is to preach and teach God’s word by loving and equipping God’s people for ministry. He is committed to the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Mr. Tim Marsden, Director of Music

Tim is an accomplished professional musician, singer, and artistic director. Tim is also the Choir and Vocal Director for the Red Oak High School. Tim leads our choir and praise band and is our Worship Leader.

Ms. Becky Neff, Assistant Music Director

Becky is an accomplished professional musician, singer, and artistic director. Becky plays piano at our worship services and is the director of our Bell Choir.

Ms. Jennifer Abbott and Mr. Glynn Gulling, Church Custodians

Jennifer and Glynn are Nishna Productions clients and are employed by the church as custodians. Hard working and friendly, Jennifer and Glynn bring cleanliness as well as joy to the church

Calleen Nelson, Administrative Assistant

Calleen manages the church office and is also the financial secretary for the church. Calleen has a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Northwest Missouri State University, which serves the church well in many different areas. Aside from the church, Calleen is a mother to two amazing kids, Olivia and Logan.