More than a year ago, Second Baptist Church said farewell to its pastor and since, has spearheaded a search for a new spiritual leader. After a 13-month search, the church recently welcomed a new pastor to help impact lives in the congregation, community and beyond.

After Second Baptist’s former pastor, Scott Setzer, took a position as a missionary with Roanoke Baptist Convention a little over a year ago, the church was left without a pastor, according to church member Bob Burroughs. Several pastors filled in as needed, including church member and N.C. Baptist State Convention strategy coordinator Dr. Charles Campbell.

From there, the church’s search committee, elected by the congregation, advertised the position, to which it received over 500 resumes. Dozens of hours of sermons were viewed and heard, some leading to interviews. The committee finally narrowed the pool of candidates down and extended an offer for Rev. John R. Koch to preach for the congregation on Nov. 15. On Nov. 14, a reception was held in the church fellowship hall for Koch and his wife, Kay.

“This was an opportunity to introduce them to our church members and for members to ask questions prior to the service the next morning (Nov. 15),” said Mike White, a member of the committee. Immediately following Rev. Koch’s message on (Nov. 15), the congregation voted and approved Rev. John Koch to be the pastor of Second Baptist Church.”

Koch and his wife moved to Washington from Memphis, Tennessee, and he preached his first Sunday on Dec. 6. The following Sunday, an installation ceremony was held, honoring Koch’s new position as the church’s spiritual leader, a ceremony that Koch says was warm, inviting and full of the spirit of God.

“It was a high point for us and the church was incredibly warm and welcoming, especially because it was a spiritual moment when you’re among your church family or even Christian folks,” Koch said. “The presence of God was strongly evident. It was just a spirit of joy and happiness and excitement and a real sense of God’s presence and especially coinciding with the Christmas season, it was just a wonderful experience.”

Koch said he and the congregation agree that the church has a lot of potential to grow and lead more people to God. In his first sermon, Koch cited the need to make a difference in the lives of people in Washington and beyond through the church’s outreach.

“We are very pleased and excited to be in Washington, specifically Second Baptist Church. My wife and I have been immediately accepted, and we couldn’t be more pleased. We believe Second Baptist is here to make an eternal impact in the lives of people and the entire community and the whole world, and as we go forward, our vision and our values rest solidly on a Biblical foundation, exalting Christ and making disciples.”

Second Baptist Church is located at 2516 W. FifthSt. in Washington.