Meet Our Pastor
Pastor Sam Farlow and his wife, Darlene, arrived at First Baptist in August of 2021. They have been working together to start or revitalize churches for almost 40 years. Before moving to Ohio, their 3 church plants and 3 previous church revitalizations were all from Colorado and on further west - with 3 in California and one each in Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado. Since both were raised in Illinois and Sam received his M.Div. in Michigan, they are familiar with midwestern weather and culture and are delighted to be closer to 13 of their grandkids by being in Ohio!
Pastor Sam enjoys playing softball, flag football, and an occasional round of golf besides his morning exercise routine. Now that she has concluded being a Special Ed paraprofessional, Darlene enjoys walks with their Chiweenie dog, Penny, (especially when in the woods), reading, and speaking Spanish. Both the Farlows REALLY enjoy spending time with the grandkids!
The Farlows' greatest desire is that everyone who attends First Baptist will sense the Holy Spirit's presence in our midst and will be encouraged to take the next step (whatever that is at the time) in their lives toward greater intimacy with God through Jesus Christ - our Lord and our Best Friend!
Pastor Sam enjoys playing softball, flag football, and an occasional round of golf besides his morning exercise routine. Now that she has concluded being a Special Ed paraprofessional, Darlene enjoys walks with their Chiweenie dog, Penny, (especially when in the woods), reading, and speaking Spanish. Both the Farlows REALLY enjoy spending time with the grandkids!
The Farlows' greatest desire is that everyone who attends First Baptist will sense the Holy Spirit's presence in our midst and will be encouraged to take the next step (whatever that is at the time) in their lives toward greater intimacy with God through Jesus Christ - our Lord and our Best Friend!
Chaplain Jeffrey and Maggie Cunningham
While being raised in Ohio, Chaplain Jeff came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ at the age of five. Growing up, he always felt a calling to serve God. He received a bachelor’s degree at The Ohio State University and furthered his education at Liberty University to earn a master’s degree with a focus on chaplaincy. Jeff has a passion for serving the Lord through expository preaching and teaching, so he joined the Army Reserves to serve our God and Country as a military chaplain. He married Maggie in November of 2013 and together they share six children. Jeff has been faithfully serving as pulpit supply here at First Baptist Church of Strongsville since June of 2020.