our story.
First Church began in the early part of the 20th century by a few families in the city of Defiance who had heard about the message of the Church of God. Several beliefs guided them: God’s Word was the authority for belief and practice, unity came through Jesus Christ and not through church membership, and people could live lives pleasing to God if they were empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Since that time, the church has met in various locations and currently meets at 561 Carter Road. First Church is located on 40 acres and is home to The Summit Youth Center.
We are affiliated with the worldwide Christian movement of the Church of God which has its headquarters in Anderson, Indiana.
“meeting people where they are…loving them to where jesus wants thems to be.”
— First Church Defiance, Mission