The staff of First Presbyterian believes that a vital way they serve Christ is to offer assistance and support for the ministries of the church and her members. Please contact staff by phone or email.

Rev. Nathan Loudon, Pastor

We welcome Nathan J. Loudon as Pastor/Head of staff. Nathan is a 2005 graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary where he received his Masters of Divinity. Nathan also graduated from Bethany College of Lindsborg, KS in 2001 with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater and Religion. Nathan has previously pastored churches in Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Florida. Though not originally from the Buckeye state he is pleased to have been called here!

Nathan enjoys preaching, teaching, and providing pastoral care to all people. He feels called to deepen the intentionality of all to the mission of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. Though study and ongoing learning are parts of his daily work, Nathan prefers interpersonal engagement to academic pursuits. Nathan likes spending time with his wife of nineteen years, Stephanie, and keeping up with his four kids William, Claire, Emma, and Maggie. In his spare time Nathan likes to hike, play golf, garden, sing, act, eat ice cream and watch football (Go Steelers!).

Nathan’s favorite book of the Bible is 1John 3:16-18, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Nathan believes that actions of faith speak louder than words.

John McClain, Director of Worship and Music

John M. McClain is the Director of Music and Worship at First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, Ohio, an active professional singer, and clinician for soloists (pop, musical theatre, and classical) and choral ensembles. As a proud graduate of Capital University, he sang in the Capital University Chapel Choir, Philomel - under the direction of Dr. Lynda Hasseler, and Chordsmen - under the direction of Mr. Craig Courtney. He acted as a tenor section leader and soloist in those ensembles. Choirs under John’s direction have toured domestically, sung at state professional development conferences and Carnegie Hall, and produced professional-level major works with orchestra—most recently Elaine Hagenburg’s Illuminare.

Passionate about high-quality musical theatre as well, John is proud to have produced, music directed, and conducted several shows including Mary Poppins, Into the Woods, Next to Normal, Shrek, Footloose, and Grease. John is regularly heard on professional choral music recordings from Beckenhorst Press produced by Aire Born Studios, as a soloist and choral scholar with Deo Cantamus of Minneapolis, MN, and in the Choral Union at Capital University. Some highlights of John's solo ventures include performing the Star Spangled Banner for former President Barack Obama, singing as soloist in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, and various venues throughout Europe.

As an educator, John was recognized as the Ohio Music Education Association Outstanding Young Music Educator Award for 2022.  He considers himself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to make music every day, as his job, with the best people in the world.

Drawing inspiration from Psalm 100, he finds solace and purpose in the act of worship through music. Singing allows him to express his gratitude and devotion to God, while also connecting with others on a profound level. Through his voice, John seeks to create an atmosphere of joy, unity, and reverence, inviting others to join in the transformative power of music. He considers himself extremely blessed to have the opportunity to make music every day, as his job, with the best people in the world.

Stephanie Loudon, Director of Family & Children's Ministry

Jenny Miller, Administrative Assistant

Over twenty-five years ago, Jenny joined First Presbyterian and raised her three children in the church. She is a native of Lancaster, earned a BA in Business Administration from Taylor University and entered the workforce in Retail Banking and Banking Operations Management.

Jenny has been busy with civic groups including TWIG 1, PTA and various Athletic Booster groups holding offices in all. Her church involvement has included Sunday School teacher at all age levels, VBS teacher, Camp advisor, Children's Ministry Committee and the Youth Ministry Committee.

Jenny made a commitment to follow Christ at the age of thirteen and has depended on that decision to carry her through life's experiences. She states, "I have found Ephesians 2:10 as a guide and stay for my mission and purpose—For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Jodie Beachy, Financial Administrator

As the overseer of finances, Jodie is intricately involved with the day-to-day operations of the church and works with many individuals and committees. Jodie adds much to the abilities of the staff to meet the needs of the congregation. She began her ministry for the church in April 1990.  In her free time she and her husband enjoy spending time with her four adult children, their spouses and her six grandchildren.

Jodie recognizes the truth in and receives God’s Word from Ephesians 2:4-10: But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (ESV)

Caryn Ginter, Pianist/Accompanist

Caryn attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota and Trinity Lutheran College in Washington state to earn a degree in Youth and Family Ministry with a minor in Counseling. She spent time living in Australia to complete her required internship. She was also active in Crosscurrent, a music ministry that traveled the country to lead worship services, youth events and concerts. 

Caryn was raised in Pickerington but she and her husband, David, now live near her place of employment in Columbus. Caryn works at Stanton's Sheet Music in the Piano Department. She has filled her spare time with many music-based activities including piano and voice at Capital University and many church and community choirs.

Caryn states, It is always my prayer that the music I play will touch the hearts of people and grow them in closer relationship to the Lord. She shares her two favorite Scripture verses: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.