Josh Black
Lead Pastor
Josh joined the First Free staff team in 2006 as our student ministries pastor before being sent by First Free in 2008 to pursue an MDiv at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. After graduating in 2011 he was installed as the lead pastor in August of that same year. His primary responsibilities are feeding the flock by preaching the Word of God on Sunday mornings and leading the church in faithfully making disciples of Jesus Christ who glorify God. He is also involved in equipping people for ministry. Josh graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in family studies and human services. Following graduation, he worked with Young Life for four years and then spent almost five years in the car business before going into vocational ministry, which God used to prepare him for leading an organization.
Josh and Maggie were married in 1997 and they have nine children – Evan (married to Ethan), Hattie (engaged to Brandon), Ruby, Flannery, Diamond, Abe, Isaiah, Birdie, and Neaveha. Six are biological children and three were added to the family over the years. Their home is loud and full of adventure! Josh enjoys listening to music, playing guitar or bass with Abe, attending his kids’ sporting events, or reading a book. He’s usually reading in 15-20 books at any given time (but he doesn’t always finish them!).
What do you love about doing ministry at First Free?
“First Free has been my home church for over 25 years. It has been my wife’s church for over 40 years! We were members in this church before I became a pastor at the church. So, this church has always felt like home more than a job. We have a depth of relationships here that are precious to us. And this makes our ministry a great joy!I also love working in a collaborative environment. We have a wonderful Elder Board and staff team that I have great confidence in. This gives me freedom to focus on the priorities of preaching, leading, and equipping.”