Wes Vander Lugt is our new Theologian in residence

I am excited to communicate the hiring of a theologian in residence for the upcoming fall semester. After a lengthy search, Dr. Wesley Vander Lugt will be joining the First Church staff on August 23.

Dr. Vander Lugt is a strong theologian with a broad range of pastoral and teaching experience. He has been an instructor in contemporary culture at Covenant Theological Seminary and has served as an adjunct professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Most recently, Wes has been the lead pastor at Warehouse 242 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

During the four months that Wes is serving First Church, he will be spending his time teaching and leading groups in discussions, writing with Dr. Miller, and periodically preaching on Sunday. Wes says that he is, “excited to bring his passion for theology to bear on the vibrant First Church community by listening to what the Spirit is already teaching,
and offering several classes and opportunities to deepen that learning.” With a doctorate in Theology, Imagination and the Arts from the University of St. Andrews, we are excited to see how Wes will bring the arts to theology at First Church.

Wes is married to Stephanie, who is also an ordained minister and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work. They have three kids including Eden who is nine-years old, Beata who is seven, and Chalmer who is four, loves art and will be attending a Spanish-language immersion school. Together, the Vander Lugts love gardening, reading, traveling, hiking and shared meals.

Please join me in welcoming the Vander Lugt family to First Church and the Tulsa community.