ABOUT US
We are Friends
Mission Statement:
Create a ‘Welcome Home’ atmosphere where our church community can flourish in fellowship through Jesus.
Vision Statement:
As a community, we are committed to promoting Christian values as a way of life locally and globally. Our dedication to these principles will remain unwavering and steadfast, ensuring they are consistently upheld and celebrated. By embodying these values, we aim to inspire others to do the same and positively impact the world.
Faith Statement:
Our faith is grounded on the Gospel's interpretation that recognizes the presence of the living Christ in the present moment. We firmly believe that the resurrected Lord is accessible to everyone, and there is no need for any rituals or ceremonies.
Purpose Statement:
We achieve our mission through various means, such as prayerful worship, educational opportunities, and supportive fellowship. Our goal is to empower our members to grow and thrive together, cultivating a sense of unity and strength within our community. As we embark on this mission, we humbly seek the guidance of the Lord Jesus. Our commitment is to carry out this endeavor with His blessings and guidance.
Equality
Friends, in general, see mankind as one creation regardless of gender or skin color. Christ came to earth to die for mankind, and all are God’s creation; each soul is precious to Him. In response, we seek to worship God in spirit and truth, believing that in Jesus Christ, every member is a priest or a minister as the Spirit may direct and empower.
Mercy and Justice
"the Lord of justice and mercy would extend saving grace to all creatures created in the divine image, and that the regeneration process made available to true Christians a far greater understanding of spiritual matters than others possessed."
(Early Quakers and Their Theological Thought: 1647–1723 edited by Stephen W. Angell, Pink Dandelion, 242-3, 248)
Our Pastoral Ministry:
Paul David Bravard
Paul David serves as Senior Pastor of First Friends Church in Marion, Indiana. He is a follower of Jesus, a recorded Minister of the Gospel in the Friends tradition, and a pastor who loves helping people discover the grace, meaning, and transforming presence of Christ in everyday life.
Paul grew up with deep roots in both Quaker and Methodist communities, shaped by farm life, family, church, and the ministry of Quaker Haven Camp, where he first sensed Christ’s call on his life. After high school, Paul served in the United States Air Force, including Desert Shield and the Gulf War. His years in the military deepened his understanding of discipline, responsibility, loneliness, community, and the need for a life grounded in God’s purpose.
Paul holds a Master’s degree in Religion from Cincinnati Bible Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Portland Seminary at George Fox University. As a pastor, Paul is passionate about preaching, teaching, shepherding, mentoring, and helping the church become an outward-facing community of faithful presence.
Paul and his wife, Debbie, met while serving in the military. Together they have three adult children: Angie, Austin, and Alex. Paul and Debbie love serving wholeheartedly, encouraging others to know that with God all things are possible.
Paul’s ministry is centered on helping people become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. He believes the church is called to be a Spirit-led community where people are welcomed, challenged, formed in holiness, and sent into the world as witnesses of God’s love.
Music Worship Minister
We are seeking a part-time Worship Leader. For more information, call 765-618-7577.
Your resume may be sent to Robert Johnson,
2211 N Wabash Rd. Marion, IN. 46952.
Spring 2026
Discipleship and Outreach Pastor
Biography