First Baptist Church was established in Crawfordsville in 1838. It is one of the longest standing churches and or businesses that has been in existence since the city was founded.
In its present building at 1905 Lebanon Road, the congregation has had only three senior ministers in 50 years. The Rev. James Ranard served from 1974-1997, the Rev. Michael Wren served from 1998-2006, and Pastor Isaac Zull served from 2007-2022. And now, Pastor Brian Hudson is the new senior minister. Hudson grew up in Montgomery County and graduated from in 1985 from Southmont High School. After leaving Crawfordsville, he received a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University Ft. Wayne, a master’s degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a master’s degree in education from Columbia International University, South Carolina.
Hudson is the owner of two businesses in Crawfordsville and the founder of The Clapham Circle, a consulting firm partnering with Christian schools, churches, and
non-profit organizations, providing services to enhance an organization’s visibility, influence, and impact.
For more than 35 years, Hudson has served in various leadership roles in education, business, and the nonprofit world, with a passion for preaching and teaching. He has experiences in strategic planning,
leadership recruitment and coaching, public speaking, fundraising, board governance and training, Biblical permeation, and development of vibrant Christian cultures.
He is thrilled to be back in his hometown and looks forward to a long and fruitful ministry at First Baptist Church.
The church will have a commissioning service for Hudson at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. All are invited.
