Our Pastors

Our Pastors

Rev. Dr. Mark E. Hecht, Senior Minister

Rev. Dr. Mark E. Hecht is the senior minister of First United Methodist Church. Before being appointed to Warren, Mark served at Park UMC, North East, PA; Mt. Lebanon UMC, Pittsburgh, PA; Janes UMC, Creighton, PA and Smithfield United Church in Pittsburgh, PA.

Rev. Hecht holds a BA degree in Religious Studies from Allegheny College, a Master of Divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

In addition to serving on and leading numerous national, conference, and district committees of the United Methodist Church, Rev. Hecht has a passion for Covenant Discipleship Ministries within the church and Missions outside the church.

He is married to Karen L. Hecht; Mark and Karen have been married 30 years and have four children; John Wesley, Aaron, Annie, and Joshua.

Rev. Dr. Mark Hecht has been our senior minister since July 1, 2014. Mark completed his education at Allegheny College, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary.

Rev. Mike Rutenber is our Minister of Visitation and is married to Deb Rutenber. Mike Rutenber works with our lay pastors and outreach committee.

Pastor Jon Swart retired as our Associate Pastor in 2017. However, he remains an active part of our congregation, helping with music and worship services, along with his wife, Nettie.