John Gauger, former pastor of First Baptist Church, Perryville, serves on the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware’s Church Services team as an interim Church Services consultant in the area of evangelism and pastoral connection.

In this role, Gauger visits and connects with senior pastors throughout the BCM/D and will assist congregations in strengthening their capacities and effectiveness in reaching their communities with the Gospel.

Gauger and his wife, Linda, have served together in ministry for 40 years, 27 of which were at FBC, Perryville, where “a high percentage of those we have seen trust Christ have grown to faithfully serve the Lord,” Gauger said at his retirement.

“We have seen a number become pastors, pastors’ wives, missionaries, and one campus missionary.”

Under Gauger’s pastoral leadership, the church ministered in four countries, developing especially close connections with churches in Mexico and West Africa in addition to several local missions efforts, including a Celebrate Recovery ministry, annual block parties, and various ministries of compassion. They also partner with their local middle school and even with church plants in Baltimore.