Dr. Kenneth W. Chalker Senior Pastor In 1986, when Dr. Kenneth W. Chalker came to First United Methodist Church in downtown Cleveland as its Senior Pastor, Sunday attendance averaged only 50 people. Under his dynamic leadership, First Church has experienced exceptional growth in membership and programming. Today, Sunday attendance usually exceeds 350 people, and membership is approaching 600.

Twice named one of Cleveland's most interesting people by
Cleveland Magazine, Dr. Chalker is an active participant in the life
of the City of Cleveland. He serves on the boards of many community
organizations, including the Greater Cleveland Roundtable, is a
graduate of Leadership Cleveland, and is deeply committed to
programs focusing on the children of Cleveland and on the homeless
population.

Not only an enthusiastic and inspirational public speaker, Dr. Chalker has also authored a book entitled Dare to Defy and has written numerous articles for newspapers and journals. He is a former radio and television commentator and a past recipient of the Cleveland Advertising Club's "Outstanding Communication Achievement of the Year" Award.

Dr. Chalker was instrumental in the selection of Cleveland as the site of the United Methodist General Conference in May, 2000. For five years he chaired the Host Committee of the East Ohio Conference in preparation for and execution of this grand event, bringing together thousands of United Methodists and visitors from around the world.

A graduate of Garrett-ETS at Northwestern University, Duke University Divinity School, and Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio, Dr. Chalker currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Mount Union College and the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Order Dr. Chalker's sermon tape

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