Our Pastors

Our Pastors

Rev. Dr. Mark E. Hecht, Senior Minister

Rev. Dr. Mark E. Hecht is the senior pastor of First Methodist Church Warren. 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 Pastor of Visitation and is married to Deb Rutenber. Mike Rutenber works with our lay pastors and outreach committee.

Rev. Bud Fickley has been our associate pastor since July 2, 2023. He and his wife, Grace Fickley, have three boys, Tripp, Elliot, and Liam. Bud has his bachelors degree from Grove City College and is completing his M.Div. at United Theological Seminary.

Jon Swart currently serves as a Transitional Local Pastor of the Allegheny West Annual Conference and he remains an active part of our congregation, helping with music and worship services, along with his wife, Nettie.