Lead Pastor

Doug Heckman

Pastor Doug Heckman

My late wife, Karen, and I grew up as dating teens at First Wesleyan when my father (the late Rev. Earl Heckman) was pastor. We graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1970–71, were married at First Wesleyan Church, and became involved in youth ministry. In 1977, we answered a call to prepare for pastoral service and moved to Allentown, PA, with our two sons to attend United Wesleyan College. While there, God blessed us with a daughter. Upon graduation, we returned to New Jersey to pastor at Carney's Point Wesleyan for 10 years (1981–1991). We moved back to Allentown, PA, and served as pastor of Trinity Wesleyan for 19 years (1991–2010). While at Trinity, I was able to complete an MA in Pastoral Ministries from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Forty-eight years later, I have now served as the pastor at First Wesleyan Church for 15 years as of Easter 2025. I also enjoy having our grandson, Kevin Jr. (25 years old), live with me following a catastrophic accident on Christmas 2013, which left him a paraplegic. He graduated from Cumberland Regional High School in 2018, attended Rowan College of South Jersey, and is currently enrolled at Kingwood University in New Brunswick, Canada. Kevin will be following the fourth generation to answer a call to pastoral ministry.

On Sunday, September 22nd, 2024, Karen, my wife and the grandmother ("Gigi") of 19, went on to her eternal reward after a couple of years battling health issues. We celebrated her life and ministry on Monday, September 30th, 2024.

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A Growing Family Legacy

Gravestone with "Happy Birthday in Heaven" sign.

Lawnside Cemetery, Woodstown, NJ

Karen has most of her immediate family buried at Lawnside (Grandfather, Grandmother, Father, Mother, Sister, and Brother).

Large family group posing together, smiling.

Heckman Family

Our Heckman family continues to grow, with 3 adult children, 10 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. We love them all!

Administrative Assistant

Debra Jones

Debra Jones (the youngest daughter of the late Rev. Earl & Grace Heckman) grew up at First Wesleyan Church and has served as the Administrative Assistant for the past 17 years. In addition to managing the office, she also receives calls and guests and is the director of children’s and youth ministries. Her nickname is "Calendar Queen." She is married to David, loves the beach, has 2 adult children, and enjoys 4 wonderful grandchildren!

Debra Jones