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 16 years as of Easter 2026. I also enjoy having our grandson, Kevin Jr. (26 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 18 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

FWC Spiritual Leadership Team

Pastoral Care

  1. Pastoral Consultant – Dr. Karl “Without consultation plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.”  Proverbs 15:22
  2. Pastoral Communication – Debra “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”  Philemon 1:6
  3. Pastoral Compassion – Herman “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36
  4. Pastoral Community – Carolyn “For as the body is one, tho' it has many members, and all the members of that one body (community), tho' many, are one body: so also is the body of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12
  5. Pastoral Compensation – Dan “Elders who handle their duties well should be considered worthy of double compensation, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”  1 Timothy 5:17
  6. Pastoral Colleague – Kathy “… she is my partner and fellow worker (colleague) in your service … a glory and credit to Christ.”  2 Corinthians 8:23
  7. Pastoral Consideration – Ken “When I saw this, I gave careful consideration to it; I received instruction from what I saw.” Proverbs 24:32
  8. Pastoral Coworker – Bill “For he is my brother, coworker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to me in my need.” Philippians 2:25
  9. Pastoral Collaborator – Christine “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others (collaborator), as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10
  10. Pastoral Counseling – Cheryl “Deceit is in the heart of those devising evil, and to those counselling peace is joy.” Proverbs 12:20