Our Pastors

Rev. Dr. Steven B. Shuster, Senior Pastor

Pastor Steve is married to Christine and together they have been blessed with three wonderful children, Josh, Amanda, and Victoria. Steve has been serving in the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference for over 27 years. He has served as the senior pastor at First Church for nine of those years. His passions include preaching, reaching out to the center city neighborhood, and running marathons.

Rev. Melissa Doyle-Waid, Associate Pastor

Melissa graduated from Eastern College (now University) in St. Davids, PA with a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministries in 1992. Prior to serving with us she spent her career in youth, family and educational Ministries. In May 2009 she graduated with a Masters of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary in Wynnewood, PA. Melissa joined the staff of First Church in July 2009.

She resides in Ocean City with her husband Travis and their three fabulous children Abby(11), Gabrielle(9) and Micah(7). She and her family feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful church family and are thankful to
God for her call to this special place.

Tug McErlain, Youth Pastor

Tug has been a youth pastor for fifteen years including the last five at First Church. He and his wife Melissa became parents in 2004 with the birth of their son Zachary. Since then, Grace (2006) and Thomas (2009) have joined the fold. Tug and Melissa met at Penn State where Tug graduated with a degree in Graphic Design in 1994. In addition to his duties as a youth minister, Tug is a freelance graphic designer with clients that include Vince Papale and the Philadelphia Eagles