Leadership
Christ is the Head of His Church
(Ephesians 1:22-23)
At First Presbyterian Church, we seek to follow the biblical pattern of leadership found in Scripture through a plurality of elders and deacons who serve together for the good of the church and the glory of God.
Under His authority, He has provided elders and deacons to serve His people, shepherd the congregation, and advance the ministry of the gospel.
Meet Our Pastor
Pastor John Mottley
John Mottley grew up at First Presbyterian Church of South Amboy, where he was taught the Scriptures from an early age. It was through the ministry of the church, during a youth retreat, that he came to personal faith in Jesus Christ. Since that time, he has sought to follow Christ and serve His Church.
While attending college, John became involved with Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, where he served in a variety of leadership roles over many years, including Elder, Children’s Ministry Overseer, Worship Leader, and Pastoral Intern. He was ordained in 2019.
In 2020, John was called to return to First Presbyterian Church as pastor, bringing him back to the congregation where he first heard the gospel and began his walk with Christ.
John is passionate about expository preaching and is committed to teaching God’s Word verse by verse so that people may grow in their knowledge of Christ and be equipped for faithful service. His desire is to see believers equipped for the work of ministry, making disciples who make disciples and bringing the hope of the gospel to South Amboy and beyond.
John began his theological studies at Veritas Evangelical Seminary and remains a devoted student of Scripture. He enjoys reading theology, studying biblical Greek, and continuing to grow as a lifelong learner.
When he is not serving at church, John enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. Church members will tell you he is rarely far from a cup of coffee.
Connect with Pastor John
If you have questions about the Bible, the Christian faith, or how to follow Jesus Christ, Pastor John would be glad to connect with you.
Whether you’re looking for a church home, seeking prayer, walking through a difficult season, or simply would like to sit down over a cup of coffee and talk, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Email: fpcsapastor@optimum.net
Meet Our Elders
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Christine Vella
Clerk of Session
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Ruthie Beselinoff
Ruling Elder
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Larry Wallace
Ruling Elder
Biblical Shepherds
The New Testament teaches that local churches are to be shepherded by a plurality of elders (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
Alongside our pastor, our church is governed by a team of elders who together provide spiritual oversight, prayer, teaching, and pastoral care. We believe this model reflects biblical wisdom by promoting shared leadership, accountability, and dependence upon Christ, the Chief Shepherd of His Church.
If you would like to request prayer, seek spiritual counsel, share a concern, or contact the elders, please email: firstsouthamboy@optimum.net
Meet Our Deacons
Following the example of Acts 6:1-7, our deacons lead ministries of service, mercy, and practical care within the church family and our community.
Servants of the Church
Michelle Herman
Betty Pinella
Lori Ryan
If you have a need within our church family, would like to be added to our home communion and visitation list or would like to speak with one of our deacons, please contact:
Accountability Beyond Our Local Church
First Presbyterian Church is not an independent congregation. We are a member congregation of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and participate in the Presbytery of the East.
This connection provides fellowship, counsel, encouragement, and accountability from fellow pastors and elders outside our local congregation. Through our presbytery, churches work together to strengthen one another, uphold sound doctrine, assist with pastoral care, and ensure that no church or leader serves in isolation.
We believe this broader connection reflects the New Testament pattern of churches working together for the advancement of Christ's kingdom.
Together, our pastor, elders, deacons, and presbytery seek to serve under the lordship of Jesus Christ, faithfully shepherding His people and proclaiming His gospel.