About
My name is Philip Balla
I'm the newly called pastor and leader of St. John's UCC Genoa. It is my honor to be amongst such a strong congregation and leaders of the church. My #1 job over the next few months is to earn your trust and move the church forward.
Please contact me any time:
419 346-5403/c
419 855-3096/o
In a nut shell...
I believe my ministry is made up of two main categories: internal and external. External ministries are important as they are relational intersections between St. John's and any person or organization beyond it, such as doing things in the greater Genoa community. Internal ministries concentrate on all the things we do to support and develop the life of the church itself. My intention is to put pressure on myself and on our consistory to attend to both equally.
Education
2011-2015
Bachelors Degree
Defiance College
Pastor Balla was born in Toledo and raised in Rossford Ohio. He has spent 14 years in preparation of his ministry. In 2015 Rev. Balla earned his BA in Ministry Studies and a BS in Psychology from Defiance College.
2015-2018
Masters Degree
Harvard Divinity School
He was awarded a full scholarship and stipend from Harvard Divinity School from which he graduated with is M. Div. in 2018.
2018-Present
PhD
Fordham University
After three years at Harvard, Philip applied for and was accepted into a PhD program at Fordham University in New York City. Always keeping close to his passion for ministry throughout his academic pursuits, Philip became fully ordained in October 2022.
​
He accepted a part-time call at Memorial UCC, Toledo, where he led that ministry while completing his PhD.
​
Rev. Balla is passionately committed to the work of parish and community ministry and sees his extensive academic preparation as the tools in his spiritual tool belt. He deeply believes that his journey has afforded him time to explore his faith and explore how best to be a leader and guide to others.
​
In November, before being called, congregants were invited to a "Meet and Greet" dessert event where each member could have one-on-one conversations with him. The next day, Rev. Balla was formally introduced to the congregation and invited to lead the service. It was after the service where the church voted on his calling. He has been preaching at St. John's since January 1, 2025.
​
St. John's UCC Genoa has welcomed Pastor Balla with open arms.
​
Pastor Philip lives in downtown Toledo and identifies as being openly gay. Philip wants people to know that he is reachable day or night by cellphone, 419-346-5403; his office phone, 419-855-3906; or though email, pastor@stjohnsgenoa.