Church of the Open Door to welcome new lead pastor on Sunday

The Church of the Open Door in Elyria will welcome the Rev. Daniel Fagbuyi as its first new lead pastor in more than 20 years when he gives his first sermon this weekend. Fagbuyi will become just the fifth leader in the church's 75-year history when he replaces outgoing Jim Mindling, who has led the church since 2003, Open Door announced in a news release on Monday. "It is a sweet thing to see a church that is intentional about God's Word, intentional about discipleship, and truly open and hospitable to people," Fagbuyi said in the release. "My desire is to faithfully preach the word, love people well and help the church grow in Christlikeness as we live out the mission God has given us." In his 23 years of service to the church, Mindling oversaw its expansion from its original location on Telegraph Road in Elyria to campuses in Avon Lake, Lorain, Vermilion and even the Dominican Republic. Mindling began to transition out of his leadership role in August, when he announced to his congregation that it was time for new leadership in the church. The transition will be complete this weekend on Easter Sunday, when Fagbuyi delivers his first sermon as lead pastor at the Church of the Open Door during services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The church welcomes members of the community to attend the services. Fagbuyi was born in Washington, D.C., but spent a decade of his life living in Nigeria. He relocated from Arizona to become lead pastor of Open Door, and he is joined by his wife, Erin, son Josiah, 9 and daughter Hope, 6.