First Baptist Church in Gary is installing Pastor Nicole Guns Oct. 17-19.

Guns will be the church’s first female pastor. She is a sixth generation licensed and ordained minister.

A nurse by trade, minister by training, Guns revealed that she did not expect her spiritual journey to lead to Gary, especially after being a lifelong Virginian.

“I knew staying in Virginia would be easier due to the long legacy of faith leaders in my family, which include my father, grandfather, grandmother and others,” Guns said in a press release. “However, I recognize the spirit of rebirth taking place in Gary, and I’m both honored and excited to lead First Baptist as one of the many community partners in the city’s growth.”

Guns has served in a variety of ministerial roles including youth pastor at Mt. Hope Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, VA and college and young adult pastor at Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk. She has also participated in international mission efforts in Kenya and Nigeria.

In 2024, Guns was appointed assistant general secretary of the National Baptist Convention, USA.

Guns earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Hampton University and a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg.

Guns has been working with the deacon board, the installation services committee and other church members to transition into her new role. She indicated that plans are in store for First Baptist Church to expand its technology infrastructure and music ministry.

“God operates in God’s timing,” Guns said. “He has clearly let me know that my time to serve in Gary, Indiana is now.”