Rex Espiritu

Rev. Rex Espiritu currently serves as senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church in New Castle, Indiana.  As a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he is passionate toward effecting congregational transformation for the renewal of communities through missional leadership.  As a student who continually enjoys learning anew, Pastor Espiritu is excited to take part in the inaugural fellowship of the Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program. 

      Prior to his graduate studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, Rex Espiritu served as an Elder and worship leader for Sunday evening services of prayer and praise at Mount Lebanon United Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania where he was ordained by Pittsburgh Presbytery.  Rex has grown up in the PCUSA as a musician, vocalist, composer, arranger and director.  During and following his graduation from seminary, he was the Associate Director of Music and also did his field education and later served on the pastoral staff at Faith Church, a suburban congregation in southern New Jersey near Philadelphia.  
      Rev. Espiritu's faith in Christ was shaped early on during his younger years when he received Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church in Mount Vernon, New York, a multicultural congregation within a predominately African-American community in the greater New York City metropolitan area.  A classically trained pianist, Pastor Rex has led worship in a variety of settings for contemporary, traditional, and blended services.  He has experience in various venues, both large and small, leading interdenominational/ecumenical gatherings of worshippers at churches, retreats, seminars and conferences nationwide. 
      Pastor Rex Espiritu’s varied background in pastoral ministry includes being a committed intercessor, leading mission teams abroad, administering pastoral care, serving as a leader in Stephen Ministries and as a hospital chaplain.  He is also a seasoned business professional who holds a B.S. in computer science from Columbia University with supervisory and senior engineering/corporate experience in software development, network management and systems administration at Logica Carnegie Group, and General Electric for NBC News.  Rex and his wife Melissa have six children.  He enjoys spending time with his delightful and talented family.