Installation Services for Pastor Nicole P. Guns Set for October 17 – 19, 2025
(Gary, IND) – History is on the horizon for Gary’s oldest religious institution. First Baptist will officially install Nicole P. Guns as the church’s first-ever female pastor the weekend of October 17th through 19th. Guns is a sixth generation licensed and ordained minister and the second Black woman to serve as pastor of a baptist church in the state of Indiana.
A nurse by trade, minister by calling and training, Guns revealed that she did not expect her spiritual journey to lead to Gary, Indiana, especially after being a lifelong Virginian. She characterizes her arrival to the Steel city as “Literally and truly a God thing.”
“Sometimes God laughs at our plans,” said Guns. “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. 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.”
With more than 15 years of experience as a psalmist, Rev. 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 and has led multiple tours to the Holy Land.
In 2024, Rev. Guns was appointed Assistant General Secretary of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. one of the highest ranking roles held by a woman in the organization. Guns was officially elected as pastor of First Baptist Church on May 18, 2025.
Installation services are as follows:
Friday, October 17 at 6:00 p.m.
Installation Banquet
The Chateau
530 W. 61st Avenue
Merrillville, IN
Speaker: Pastor R. Janae Pitts-Murdock
Light of the Word Christian Center – Indianapolis, IN
Saturday, October 18 at 10:00 a.m.
Installation Service
First Baptist Church
626 W. 21st Avenue Gary, IN
Speaker: Dr. Geoffrey V. Guns
Second Calvary Baptist Church – Norfolk, VA
Sunday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m.
Praise and Worship Service
First Baptist Church
626 W. 21st Avenue Gary, IN
Speaker: Bishop John E. Guns
St. Paul Church – Jacksonville, FL
Guns earned a Bachelor of Science 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 successfully transition into a role that she continues to express much excitement over. Rev. Guns also indicated that great plans are in store for First Baptist Church including the expansion of its technology infrastructure and music ministry.
“God operates in God’s timing,” added Guns. “He has clearly let me know that my time to serve in Gary, Indiana is now.”
Installation praise and worship services will be streamed live via the First Baptist Church Facebook page. For more information about installation activities, tickets and sponsorship opportunities, call 219-883-3216 or send an email to garyfbc1908@gmail.com.
