ABOUT US
WHO WE
ARE
OUR VISION
OUR LEADERSHIP
WHAT WE BELIEVE
WELCOME TO
FIRST CHURCH
OF TORRINGTON
We are a multi-cultural and multi-generational church committed to reaching the city of Torrington and the NW corner of CT. We exist as a place to belong—rooted in biblical truth, growing in faith, connecting with God and one another, and serving our community with purpose and passion.
THE LIFE OF FIRST CHURCH
OTHERS FOCUSED
Everything we do is focused on reaching those who feel distant from God and walking with them as they grow to follow Jesus! The heart of First Church is to witness lives transformed through the gentle power of God’s Spirit. We believe that within every person, God has planted a unique and meaningful purpose. When God’s Spirit stirs within us, we draw closer to the beautiful plan He has for our lives.
ARTICULATING OUR SOUL
THE VISION
First Church is a community of people learning to belong, believe, and become together. Rooted in God’s Word, we're growing in faith side by side, building authentic friendships, and reaching out to serve our neighbors with open hearts. It’s not about perfection—it’s about connection, purpose, and walking this journey together.
OUR LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP TEAM
LEAD PASTOR
STEVEN DARR
For more than 21 years, Steve Darr has had the joy of calling First Church home. Pastoral ministry wasn’t part of his original plan; his early career in retail management mostly prepared him to survive the chaos of Black Friday crowds. Yet, in time, God’s call—combined with his natural leadership—drew him toward seminary, where his focus shifted from managing inventory to shepherding people.
When he’s not in the office or visiting members of his flock, you’ll likely find him on the golf course—a pursuit he maintains is excellent for the soul, even if it doesn’t always improve his handicap. Steve has shared life and ministry with his wife, Faith, for decades. Together, they strive to live out his favorite verse, John 15:4, learning to abide in Christ and trusting Him to do the rest.
PASTOR
JONATHAN GOUTHIER
Jonathan Gouthier first walked through the doors of First Church years ago to lead the youth, trading his background in visual communication and marketing for the far more unpredictable adventure of student ministry. Now over seven years into his role as Pastor, he brings that same creative eye to teaching, often getting a little too excited about biblical Greek nuances that make the English translations come alive. When he’s not nerding out over Scripture or crafting a message, you’ll likely find him buried in a good book or enjoying a quiet hobby that doesn’t involve a screen. His life’s goal is pretty simple, summed up in John 3:30—he just wants to step back so Christ can take center stage.
OUR BELIEFS
WHAT WE BELIEVE
GOD
We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully divine and fully human. He was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, and revealed the heart of God through His teaching and compassion. He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, rose bodily from the grave, ascended into heaven, and will return again in glory.
JESUS
We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully divine and fully human. He was born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, and revealed the heart of God through His teaching and compassion. He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, rose bodily from the grave, ascended into heaven, and will return again in glory.
HOLY SPIRIT
We believe the Holy Spirit is present and active in the world today. He convicts hearts, brings new life, indwells every believer, and empowers us to grow in faith, obedience, and love.
SCRIPTURE
We believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired and trustworthy Word of God. It is our final authority for what we believe and how we live, revealing God’s truth, His character, and His plan of salvation.
SALVATION
We believe salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. Through repentance and trust in Him, we are forgiven, made new, and brought into a right relationship with God—not by our works, but by His mercy.
SACRAMENTS
We observe two sacred acts given by Christ:
- Baptism, as a sign of new life and belonging to Christ
- The Lord’s Supper, as a remembrance of His sacrifice and a celebration of His grace
RESURRECTION
We believe Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly. He will make all things new, bringing justice, restoration, and the fullness of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the dead and the promise of eternal life. Those who trust in Christ will dwell forever in His presence, while those who reject Him remain separated from Him.
CHURCH
We believe the Church is the body of Christ, made up of all who trust in Him.
As a local congregation, we are called to:
- Worship God faithfully
- Grow together in discipleship
- Care for one another in love
- Share the good news of Jesus with our neighbors and the world
MANKIND
We believe all people are created in the image of God and are deeply loved by Him. Yet because of sin, we are separated from God and unable to restore ourselves.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY & LIFE
We believe marriage is a covenant established by God between one man and one woman. We affirm the sacredness of human life, created by God, from conception to natural death.
WANT TO
LEARN MORE
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