Fisher Delphi Wesleyan Church welcomed new pastor Dan Fisher to lead the flock July 29. An installation service was held Aug. 12.

Fisher and his wife, Amy, have two daughters, Alecsys and Brooklyn, who attend Delphi schools. His wife is a registered nurse in the post-partem department at Home Hospital in Lafayette.

After high school Fisher served in the U.S. Air Force from 1985 to 1990 as a crew chief on F-4 Phantom and F-16 Falcon fighter jets. He then built log homes for a living.

When he heeded a call he felt to the ministry, he attended the Fellowship of Leaders Acquiring Ministerial Education (FLAME) while he continued to work. FLAME is a seminary program taught by professors from Wesleyan universities as a means for those in secular positions to cross over to Christian ministry.

"I believe it's helpful that I spent time learning other trades," Fisher explained. "I've been able to use those skills everywhere I've been. I believe it makes a difference to be able to act to show love and compassion and I'm thankful I have the ability to do so."

Fisher said his carpentry skills have come in handy in Delphi. His time at the church has been filled with renovations the first few months.

"The church has experienced growth the past couple of years," Fisher said. "We've been working on the building, trying to get the church ready for more outreach."

He said once projects at the church are complete he would focus more on the community to determine needs the church can meet.

"We need to know how best to reach the people, what the community feels its number one needs are," he explained. "If we as a church can do that, we can give our best to help."

He said he met several residents and business owners in town and was working on getting a feel for the city's people and diversity. He spoke with the mayor and city police chief about the possibility of a liaison with Hispanics and others in the community to smooth cultural differences and enable everyone to work together better.

Fisher was pastor of Fowler Wesleyan Church for seven years before being coming to Delphi. He said the city is the biggest in which he's pastored and he appreciates the community feel.

"Delphi is busy," he commented. "There are a lot of nice people here who care about their community. It's really a beautiful place to live."