Samuel Barber was elected superintendent of the South Central Ohio District on 22 April 2022. Barber currently serves as lead pastor at Central Church of the Nazarene in Lenexa, Kansas. 

"My wife, Jill, and I are deeply grateful for the time we have had with Central Church in Lenexa and are eager to serve the pastors and people of South Central Ohio,” Barber said. “We look forward to coming alongside South Central Ohio churches to nurture the kind of teamwork that expands the reach and effectiveness of the kingdom of God.”

He will replace Trevor Johnston, who is retiring after leading the district since 2008. Sam will begin his new assignment 1 June 2022.

Sam attended Mount Vernon Nazarene University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1989. He joined the pastoral staff at Warren First Church of the Nazarene in Ohio, before being chosen to pastor Louisville Church of the Nazarene (Now Shepherd’s Hill) in Ohio, serving from 1991-1997.

During that time, he earned a master’s degree in Christian ministries and church leadership from Malone University. In 1999, Sam moved to North Carolina to complete his master’s degree in theological studies from Duke University. While completing his studies, he served at Elon Power Line Church of the Nazarene until 2003. 

Sam returned to his home state of Ohio to pastor Troy First Church of the Nazarene (2003-2007) and Columbus Shepherd Church of the Nazarene (2007-2014). In 2014, he and Jill moved to Lenexa, Kansas, to pastor Central Church of the Nazarene. While serving in Kansas City, he earned his Doctorate of Ministry from Nazarene Theological Seminary in 2020.

The Barbers currently reside in Lenexa, Kansas.