Leadership Team

Rev. Dr. Lydia Istomina, Lead Pastor, pastor@independencefirstumc.org

Rev. Dr. Lydia P. Istomina, Lead Pastor , pastor@independencefirstumc.org

Lydia (Lidia) Istomina made history as the first woman pastor in the former Soviet Union, marking a resurgence of faith after 70 years of atheism. In 1990, she founded the first United Methodist Church (UMC) in Russia. By September 1991, Bishops William Oden and Hans Vaxby officially appointed Istomina to serve the church she initiated, acknowledging her pivotal role in reigniting spiritual life in post-Soviet Russia.

Rev. Ross Fulton, Visitation Pastor, rafjr231@gmail.com

Rev. Ross Fulton, our dedicated visitation pastor, brings a powerful presence to our congregation through his heartfelt prayers, whether shared in members’ homes or during our Sunday services. Known for his warm and compassionate style, Pastor Ross listens deeply and prays with an authenticity that touches each person’s heart. His prayers are a blend of strength and tenderness, filled with a genuine care that reflects his commitment to walking alongside us in faith. We’re blessed to have his guiding spirit in our community, sharing both comfort and encouragement.

Rev. Ross Fulton is not only a gifted pastor but also an incredibly talented singer. His solo performance in Fiddler on the Roof during our summer series, Broadway Comes to Independence, was truly the peak of the season! His voice resonated with depth and emotion, captivating everyone present and adding a powerful dimension to the worship experience. We are blessed by his talents, both in ministry and music, which enrich our community in remarkable ways.