Meet the Pastor

Rev. William Charles Foster, Sr.

Senior Pastor, The Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church – Toledo, Ohio

Rev. William Charles Foster, Sr. is the Senior Pastor of The Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, a historic and spirit-led congregation serving the Toledo, Ohio community. With a heart for people and a passion for preaching, Pastor Foster stands in a long line of faithful witnesses, committed to proclaiming the gospel and shepherding God’s people with integrity, compassion, and vision.

Born and raised in Kokomo, Indiana, Pastor Foster credits his spiritual formation and ministerial foundation to his beloved Pastor, and home church, Rev. Dr. Lonnie E. Anderson, Jr, and Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, of Kokomo, Indiana.  It was there that his calling was nurtured, his gifts were developed, and his commitment to the Black Church tradition was solidified.  Pastor Foster preached his initial sermon entitled “Stick to God’s Plan”  on October 14, 2012, and he was ordained on May 1, 2022.

A proud graduate of Indiana University Bloomington, Pastor Foster is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Ministry Studies with an emphasis in Preaching and Teaching in Congregational Ministry at BSK Theological Seminary. His theological training, pastoral sensitivity, and deep love for the Church shape a preaching and teaching ministry that is biblically sound, culturally relevant, and spiritually transformative.

On Sunday November 20, 2022 Rev. Foster received a call that The Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church of Toledo, Ohio had elected him to be the 5th Pastor in the churches illustrious history.  Since coming to Indiana the church has seen significant numerical and spiritual growth.  At the heart of his ministry is a deep commitment to evangelism, discipleship, intergenerational ministry, and community engagement. Under his leadership, Indiana Avenue continues to pursue its mission of Merging the Generations while going “Back to the B.A.S.I.C.S.”—with a focus on Bible Study, Accountability, Stewardship, Intercession, Community, and Spirit-led living.

Pastor Foster serves beyond the local church as the Dean of Christian Education for the Northwestern Ohio Missionary Baptist Association, equipping churches for ministry across the region through biblical teaching and spiritual formation. He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, reflecting his dedication to brotherhood, scholarship, and service.

He shares life and ministry with his beloved wife of 11 years, Brittany, and together they are the proud parents of their joyful son, William II, affectionately known as “Deuce.”

Above all, Pastor Foster is a servant of God who believes that the church must not only gather in worship on Sunday but also go forth in love bringing healing, hope, and wholeness to the world through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.