Make friends at Milan Friends Church

MILAN TWP.— You'll likely strike up a friendship at this Milan Township church."(What's special about this church is) the closeness and friendliness among the congregation," Milan Friends Church pastor Paul Campbell said. "Everybody seems to truly love everyone else."About 30-40 people can usually be found at the church each Sunday.We're just regular people — farmers, factory workers. They always say 'come as you are," and we've always been like that," Campbell said.In the mid-1800s, Milan Friends Church began as a Quaker church. Quakers, who commonly have pacifist beliefs, are also referred to as "Friends," which led to the Milan Township church's name. Sunday Bible studies happen at 9:30 a.m. before the morning service begins at 10:45 a.m. and lasts until noon. A Sunday evening service starts at 6 p.m. and members of the congregation also meet 7 p.m. Wednesdays. When they attend, visitors can expect to sing traditional hymns. Services are also streamed to the church's Facebook page.Despite its size, Milan Friends Church supports multiple missionaries around the United States and the world and has programming for children.A native of northeastern Pennsylvania, Campbell learned about his current job about three years ago from a colleague at a Massillon, Ohio, Bible college.The transition to rural Milan Friends Church wasn't difficult for Campbell. He previously served as a minister to large and small churches in states like Tennessee and Florida and grew up in a rural church himself."I suppose that's what I know best," he said.Campbell said the Milan Friends Church is an independent Bible church."Our whole focus is just scripture — we systematically study through the Bible," Campbell said.Campbell seeks to start a Bible institute for anyone interested in studying in a seminary like environment. "Our goal is to focus on teaching this generation and the next what God said, not what man said," Campbell said.Get to know Milan Friends ChurchAddress: 2018 Mason Road E.Phone: 419-499-4352Website: milanfriendschurch.comFacebook: Milan Friends Independent Bible Church (@MilanFriendsChurch)Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodMilan Friends Church at 2018 East Mason Road in Milan Township on Tuesday, July 30, 2019.Pastor Paul Campbell poses for a photo at Milan Friends Church in Milan Township on Tuesday, July 30, 2019.A look inside Milan Friends Church in Milan Township on Tuesday, July 30, 2019.A cornerstone at Milan Friends Church in Milan Township.