Rep. Gary Click now an emeritus pastor

TIFFIN — State Rep. Gary Click said he's no longer serving as lead pastor of his Sandusky County church. Click, a Vickery Republican, is now an emeritus pastor at Fremont Baptist Temple after turning over that role to Rick Ash. The church's website was updated this week to reflect the change, although Click said it occurred months ago. Click said he's talking about it now because Democrats "are trying to make something of it." Click, 60, represents the Ohio House's 88th district, which represents Sandusky and Seneca counties. He is seeking reelection this year to a final two-year term and will be opposed in the May primary by Republican Eric Watson of Tiffin. Aaron Jones of Tiffin is the Democrat in the race. If Click wins, it would be his last term because of term limits. Click said he actually made the transition to pastor emeritus at the end of March last year. "Ultimately, it was a matter of prayer," he said. "Rick had taken on a significant amount of responsibility over the last five years due to my time in Columbus. He was just growing into the position." Click said his church has experienced difficult transitions over the years and times when it has had no pastor. "For several years, it has been my goal to facilitate a smooth transition when the time was right to avoid a void in leadership," he said. "It has been gradual and seamless. Perfect." Click said he still preaches and teaches Sunday school. "Additional context is the increasing requests I have had to speak in other churches on the justice and biblical role of Christians in civil government," Click said. "I have preached in California, Colorado and Alabama as well as Springfield, Kettering and Cincinnati on this topic, including many of the aspects included in HB 486, the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act. I recently filed paperwork to establish a nonprofit for that purpose named 'We the Church.'" In a statement, Ash said the transition to lead pastor has been gradual and took place in the context of Click mentoring him for nearly 15 years: Nearly two years ago, Pastor Click approached me to discuss the possibility of transitioning the role of lead pastor. After much prayer and careful conversation, we presented a proposed transition plan to our deacons and advisory council. Once approved, the plan was shared with the congregation, who voted overwhelmingly in support. I remain deeply grateful for the influence Pastor Click has had in my life. He is a trusted friend and spiritual mentor. Over the past 14 years, he has invested greatly in my growth as a Christian, a husband, a father and a leader. I look forward to building on the strong foundation he has established as we continue serving the Fremont community.