Rev. Dr. J. Wesley Babian earned his Doctor of Divinity from the McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois, in 1982, a Masters of Divinity from the Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Lomard, Illinois in 1971 and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1968.
Prior to his pastorate at First Baptist Birmingham that began on September 1, 2003, he was Sr. Pastor at First Baptist, Springfield, Ohio (1984 - 2003). Prior to that he served as
- Pastor at First Baptist Ottumwa, Iowa (1977 - 1984)
- Pastor of First Baptist Corunna, Michigan (1973 - 1977)
- Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church of Wyandotte, Michigan from 1971 to 1973.
Dr. Babian is a pioneer in urban church issues and has been an active member of his community throughout his adult lifetime, including serving on numerous boards and associations including as a member of Springfield (Ohio) Schools Board of Education and now as Vice President of American Baptist Churches Metro Detroit Association.
Dr. Babian identifies the following as special areas of interest:
- Social justice issues
- Revitalizing congregations
- Long range planning
- Community development
- Discipleship groups.