Leadership & Staff

The Presbyterian form of church government means that the church is led by teaching elders (pastors) and ruling elders. The elders are responsible for the spiritual care of the congregation. Deacons are responsible for the physical care of our congregation. Our ministry staff leads in specific areas of ministry, such as youth and worship, while our support staff works in the day-to-day operations of the church.

Aaron Carr - Senior Pastor

M. Div. Reformed Theological Seminary (Charlotte, NC)

B.S. in Church Ministries Clearwater Christian College (Clearwater, FL)

Aaron and his wife, Amanda, have three children and are both natives of the downriver area, growing up in Riverview. He has been serving at First Presbyterian of Trenton since 2005 after graduating from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, N.C. He is currently working towards his Doctorate of Ministry at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Aaron comes to us with a vast amount of experience serving in church ministry for nearly 30 years in Michigan, Florida, and North Carolina. Other ministry experience includes helping start a homeless ministry in Florida, as well as serving as a history and bible teacher at a Christian school. He has extensive coaching experience in various capacities with football, soccer, and basketball at the high school, middle school, and even elementary levels. His passion for leadership development & missional engagement are expressed in his deep involvement with church planting and church revitalization. Aaron has served in a variety of church planting networks and currently serves as Associate Director for the Detroit Project Church Planting Network, as well as serving on the Mission North America and the Candidates in Care Committees within the Great Lakes Presbytery of the PCA.

Email Aaron: acarr@fpchurch.com

Samuel Payne - Assistant Pastor

M. Div Covenant Theological Seminary (Creve Coeur, Mo)

B.S. in Business Administration, Ohio State University

Sam and his wife, Hannah, are both Ohio natives and have two children. Sam graduated from The Ohio State University before earning his Master of Divinity degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Following his graduation from seminary, Sam joined First Presbyterian Church of Trenton in May 2026, where he currently serves as Assistant Pastor of Youth and Family Ministry.

Email Sam: spayne@fpchurch.com