MEET REVEREND ZSOLT OTVOS
Rev. Zsolt Otvos has served congregations across Hungary, Canada, and the United States with dedication and warmth. A graduate of seminaries in Debrecen, Hungary and Decatur Georgia, US; he brings a deep love for scripture, pastoral care, and community outreach. Since 2008, he has led the Magyar Reformed Church of New Brunswick, where he continues to build a vibrant spiritual home rooted in faith, fellowship, and service.
leading with grace
I was born in 1974, in Berettyóújfalu, Hungary. My early education took place in the towns of Tiszacsege and Jánkmajtis, followed by secondary studies at the High School of the Reformed College of Debrecen, where I graduated in 1992. That same year, I spent six months in Lausanne, Switzerland, studying French at the League pour la Lecture de la Bible Society’s conference center.
In 1993, I began my theological education at the Reformed Theological Seminary in Debrecen. After earning my Master of Divinity in 1998, I continued my studies in the United States at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. There, I completed a Master of Theology in Old Testament Studies in 1999 as a scholarship student.
Later in 1999, I was invited by the dean of the Central Classis of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America to consider pastoral work in North America. During Pentecost of 1999, I visited Hungarian Reformed congregations in Toronto and Oshawa, Ontario, and received an invitation to serve. I returned to Hungary to complete the First Pastoral Qualifying Examination and began my practical ministry year as an assistant pastor in Ramocsaháza and Nyírbogdány, within the Nyírség Classis.
In October 2000, I began serving in Canada, initially as associate pastor at the Hungarian Reformed Evangelical Christian Church in Toronto and Oshawa. After a year of service and adjustment to the Canadian context, I was unanimously elected by the congregation as full-time pastor. I was officially inducted on October 21, 2001, and served the two Canadian congregations until November 30, 2003.
In 2004, I accepted a call to the Hungarian Reformed Church in Columbus, Ohio, where I served for five years. During that time, I also contributed to the wider church as Youth Camp Director and General Secretary of the Calvin Synod.
Since December 2008, I have faithfully served the Magyar Reformed Church of New Brunswick, New Jersey. Here, I have found not only a spiritual home and vibrant church family but also met my wife. My ministry continues with a deep sense of calling, community, and joy.
“Be strong and do not be discouraged, for your work will be rewarded.” — 2 Chronicles 15:7
I invite all to join us in worship, fellowship, and service as we continue building God’s kingdom together.
Personal Message
Welcome! I’m Pastor Zsolt, and I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’ve been walking with God for years or you’re just beginning to explore faith, I want you to know you are welcome in our church family. My heart is to help people grow in their relationship with Christ, build meaningful connections, and find joy in serving others. I look forward to meeting you!
Favorite Book
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Inspiration
Faith, Love, Hope
If you have questions, need prayer, or just want to introduce yourself — please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Life Motto
Hope never fails
Favorite Hobby
Family, Reading, Cooking
Music I like
Classical and Jazz
Dream Destination
New Zealand
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9