Jeff began his service as President in 2013. Born in Washington D.C. and reared in Westminster, Maryland, Jeff served pastorates in the Church of the Brethren for twenty years. Following graduation from Bridgewater College, where he studied International Studies and spent a semester in Cheltenham, England studying political science and theology, Jeff entered Brethren Volunteer Service and served as a Legislative Aide in the Church of the Brethren Washington Office. In 1993, he left Capitol Hill and moved to rural Lancaster County to serve as Associate Pastor of the Florin Church of the Brethren.
In 1995, Jeff returned to the D.C. metro area to pastor the Manassas Church of the Brethren, first as Associate Pastor, then Team Pastor, and for his last ten years, Senior Pastor. While serving in Manassas, Jeff completed his M.Div. at Bethany Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1998. In 2006, he graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with a Doctor of Ministry with a focus in hermeneutics.
Jeff lives in Richmond, Indiana and enjoys running, playing golf, and soccer. His greatest joy is joining his wife in witnessing the dreams and endeavors of their children as they embrace life.
Education:
- D.Min., Princeton Theological Seminary, 2006.
- M.Div., Bethany Theological Seminary, 1998.
- B.A., Bridgewater College, 1992.
Noted Affiliations:
- World Council of Churches Central Committee member, current.
- Council of Churches International Committee member, current.
- Juniata College baccalaureate speaker, 2017.
- Princeton Theological Seminary panel presentation, “Future of Theological Education,” 2016.
- Bridgewater College commencement speaker, 2014.
- Guest Chaplain United States Senate, nominated by the honorable James Webb of Virginia, 2011.
Publications:
- Feasting On the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary, Year A, Volume 4: Season after Pentecost 2 (Propers 22-24), ed. David Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor (Louisville, KY: John Knox Press), 2011.
- “A New Ecumenism” in Messenger June 2004
- “Worship in the Church of the Brethren” in Worship Today: Understanding, Practice, Ecumenical Implications, ed. Thomas F. Best and Dagmar Heller (Geneva: WCC Publications), 2004.
- “Balancing Individuals’ Needs for Confidentiality in the Context of Community“in Caregiving Magazine, Brethren Press, Summer 2003.
- “Christian Education” in In Our Midst, Brethren Press, 2001.
- Regular contributor to Messenger, denominational magazine of the Church of the Brethren
Courses Taught:
Green Circle: Bethany invests in 100% renewable energy.