Jeff was raised in a Christian home, committing his life to Christ during his early teens. It was during these formative years that God placed a call upon his life to enter full-time Christian service. He is a graduate of Mount Union College (BA: Business), Asbury Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Wesley Theological Seminary (DMin: Evangelism).
Prior to becoming the Lead Pastor of the Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church near Columbus, OH, he served as President of Asbury Theological Seminary, Superintendent of the Pittsburgh East District of the Western Pennsylvania Conference, and as Pastor of congregations in Butler and Erie, PA. He also has extensive denominational experience having been appointed to serve on various denominational boards and being elected by his peers to attend and provide leadership in his denomination’s highest governing bodies. He is widely seen as a leader of leaders by his peers.
Jeff's approach to ministry is one of team building. He believes in the New Testament concept of the church being the Body of Christ, and that every member of the Body has a distinctive role and function in ministry. In the local church, his leadership has been committed to helping everyone become a believer in Jesus and finding his/her distinctive passion, gifts, and style so that they will serve where God has intended for them to serve. Jeff is never more excited than when new people come to a faith relationship with Jesus Christ, and then discover and use their distinct gifts and graces in the ministry of the Body.
Jeff is also passionate about Biblical preaching and discipleship. He will take a particular passage of scripture and not only help the listener understand what it means but also how to apply its truth to their personal lives. Jeff is committed to leading the church to become all that God has intended and equipped it to be. He uses his spiritual gifts of leadership, administration, preaching, teaching, and wisdom to lay out a vision for our future.
On a personal note, Jeff is married to Beth, and together they are the parents of three adult children and have eight grandchildren. He has many interests and hobbies outside of his work. He is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers, Penn State football, and Kentucky basketball fan. He also enjoys exercise, gardening, reading, traveling, and fly fishing.
