About

I am Jeff McLain, and I’m a follower of Jesus, happily married to Katie McLain, and the proud dad of three wonder-filled daughters. I’m still learning what it means to follow Jesus—not always getting it right, but trying to say yes to Jesus a little more each day. Some days I’m writing academic papers; other days, I still feel like a kid figuring out what I want to be when I grow up.

Living It Out

I serve as the Director of Pastoral Ministries at Water Street Mission in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where I walk alongside those experiencing homelessness, and I also pastor River Corner Church, a simple community of Jesus followers. I’m currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Kairos University, focusing my research on the theological, historical, and practical implications of the Lord’s Prayer for the Church. In addition to my ministry and academic work, I write reflections on spiritual formation and simple faith at the Lead A Quiet Life blog on Patheos and co-host the Discovering God Podcast.

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning

I’m currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Kairos University, researching the intersection of the theological, historical, and practical implications of the Lord’s Prayer for the Church. I hold a Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry and a Master of Arts in Global Leadership from Fuller Seminary, as well as an MBA in Executive Leadership from City Vision University. Additionally, I hold a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and an Associate of Science in Christian Ministry from City Vision University, along with several undergraduate certificates from Eastern Mennonite University, Vineyard Institute, New York Institute of Photography, and more.

A Journey Toward the Quiet Life

My journey has taken me from a spiritual search and a chasing adventure to encountering Jesus and becoming a pastor. Along the way, I promoted concerts, managed artists, engaged in activism, and hitchhiked across states. Over time, I’ve grown deeply committed to leading a quiet life at a slower pace—embracing simplicity and faith in a chaotic world and a church culture often driven by excess. Though the punk and hardcore scenes shaped my youth, my dream now is to grow old drinking coffee by the beach, selling t-shirts on the boardwalk, and spending more time in a hammock than I probably should—ideally with reggae playing in the background.

Let’s Converse

I love encouraging others along the way and would be glad to have a conversation over coffee. Sometimes, a good cup of coffee is all it takes to spark a meaningful collaboration, story, or new connection.

Connecting with Jeff McLain