About

Hello! I'm Jeff McLain - thanks for visiting my website.

Growing up, I was inspired by Jesus, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the California Raisins, and The Clash. In many ways, those influences continue to shape who I am today. I'm a follower of Jesus, happily married to Katie McLain, and blessed with three wonder-filled daughters. I’m also a doctoral student studying the Lord's Prayer, a pastor, blogger, podcaster, and weekend adventurer. I love helping others navigate life and leadership whenever I can—all proof that I enjoy keeping my life as full as my coffee cup.

As a student in the Doctor of Ministry program at Kairos University, I am exploring the theological and practical implications and foundations of utilizing the Lord’s Prayer in discipleship, communal contexts, and with those on a spiritual pilgrimage. You can visit the dedicated page on this website, which serves as a central hub for organizing and presenting my research, resources, and reflections.

In my role as the Director of Pastoral Ministries at Water Street Mission, I work among those suffering from homelessness and poverty. It is a privilege to listen to and pray with those on their spiritual journey. In my work, I am passionate about encouraging others to think differently about Jesus, life, and everything in-between - as well as equipping and empowering them to live a Spirit-filled life.

I also serve as the pastoral leader at River Corner Church, a growing church community of everyday people who gather to worship God, follow Jesus, and journey through life together. We are a simple community of Jesus people. Our meetinghouse is nestled in the serene rolling hills of Conestoga, where the pastoral landscape fosters a retreat-like atmosphere, inviting a sense of rest with God.

Additionally, I am part of the Discovering God Podcast and I blog for Patheos on a blog called Lead a Quiet Life, where I explore what it means to lead a quieter life at a slower pace, discovering a simple life and faith that embraces downward mobility in a chaotic world and church obsessed with excess.

Pursuing a well-lived life.

For almost twenty years, Katie and I have been happily married. Our love story began when we crossed paths in an East Coast diner after Katie left the golden sunsets of Orange County, California, to attend college in Pennsylvania. These days, we keep busy raising three wonder-filled daughters. Our family is passionate about baseball, boardwalks, beaches, bays, and books, and just finding joy in spending time together. We often explore the outdoors and open roads.

I am committed to lifelong learning.

In addition to my doctoral studies, I am also completing a third master’s degree, an MBA with a concentration in Executive Leadership, at City Vision University. Previously, I completed a Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry and a Master of Arts in Global Leadership at Fuller Seminary. I also graduated summa cum laude with a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and an Associate Degree in Christian Ministry and Leadership from City Vision University. My additional learning pursuits include completing several other academic and professional courses and participating in various learning communities.

A story marked by spiritual sojourning.

My path to this point has been far from conventional. In my late teens and twenties, I embarked on a quest for meaning and purpose by way of adventure, immersing myself in concert promotions, activism, spiritual sojourns, and hitchhiking. These adventures had me crisscrossing the country several times, leaving me with a trove of stories and unique encounters with God that eventually brought me back to Jesus, Jesus’ cause, and Jesus’ church. My path shifted even more when I encountered the kindness and investment of an inconspicuous local pastor who intentionally walked with me in meaningful ways. My journey has taken me from exploring spirituality and seeking adventure to encountering Jesus and becoming a pastor—and I've truly embraced every step of this path.

Let’s connect for a conversation.

If you are interested in engaging in conversations, or if you are seeking speaking engagements, coaching services, or consulting with me, please do not hesitate to contact me via email. You can also connect with me through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.




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