Lead Pastor

About

Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church, commonly known as McBIC, lies in Pennsylvania’s Upper Allen Township on the edge of Mechanicsburg Borough, a community whose motto is “A Good Place to Live.” The Borough and Township are in Cumberland County, just across the river from the state capital, Harrisburg. The area is rapidly changing, continuously growing, and increasingly multi-ethnic, with ties to both suburban and rural communities. Local school systems are well-supported, a nearby Christian University is thriving, and numerous non-profits and churches collaboratively work together to meet both local and global needs.

Founded in 1890 and one of the most established congregations in the Brethren in Christ (BIC) denomination, McBIC is a multi-generational congregation of over 400 believers known for its focus on community engagement, vibrant youth and children’s ministry, and robust spiritual formation and healing prayer ministries. We foster a healthy volunteer culture and seek to be a church where our pastors and staff can authentically live out their ministry calling. In an increasingly polarized world, we choose to pursue Christ-likeness in what we think, say, and do, consistent with the 10 Core Values of the BIC denomination. We lean on the life of Jesus, authority of scripture, and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we help people find healing and restoration in Christ.

McBIC has strong connections to and partnerships with local academic communities, non-profits, and area churches. Our missional communities bring people together around common passions that respond to local needs, and the church body supports global missions through BIC U.S. World Missions. We value generosity with our facilities, and on any given week you will find several community groups and local ministries using our building and grounds – including two other congregations, one Hispanic and one Nepali.

Position Overview

Our congregation is prayerfully seeking a lead pastor who demonstrates a growing relationship with Jesus, humility, wisdom, discernment, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and has an active prayer life. We value sermons that emphasize discipleship, contextualize Scripture, and help us hear Jesus’ voice. The ideal candidate will be able to set a vision for the future while preserving our unique culture.

With several pastors and staff members who report to the lead pastor, strong team leadership skills are essential, including: effective communication, conflict resolution, transparency, and the ability to identify and develop emerging leaders. Considering our identity as a “community church,” it will be vital for our lead pastor to intentionally pursue involvement beyond our building’s walls.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a deep, growing relationship with Jesus
• Preach and teach on Sunday mornings, including scheduling preaching opportunities for other pastors on staff
• Lead, coach, and support a strong and collaborative staff with humility
• Lead and inspire the church family to actively serve, build, and maintain partnerships in the community
• Encourage and model an active prayer life for the congregation and staff
• Mentor and develop leaders within the congregation
• Set vision in collaboration with pastoral staff and church leaders
• Maintain and grow community relationships
• Pursue and encourage a lifelong journey towards Christ-likeness within the body
• Encourage, model, and promote open communication

Requirements

• Seminary degree (or willingness to pursue), with a commitment to lifelong learning
• Have, or willing to obtain, a Brethren in Christ pastoral credential
• Demonstrated collaborative leadership experience
• Basic administrative skills, including evidence of practical application of Christian financial and life stewardship

To Apply

To apply for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to Bishop Heather Beaty at hbeaty@bicus.org.

Published on September 23, 2026