Staff and ministry team

Pastor Joel Smith is our Transitional Lead Pastor, and has several years experience helping churches navigate change. His background as a church planter, pastor, and coach makes him an asset to our team as we ask big questions about what our big God has in store for the next big season of ministry. Joel lives in Mechanicsburg with his wife Debbie. He loves his kids, his grandson Ezekiel, his dogs, and the Pittsburgh Steelers!

Josh McCullough, a first-generation pastor, graduated from Southeastern University in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in ministerial leadership. He spent over a decade at City Light Church in Ocala, Florida, focusing on empowering students and overseeing community life. With a belief in the potential of students, Josh is eager to witness a generation of students empowered to live out their faith. On his spare time, Josh loves spending time with his wife Becca and their son Jude going to coffee shops, camping, and taking care of their chickens blondie and poppy.

In his role with Worship and Care ministries, Jeremy wants people to be encouraged to take a step toward Christ from wherever they are. He has a desire to honor the heritage of our church community while continuing to walk forward together in intentional growth. Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Arts from Eastern University in ministry leadership, music, and Biblical studies, as well as previous ordination with two other denominations. Jeremy and his phenomenal wife Sara live in Lancaster with their three children. He loves cycling, mexican food, sci-fi and superhero movies, and telling “dad jokes” to his kids.

Nancy and her husband Chilly together have 6 children and 8 grandchildren. She began working with children in her church’s Nursery School, where she also took on the role of Bell Choir director, Children’s Choir Director, which included a youth Hand Chime Choir, and Interim Chancel Choir Director.  Nancy joined the Donegal School District where she was a Reading Assistant and First Grade teacher, retiring in 2020.  She loves to spend time in her gardens, having fun with her grandchildren, and baking goodies for friends and family.  She is excited to begin a new adventure fostering the spiritual growth of our children.  

Natalie is married to Brad and has three kids – Roman, Avery and Wade.  She is the Director of Women’s Ministries and has the privilege of coordinating Bible studies and events for women of all ages.  Her desire is for women to grow in their relationship with Jesus and one another through meaningful interactions.  Natalie enjoys creating memories with her family, arranging fresh flowers and playing fetch with her Cheetoh cat, Buttons.  

Mitzi feels blessed to be part of the MJMC staff! She has been married to Tim for more then 35 years. They have 2 children and 2 grandsons. Mitzi’s hobbies include crocheting, counted cross-stitch, playing games, and spending time with family and friends.

Hilary helps support the work of both the Youth and Children’s ministries at MJMC. She grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia where she was encouraged to grow in relationship with Jesus by asking questions, building relationships, serving others, and resting in God’s love. Prior to having children, Hilary spent seven years as a middle school teacher. A graduate of Messiah College, Hilary lives in Leola with her husband, Nick, and their two kids. She is passionate about seeing the multigenerational church flourish in its mission to love God and others through discipleship and service.

Jason and Briana have been married for 9 years and have 4 wonderful kids. As lay minister of welcome and community life, they will focus on strengthening the welcoming ministries and fellowship events. They have a passion for making people feel as welcome as they did when they first came to MJMC (which was one of the main reasons they continued to come back). There’s not much Jason doesn’t enjoy doing, as he his very well rounded in hobbies, but a few of his favorite are farming and hunting. Briana enjoys living on a farm, going out for breakfast, and watching football. 

Nadene has a deep longing to learn more about God and his nature through prayer, especially through praying the scriptures. She enjoys the beauty of singing the Psalms and praying/worshipping along with them. She is also very interested in hearing other people’s stories, especially in intergenerational settings like our congregation. Nadene is married to Ryan and the mother of three young children. She likes being outside – riding bike or walking on trails. She also likes to read historical fiction and nonfiction.

Fred and Shelley have recently become a part of the MJMC family.  They have a passion to bless and encourage, equip, and facilitate others in blessing our neighbors – here in Mount Joy, among refugees settling in Lancaster and beyond, even to the ends of the earth.  They moved to Mount Joy from Reading city and their experiences include living and working in Southeast Asia for 14 years.  They have 2 children and 5 grandchildren. They moved to Mount Joy borough in 2022 and are the proud owners of a midcentury modern home that has been known as the “Jetson house”.  Shelley retired as a high school chemistry teacher from Twin Valley School District in 2023 while Fred, when he is not spending time with family or engaged in blessing others, “fuels” car enthusiasts by selling classic European cars and parts.