Pastor Jack M. Horner, D.Min.

Pastor Jack M. Horner, D.Min.

Lead Pastor

Phone: 717-737-8635
LinkedIn: View Profile

Jack Horner remembers finding a little red prayer book when he was eight or nine. It was in his grandfather’s basement, and something about that book gave Jack pause. Maybe it was the fact that it fit so perfectly in the palm of his hand. Maybe it was the distinctive old-book smell that appealed to the studious youngster. But he found inspiration in the prayers he read. Jack was hooked.

Jack’s family did not attend church regularly at the time, but eventually he found his growing faith nurtured in a central Pennsylvania congregation. In that gathering of people, he learned about the means of grace. He found support and comfort in the rhythm of church life centered around forgiveness, song, prayer, holy story, creed, meal, and blessing.

In time, Jack felt the urging of God to serve the church in ordained ministry. He attended Wittenberg University, a Lutheran college in Ohio, and returned to central Pennsylvania to Gettysburg Seminary. His internship in inner-city Pittsburgh taught him invaluable lessons in parish-based ministry, evangelism, youth ministry, and community outreach.

In 1991, Pastor Jack was called to urban ministry at a congregation in Queens, NY, where he ministered door-to-door, started a Christian nursery school, a Latino ministry, and a summer youth program. In 1999, he led a congregation in Mount Kisco, NY, starting a contemporary service, a Christian nursery school, and an interfaith homeless ministry. He also earned his Doctor of Ministry degree during this time, writing a dissertation entitled “Developing Missional Identity through Small Group Spiritual Formation.” In 2009, he joined the Metropolitan New York Synod as Director of Evangelical Mission. In April 2013, Pastor Jack was called to be Trinity’s lead pastor; he began his ministry here that June.

Pastor Jack is passionate for the gospel and believes the Church is the hope for the world. He and his wife, Linda, have four children (Genesis, Joshua, John, and Krista) and one grandchild (Dean.) They are a pet-friendly household and enjoy sports and the outdoors. And anyone who meets Pastor Jack learns quickly that he is an enthusiastic Pittsburgh Steelers fan.