Kurt Miller (pictured), who has served with Grace Brethren International Missions as Mobilization Coordinator for the Eastern Region since February, 2007, has accepted the position of lead pastor of the Grace Brethren Church of Martinsburg, Pennsylvania.
Prior to his GBIM position, Miller was national director of church planting with Grace Brethren North American Missions. Miller will assume his new pastoral duties in March of 2008.
A spokesperson for the Martinsburg church said, “Please pray for a smooth transition and the securing of a youth pastor.” Other pastors currently on the Martinsburg church staff are Robert Russell (senior adults), Brant Leidy (Christian Education and children), and Rick Horner (associate pastor).
Members of the Martinsburg church staff commented, “The Staff, Elders, and Congregation of Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church are thrilled to announce that KURT MILLER has accepted our call to be our Lead Pastor. After waiting a year we feel God has led us the right man to take the helm of our progressing church.”
Dave Guiles, executive director of Grace Brethren International Missions, said, “It is with mixed emotions that we announce the departure of Kurt Miller from the GBIM team.
“GBIM is very committed to working with local churches in their quest to mobilize their congregations to tangible involvement in cross-cultural ministries. In his short time with us Kurt captured our passion for this ministry and was well-positioned to make an impact on many churches. He will be missed. At the same time, we recognize the strong commitment to GBIM by the Martinsburg GBC. We are pleased that their new senior pastor will continue this commitment.”
Of this new call, Kurt Miller said, “I love the local church, the preaching of the Word and shepherding people. I believe with all my heart that God is now taking me back to my original calling as a pastor. For this I am elated and resting squarely in the hands of the Lord. Will you please pray for us?
-Pray for the preparation and sale of our house.
-Pray for Anecia as she finishes out the school year and trains a new registrar. She has served as the registrar at Grace College and Theological Seminary for over 13 years.
-Pray for my transition to the church which will take place in early March.
-Pray for the church congregation and staff as they prepare for our arrival.”
A native of Corning, New York, Miller worked in law enforcement and then entered full-time ministry in 1976 as pastor of the Grace Brethren Church of Richmond, Virginia. Later he served churches in Pennsylvania and Florida. In 1991 he joined the staff of Grace Brethren North American Missions, where he served sixteen years as the National Director of Church Planting.
Kurt and his wife, Anecia, have been residing in Winona Lake, Indiana, where Anecia has been employed by Grace College and Seminary.