An article in the Lewistown, Pa., Sentinel, reports on a change in leadership at Kish Valley Grace Brethren Church, Reedsville, Pa. Long-time pastor, Doug Sabin, has retired, and former congregant, Luke Shinski, has stepped into the lead role. A portion of the story appears below. Click here to read the complete article.
Kish Valley welcomes new pastor
Doug Sabin retires after 36 years in ministry
Since taking on his position as pastor at Kish Valley Grace Brethren, Luke Shinskie has had a number of people comment that it was “quite the time to become a pastor.”
“I often have replied, ‘I didn’t pick the time, God picked the time.’”
Shinskie was voted into his position in November 2019, replacing longtime Pastor Doug Sabin, who built it up from a small missions church and held the position for 36 years.
A Lewistown High School graduate, Shinskie attended Penn State University, then Biblical Seminary in Hatfield.
“I hope to continue to share the greatness of the gospel of Jesus, to build healthy relationships both within the church as well as with family structures and be open to serving and helping Mifflin County be a better place as a whole,” Shinskie said.
A former math teacher at Mifflin County School District, Shinskie attended Kish Valley Grace Brethren as a congregant. When Sabin announced his retirement, Shinskie decided it was time to try a new role.
He started in his position in June under Pastor Sabin and organized his first official service on Aug. 2.
Sabin has taken six months away from the church to allow Shinskie to get himself settled into his position before coming back to join the congregation.
“I am tremendously thankful for him and his selflessness and humility in encouraging me,” Shinskie said. “He had a faithful ministry here for years. For me to pastor at a church where I already knew a lot of people has been a blessing.”
Shinskie said he is excited to be working alongside other staff members, including: Pastor Chris Garland, student ministry; Jodi Cram, office administrator; Larry Kauffman, worship leader; Adam Weaver, children’s ministry director and Terry Knouse, financial secretary.
Click here to read the complete article.