Rev. Michael V. Minnix, Senior Pastor

Favorite Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Rev. Mike Minnix became Senior Pastor of First Church in July 2004. He provides pastoral care to congregation members, general oversight of the congregation and all of its ministries, leads worship services, and oversees the First Church staff.

Pastor Mike has experienced God’s call for as long as he can remember. “I have been part of the church all my life,” he said. “I was carried in by my parents as an infant, and from the time I was able to contribute I have been active and involved, even through my college years!” It was during college that Pastor Mike’s call to ministry began to clarify, and the door to graduate work at a major seminary opened.  He went on to attend The Divinity School at Duke University. “That was the time I began intentionally walking through the doors that God opened, and here I am.  It has been a wondrous journey, and the best is yet to be!”

In addition to his duties at First Church, Pastor Mike currently serves on the Board of Directors for the United Methodist Home for Children, and on the Youth Aid Panel, a program of the Cumberland County Office of Juvenile Probation.

Pastor Mike’s career has spanned more than 30 years as an ordained pastor. In that time, he has served congregations at Grace United Methodist Church in Lemoyne, Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church, and Carlisle First United Methodist Church. He then served as Superintendent of the Chambersburg District of the Central Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church for six years before coming to First Church.

In addition to his service to First Church, Pastor Mike currently is president of the Central Pennsylvania Conference Council on Finance and Administration. He was elected by the 2008 General Conference to a seat on the council, serving the church on an international level.

Pastor Mike has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Religion from Maryville College in Tennessee, and a Master of Divinity from The Divinity School at Duke University.

Pastor Mike and his wife, Wendy, are the parents of two grown children.

Pastor Mike’s Vision for his Ministry
The Kingdom of God—All are welcomed, valued and loved. None are excluded. The common good of all is our goal.