Tina Eaton, Director of Adult Ministries

Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

 

Tina Eaton was named Director of Adult Ministries in August 2011. In this part-time position, Tina is responsible for creating a cohesive adult education program, supporting various men’s and women’s ministries within First Church, and providing opportunities for faith development, particularly among young adults. She also will oversee our outreach efforts to new and potential members.

Tina joined the First Church staff as Congregational Care Coordinator in May 2007. In this position, Tina was responsible for fostering an environment of community and hospitality within the congregation, drawing visitors and non-members into an inviting church community, and seeing to the care of the congregation.

Under Tina’s leadership, First Church was recognized in 2008 as an official “Welcoming Congregation” by United Methodist Communications, a national division of The United Methodist Church. The recognition honors local United Methodist congregations for their efforts to actively welcome newcomers. First Church is part of a select group of United Methodist congregations nationwide that have attained the certification.

Tina, a certified group fitness instructor, also led the Body & Soul fitness class at First Church. Body & Soul is a non-profit, international ministry that seeks to strengthen its participants physically while enhancing their faith.

“I consider staying at home with my sons for eight years a calling,” Tina said. Before starting a family, Tina worked in the business world for 11 years. “God very clearly said to me, ‘Leave the life YOU planned and start living the life I have planned for you.’” Then, in 2003, God led Tina and her family to Mechanicsburg and First Church. “I could clearly hear God speaking to me at this time. He said, ‘I want you to do some things that you don’t think you can do, but you are ready.’” Tina was led to serve him through the Body & Soul fitness class, by becoming more active in church, and then by taking the Congregational Care Coordinator position.

Previously, Tina was the Assistant Director of Quality Assurance for Guilford Pharmaceuticals in Baltimore, where she served as the liaison to the Food and Drug Administration for new product approvals.

Tina is a graduate of Elizabethtown College, where she earned a degree in chemistry.

Tina and her husband, Barry, have three sons.

Tina’s Vision for Her Ministry

The ways that I serve God will always be changing according to His needs. In whatever I do, I pray that lives will be changed for Him, others will be drawn to Him, and that my efforts will bring glory to Him!