Geoff Kohler
Geoff Kohler, our Senior Pastor/Head of Staff, is a servant of Jesus Christ and he believes that he is working with a dynamic, highly capable and Spirit guided community of colleagues in the staff of First Presbyterian. It's easy for him to describe how excited he is to see the direction, hopes and dreams of the staff in the ministry to which each is called. You'll also find his excitement generated by how he understands the congregation and their moment, now, in the long history and heritage of our church.
Geoff has been an associate pastor, a founding pastor of an alternative Presbyterian congregation, an inner city missionary, a Christian Educator and a youth director. As a resident of Malvern, PA for over 20 years, Geoff and his family were drawn to Lancaster and its environs through all seasons of the year. Local spots became regular sites of family celebrations. So, it is with a great deal of excitement that Geoff moved into Lancaster and joined the ministry of First Presbyterian. His hope, in leading the church, is to see it grow deeply in faith, to grow wise in understanding Scripture, to grow assured in its hope and to grow even warmer in its love for others.
He and his wife, Beckie, have three grown children and three grandchildren and each of their kids is involved in ministry or care-giving occupations. You can contact Geoff at geoff@fpclanc.org
Don Hackett
Don came to Lancaster from Bethlehem (Pa) where he had been pastor for youth Ministries at First Presbyterian Church since 1983. Though a military dependent who has lived in seven different states and two foreign countries, Don considers Pennsylvania his home. After graduating from Penn State, he attended Princeton Theological Seminary and received his Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Later, in 1997, he received his Doctor of Divinity degree from Fuller.
Don's personal mission is to help people understand, trust fully and grow completely in their relationship with the God revealed in Jesus the Christ - through creative communication, practical training and authentic living. He describes his style as "warm, informal, vulnerable and direct." He has a special passion to reach and "disciple" young adults who are presently not connected to Christ or His community.
Don and his wife, Rila, have three young children (Ian, Brynn and Colin) and enjoy walking, reading, travel, music and connecting with friends.
You can reach Don at don@fpclanc.org
