OUR STAFF

Pastor Donald Kirschner feels incredibly blessed and extremely excited to be a part of all God is doing at West Park UMC! Although originally from Sun Valley, CA, he moved to Waxahachie, TX at the age of 11, and now finds himself calling NJ home since 2014. Before coming to south Jersey, he served as pastor at the First UMC of Mt. Holly in Mt. Holly, NJ for three years from July, 2015 through June, 2018, first as part of a Young Clergy Initiative while in seminary and then as a licensed local pastor for his third year of ministry there. He then served Boonton UMC & Montville UMC in northern NJ for seven years from July, 2018 through June, 2025. He has a B.A. in both Psychology and Christian Ministries from Azusa Pacific University in southern CA. And in 2017, he completed his M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary.

Pastor Donald is passionate about God and His Word, about discovering creative ways to do church, exploring new avenues to reach those who are marginalized, and forming meaningful spaces of encounter whereby people can experience the amazing grace and transforming love of God. He enjoys running long distances, singing and playing guitar, writing reflective journal entries, and spending time with his wife Katherine and daughter Marlena, He met Katherine during his first semester of seminary and they married three years later on October 21, 2017. Katherine is also a minister, serving as the pastor of Ocean Heights Presbyterian Church in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

God is certainly at work in our community of Bridgeton and at West Park UMC. Pastor Donald looks forward to all that lies ahead as God continues to use our church and its ministries to be a bright light for others and for God’s kingdom.

Pastor Chris performed his undergraduate studies at Cairn University and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Biblical Studies with a focus on Youth Ministry, and in August 2021, he completed a Master’s of Arts in Religion degree.  He has been a part of the West Park Family since 2010, where he volunteered his time and completed his internship with the Youth Group before officially coming on staff serving as the Assistant and Youth Pastor in June of 2015. Pastor Chris lives in Hopewell with his wife Lauren and their three children Lucie Grace, Elinor (Nora) Mae, and Levi Grant.

Jodi and her husband David joined West Park Church in 2015. During that time, she has served on the SPRC, volunteered as the Prayer Pal Coordinator, acted as the West Park Liaison for Cornerstone Women’s Resource Center’s Baby Bottle Drive, and has been an active member of various ministries including West Park FIT, Sistering 4 Christ, Seasoned Moms, and West Park Women. Jodi and David have three grown children and one granddaughter. Jodi homeschooled all three children, taught in their homeschool co-op, and served on the co-op board. When she’s not working in the church office, you can find Jodi spending time with her family, working in her garden, sitting on the beach, walking her dog Molly, or paddle boarding out on the water.

Nick and his wife Cheryl began attending West Park in 2012. After retiring in 2014 from teaching instrumental music for 37 years in the Millville Public Schools he began working at West Park. Nick has also been involved in organizing instrumental music ensembles at West Park and has also served as the chairman of the Board of Trustees. Nick also enjoys model trains, woodworking, and gardening and he and Cheryl are very proud of their 4 adult children and their families.

Jeanne is the mom of 3 and the grand mom of 4 teenagers. She works full time as a PCA for the State of NJ Medicaid. She has been a staple of the West Park worship band and has been a faithful leader in PULSE youth group. She is a valuable asset to our team and we love the energy that she brings!