Rev. Dr. Matthew J Lenahan
Lititz,PA
Summary
Dr. Lenahan is passionate about community-building, collaboration, and cooperation. He loves to create and organize teams, especially across cultural, racial, and religious differences. Over 25 years of ministry, he has been an adaptive leader who has developed new ways of being 'church in the world.' He is committed to his Lutheran identity and theology, while exploring new ways of seeing and understanding. He is a contemplative activist, who is deeply interested in developing the next generation of adaptive, creative leaders to solve global challenges with empathy and curiosity.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Wittel Farm Growing Project
Lutheran Camping Corporation
01.2016 - Current
- Envisioned and founded a new outdoor ministry expression that involves community sustaining agriculture on an 85-acre farm entrusted to the Lutheran Camping Corp. and Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA
- Directed thousands of volunteers to plant, grow, harvest, and share fresh vegetables over 10 growing seasons.
- Learned and adopted ecological farming principles and practices to enhance soil organic health, support the wellbeing of the larger ecosystems, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Fundraised and wrote grants to launch, grow, and sustain the project. Received a "Big Dream" domestic hunger grant from the ELCA for $98,000 to build an outdoor pavilion classroom.
- Developed partnerships with local food relief organizations to distribute harvested produce. To date we have distributed over 140,000 pounds of food.
- Educates the public on climate change, agriculture, and regenerative practices. Developed a syllabus for a seminary course on ecological reading of the Bible, agrarian thought, ecological farming/gadening as a spiritual practice.
Pastor/Mission Developer
Zion Lutheran Church
05.2005 - Current
- Delivered weekly sermons, fostering spiritual growth and community engagement for over 20 years.
- Led worship services, incorporating diverse music and liturgical elements. Practiced and taught music from many traditions.
- Facilitated small group discussions and house church expressions aimed at deepening participants' understanding of core biblical principles and themes.
- Provided pastoral care, addressing individual and family needs within the congregation.
- Conducted baptisms, confirmations, and weddings, enhancing church traditions.
- Developed educational programs for all ages, promoting theological understanding and discipleship.
- Developed an outreach ministry that offers a monthly community breakfast, food pantry, and clothing bank. Inspired three other local congregations to replicate this ministry.
- Launched a dinner church community in 2015, the 2nd in the US. Inspired other congregations, through Fresh Expressions US, to start dinner churches.
- Fostered a welcoming environment for newcomers by creating an inclusive culture within the church community. Zion became a "Reconciling in Christ" congregation in 2025.
- Involved the congregation in advocacy and organizing for social justice issues, including hunger, public education, and affordable housing.
Congregational Community Organizer
POWER Interfaith
01.2022 - 05.2025
- Mobilized community members to engage in local policy advocacy efforts in public education funding and affordable housing
- Developed and facilitated training workshops on social justice issues and organizing practices for a multi-racial and interfaith coalition.
- Conducted research on community needs to inform strategic planning efforts.
- Managed volunteer recruitment and training processes for events and programs.
- Collaborated with community organizations in other regions to support state-wide and national outreach initiatives.
- Coordinated and implemented numerous meetings, forums and community events.
- Participated in strategy development and planning to grow organizing program and advance campaigns.
- Spoke at public events, evangelizing for organizational goals and interests.
- Led staff development meetings to organize volunteers and members toward unified goals.
- Liaised with political organizations and initiatives to confirm consideration of community best interests within campaigns and political agendas.
- Conducted meetings with clergy, community leaders and organizational ally leadership.
- Collaborated with local organizations to strengthen coalition-building initiatives.
Education
Doctor of Ministry - Ecotheology
United Lutheran Seminary
Gettysburg, PA05-2024
Masters of Divinity -
Lutheran Theological Seminary
Gettysburg, PA05-2001
Bachelor of Arts - History And Religion
Susquehanna University
Selinsgrove, PA05-1996
Skills
- Visionary and adaptive leadership that connects people to meaningful work by uncovering shared values and common needs in a time of religious and social change
- Building powerful relationships across faith traditions, through multiracial and interfaith community organizing for social justice
- Creative and innovative approaches to congregational ministry in a post-Christian context
- Trained practitioner in ecotheology, ecological agriculture, and climate action
- Trained practitioner in contemplative, Celtic Christian spirituality
Timeline
Congregational Community Organizer
POWER Interfaith
01.2022 - 05.2025
Director, Wittel Farm Growing Project
Lutheran Camping Corporation
01.2016 - Current
Pastor/Mission Developer
Zion Lutheran Church
05.2005 - Current
Doctor of Ministry - Ecotheology
United Lutheran Seminary
Masters of Divinity -
Lutheran Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Arts - History And Religion
Susquehanna University
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