A 'family of friends': Nathan Eikenberry is pastor of First Baptist Church in Millersville

Nathan Eikenberry became the pastor of First Baptist Church in Millersville on June 1, replacing Daniel Hale, who died last March after 25 years as the church's pastor. Eikenberry is new to the area and pastoral ministry, but he said he has been warmly welcomed and is grateful for the opportunity.

Eikenberry hails from Indiana, but most recently, he was in Louisville, Kentucky, attending Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. A First Baptist search committee saw his resume on the job board for Southern Seminary, looked him up, requested additional information and interviewed him.

According to Eikenberry, the committee was interested in him because he was in search of a committed, long-term relationship with a congregation; he was "willing to come and stay a long time."

"They told me they pulled my resume out of the stack because it said I wanted to put down roots and stay there," he said.

He and his wife, Eve, and their children, Annabelle, 3, and James, 2, moved to Millersville to begin that process at First Baptist. In the spring, they will add another family member to the list, as they are expecting the birth of their third child in April.

Nathan Eikenberry, pastor at First Baptist Church in Millersville, poses for a photo Wednesday, March 2, 2016.Glenn Landberg

The pastor spoke glowingly of his transition to First Baptist.

"It's been wonderful," he said. "It's been a good experience to do what God has called me to do. It's been a joy to be here."

Apparently, the feeling is mutual, as he has been embraced by First Baptist members.

"People have been really supportive," he said. "Folks have embraced us and welcomed us into the community and into their homes."

They have gotten behind his ministry and his preaching, he continued.

Nathan Eikenberry, pastor at First Baptist Church in Millersville, poses for a photo Wednesday, March 2, 2016.Glenn Landberg

Leadership is never without its challenges, and Eikenberry described his greatest challenge as "managing the schedule of a pastor -- preaching and teaching full time while balancing a family."

He said he has "no regrets," however, and expressed his greatest joy in his new role: "It's been getting to know people here and getting to share with people here ... learning how to preach God's word better -- doing what I believe God has called me to do."

One thing he has recognized during his months at First Baptist is how special the church is and what sets it apart.

"Our love for one another is probably one of the distinctive markers of this church," he said, highlighting the church's tagline, which is "Family of Friends."

"We're a church that preaches and holds to God's word … but the love [we] have is distinctive," he said.

Nathan Eikenberry, pastor at First Baptist Church in Millersville, poses for a photo Wednesday, March 2, 2016.Glenn Landberg

When attending First Baptist, people should expect an experience "characterized by vibrant worship, thoughtful prayers and relevant preaching from God's word," he said.

First Baptist Church Millersville is at 531 Market St. in Millersville. For more information, visit www.fbcmillersville.org.