If you need prayer, spiritual advice or any other pastoral care, call 215.673.9552
Rev. Dr. Joseph McAvinney was installed as pastor on March 26, 2023.
Joe and Diane moved to Philadelphia in 1981, after Joe received his B.A in
Biblical Literature from Northeastern Bible College and Master of Divinity from
Biblical Theological Seminary. Their first ministry was at Temple Student Life
Center (1981-1986). This ministry brought the gospel message to Temple
University students and offered a free Christian counseling service.
The Lord moved Joe into the pastorate at Calvary Bible Church from 1986-2003.
During this time, he also taught Bible part time at International Christian High
School.
In 2003, the Lord moved Joe out of a pastorate to be fulltime Bible teacher at
International Christian High School.
Joe was called to the Whosoever Gospel Mission in 2010 as the Aftercare
Counselor.
Through the years, the Lord opened up doors for Joe to have various secondary
ministries, including working with Pioneers for Christ (a Korean youth ministry)
and developing a Christian counseling ministry (Counseling For The Heart). Joe
continues part time at WGM and is currently the pastor at Lehigh Baptist Church.
While serving at ICHS, Joe entered a Doctor of Ministries program. His
dissertation focused on the effects of voluntarily absent fathers (AWOL Dads)
have on their sons emotional, educational and spiritual formation. He earned a
Doctor of Ministry in Advanced Missional Leadership in 2010.
Joe became the interim pastor at Lehigh Baptist Church November 1, 2022. In the
months that followed, the Lord confirmed his call to this ministry. We pray this
will bear much fruit for the Lord Jesus.