Leadership

Session, Committee Heads, and Staff

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”  – 1 Corinthians 12:4–7

Pastor – Michael Birbeck

As the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church Wellsboro since 2015, Mike has a passion for wholistic transformation through the Gospel. Mike and his wife, Jessica, have a daughter named Priya. They enjoy travel, the outdoors, and, most of all, spending time together as a family. Mike received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Cairn University and his Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Prior to coming to First Presbyterian Church Wellsboro, he served as Director of Youth Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Levittown in Levittown, Pa for eight years and a Pastoral Assistant at First United Presbyterian Church in Cambridge, Ma for two years. Mike also serves the global church through teaching, writing, and serving on various boards.  

Pastoral Assistant for Family Ministry – Cameron Cowburn

As the Assistant to the Pastor for Family Ministry at First Presbyterian Church Wellsboro, Cameron has a passion for helping children, youth, and families grow as devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Cameron and his wife, Heidi, have been married for ten years and are raising three children: Andrew, Peter, and Erin. They enjoy serving the church and spending time together as a family. Cameron grew up in the region and received his degree as a Physician Assistant from Pennsylvania College of Technology. He practiced medicine for seven years, including three years serving in the Wellsboro Emergency Department. Prior to joining First Presbyterian Church Wellsboro, he served as pastor of a church in Gold, Pa for six years. Cameron is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree through remote studies.

Choir Director – Morgan Shaffer

Morgan Shaffer is a native of Wellsboro and a third generation member of First Presbyterian Church Wellsboro. She obtained a B.S. in Music Education from Mansfield University and a M.S. in Music Education from Boston University. Morgan teaches band, choir and general music classes at the middle school in Wellsboro Area School District. Morgan and her husband, John, can be found enjoying a variety of outdoor activities including camping and hiking, as well as watching their children, William and Mallory, play soccer and perform in dance recitals.

Keyboardist

We are currently searching for our next keyboardist. If interested, please see the job section of our website. 

Office Manager – Jen Horning

Jen is a Wellsboro native who joined our staff in 2019.  She enjoys assisting with the ministry behind-the-scenes and seeing all the cheerful faces that come to the church during the week. Jen homeschooled her three children and enjoys talking with anyone contemplating it. She and her husband, Dave, reside in Wellsboro. They have a story of the goodness and faithfulness of God.