It is with much anticipation and excitement that the Ohio Conference Leadership Team announces the appointment of Sherah-Leigh Gerber to serve as regional pastor – east. Many people will remember Sherah-Leigh from when she served as our coordinator of volunteers from 2009 to 2014, prior to moving to Harrisonburg, Virginia.

While in Virginia, she was the associate pastor for worship, discipleship and care at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church from 2015 to 2021. Along with her time in Ohio Conference, Sherah-Leigh also has previous administrative experience with Virginia Mennonite Missions and Virginia Mennonite Conference. Her gifting and skills are a lovely blend of warmth, pastoral sensitivity and genuine care for people combined with excellent administrative skills, a strong desire for collaboration, and the ability to see the bigger picture.

Sherah-Leigh has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Congregational and Youth Ministry from Eastern Mennonite College and a Master of Divinity degree from Eastern Mennonite Seminary.

Sherah-Leigh, her husband, B.J., and their two children (Anna, age 10, and Titus, age 8) reside in Apple Creek, Ohio. She will start in the regional pastor position on March 1 to help us prepare for Ralph Reinford’s retirement on March 31. Please join us March 4-5 at our Annual Conference Assembly at Zion Mennonite Church in Archbold, Ohio, as we honor Ralph for his many years of pastoral service in Ohio Conference and welcome Sherah-Leigh as our new regional pastor.