Leaders and Staff
Pastors
Gary joined Bermudian Church in November 2022. Gary was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania into a Christian home, the son of an American Baptist Pastor. Gary grew up in Philadelphia and in Cape May, New Jersey.
Gary professed belief and faith in Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at the age of eight. He was baptized one day before his ninth birthday. It was that same year that he felt the call to full-time pastoral ministry. He has served in churches in New York State and Pennsylvania. Theologically, Gary is a conservative evangelical who has a heart for reaching those in the community for Jesus Christ. One of his greatest desires is to equip the church through Biblical teaching, preaching and servant leadership to be a missional church.
Gary's wife Linda grew up in the Brethren Church in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Together they have seven children, six of whom are married, and a growing number of grandchildren. Gary and Linda enjoy horseback riding, spending time with their family, hiking, golfing, skiing, camping as well as other outdoor activities.
Matthew Hershey joined our team on August 25th. 2025 as an Associate Pastor. Matthew's focus at Bermudian will be to guide and lead our youth and young adults to encourage them in their walk with Jesus. Matthew is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ whose greatest desire is to see lives changed by the Gospel. With a heart for people and a deep love for God’s Word, Matthew seeks to encourage, teach, and equip others to live fully for Christ and to walk in the truth of Scripture.
A native of Hanover, Pennsylvania, Matthew graduated from New Oxford High School in 2006. He went on to earn degrees in Business Administration, Information Technology, and Biblical Studies, along with a minor in Pastoral Ministry. In 2025, he graduated Summa Cum Laude, reflecting his dedication to both learning and ministry.
Matthew shares life’s journey with his wonderful wife, Brandy. Together they are blessed with
three children—adult son Christian, daughters Genesis and Elizabeth and they also
have the privilege of serving as foster parents, extending love and stability to children in need.
When not ministering, Matthew enjoys teaching the Bible, camping under the stars, and relaxing
with a good video game. In all that he does, his greatest aim is to glorify God, serve His people,
and help others discover the hope and life found in Jesus Christ.
Ministry Leadership
Church Officers
Moderator ~~ Larry Dentler
Church Clerk ~~ Ashley Frantz
Church Treasurer ~~ John Flickinger
Executive Committee
Church Board Chair ~~ Bob Meck
Church Board Vice Chair ~~ Brett Miller
Witness Commission Chair ~~ Mark Lipsitz
Stewards Commission Chair ~~ Randy Becker
Christian Education Commission Chair ~~ Sue Deardorff
Nurture Commission Chair ~~ Joyce See
Deacon Chair ~~ Brett Miller
Senior Pastor ~~ Gary Firster
Associate Pastor: Youth and Young Adults ~~ Matthew Hershey
Moderator ~~ Larry Dentler
Church Clerk ~~ Ashley Frantz