Meet Our Leaders

As a boy growing up in a traditional church, I was constantly struck by how boring and irrelevant church services were to me. My friends would go once with me, and then they would remark how boring it was. I noticed there were rarely ever any non-Christians coming in and becoming Christians the way it used to be in the Bible. The few that would venture in seemed awkwardly out of place. They weren't dressed right. They didn't know when to sit down and stand up. They didn't know the words that everyone else suddenly began to recite. The hymns were too high or too low for them to sing, and the organ droned on like a funeral dirge. After the service, people would gather together in cliques. You could hear them talking about other people in less than encouraging terms. The whole experience was so foreign to the uninitiated that it seemed almost bizarre. At sixteen, I decided there might not be a God, or at least if there was one and if this is what being in His presence did to you - I didn't want it! Then at age nineteen, through an unusual set of circumstances, I came to know Jesus Christ personally. At that time, He said to me, "You see now that I am real. Go and tell others that what I have done for you I will do for them also."

That was in 1972. I am still as committed today as I was then to do whatever it takes to help people who have lost their way - those who feel church is irrelevant and boring - those who feel their sins are too great to ever be forgiven - those who for whatever reason are "non-churched" - to come to know and experience the abundant life Jesus Christ offers.

Hello! My name is Jennifer Eckhart. I've been attending Blue Mountain Community Church since I was seven years old. It is here where I met my husband, Cliff. Over the years, I've enjoyed being part of many of our ministries including teaching our children, leading our youth ministry, and planning special outreach events. Today, I serve as our Assistant Pastor and Music Ministry leader. Nothing brings me more joy than being part of a church that loves and serves God and each other. We would love to have you join us for worship!

Hi, I’m Cliff Eckhart and it’s great to meet you. I gave my heart to Jesus when I was thirteen, and fully surrendered my life to Him at seventeen. I grew up here, got married here, and have served in just about every ministry that we offer here. Currently I serve as a teaching pastor and oversee our Men's Ministry activities, and I encourage you to check out what we have planned over on the men's ministry page.

I am married to the love of my life, Jennifer.  I enjoy bike riding, sci-fi, books (novels & comics), the Yankees, the Colts, playing softball, and hot wings.  I look forward to meeting you!

Hi, my name is Alicia Klotz, the Welcoming and Connection Ministry leader, and I have been a part of BMCC since I was a toddler. Growing up at BMCC, I've been blessed to be a part of the music team and the toddler and infant ministry. My ministry passion is to help the church family connect with other attendees, build genuine relationships, and to help individuals discover their spiritual passion to equip them for service to our Lord Jesus Christ. It's my hearts desire to help everyone who enters BMCC to feel welcome and at home. I hope you'll join us soon!

Hi, My name is Tedd Leininger. I’m the Pastor of Youth Ministries. I was born and raised in rural Central Pennsylvania. I accepted Christ as Savior and also felt a call into ministry early in my middle school pre-teen years, and was greatly affected by those who poured their lives into mine, to bring about a lifetime in ministry. My wife, JoAnn and I, have been married for 27 years, have three children (Kendra, Kristin, and Kyle), and have served in full-time ministry for 22 of those years. Our Elevate Vision is “to create a space where ALL teens feel safe and know they matter to us and Jesus and our Mission is to “help today’s TEENs come to know, love, serve and share Jesus. We hope you’ll come join us and be part of all God is doing at BMCC! 

Hi! My name is Nancy Collins and I'm married to Head Pastor, Rick Collins. We have four daughters, four son-in-laws, seven grandsons and one granddaughter. We started the church together in 1981 after God intervened miraculously and moved us to Palmerton.

I have served in almost every ministry as there was a need while the church was growing. Currently, I serve as a teacher in Children's Ministry, play the piano in Music Ministry, and oversee Women's Ministry.

Since starting the church, I have gone from one of the "younger" women to one of the "older" women who Titus (in Titus 2) instructs to encourage the younger women. I love encouraging our younger women to love their husbands and children, and make friendships with other women in the church, while learning to know, love, and serve Jesus.

When I'm not serving in ministry, I enjoy road biking and skiing with my husband, flower gardening, sewing, watching my precious grandchildren, reading, cooking, and living a healthy lifestyle. I also work as a Registered Nurse in our local hospital. I look forward to meeting you!

Hello, my name is Yvonne Stoudt. I am the youngest child of a pastoral family and came to love Jesus at the age of 7. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Lloyd Stoudt, and enjoy being in ministry together here at Blue Mountain Community Church. We have two sons who both serve in the Military.

I have enjoyed working with children of all ages since I was 14 years old. Since then I have worked with children both voluntarily and professionally. I started attending Blue Mountain Community Church in 1999 where I have been a part of Music, Teen, Infants & Toddlers and Children’s Ministry. Over the years God has lead me to this church where I have come to Know, Love and Serve Jesus with new meaning. I now serve as the Children’s Ministry Director and am blessed to be a part of what God is doing in our community. We look forward to having your family join us.

My name is Lloyd Stoudt, the Building and Grounds Director, and I'm happy and grateful to be a part of the BMCC family. I was adopted very young and grew up in church where I was taught to love and serve Jesus. In 2000, I experienced what I call a "God Event", in which God called me to come to BMCC and help Pastor Rick.  One thing led to another from two hours a week to full-time.  So join us!  Answer the call in your life.

Hello! My name is Lori Schaffer. I have been attending Blue Mountain Community Church since I was 18 years old. My husband, Eric, first brought me to BMCC while we were dating. We have been married for over 20 years and have two children, Noah and Chloe.

I enjoy being able to use my spiritual gifts of administration here at BMCC. I have been serving as Church Treasurer / Office Manager for over 15 years. I love being a part of this community of believers.

Hi, My name is Judy Eckhart and I oversee Outreach at Blue Mountain Community Church. I've been a member here since 2005. I grew up in a christian home but it was later in my adult life that I found a more personal relationship with Jesus. One that keeps changing me into the person he had intended me to be from the beginning.

Outreach is my passion, whether it's getting our church name out to the community, welcoming someone new, a handshake, hug or even just a smile is sometimes all you need to reach out. I am blessed to be part of a church that is growing, loving towards each other and has its roots planted firmly in the Bible.