Our Staff

Senior Pastor

The Rev. Brian A. Evans
412 -471-8125, ext 211

Pastor Brian Evans was called to serve as the 19^th Senior Pastor at First Church beginning August, 2013. A New Kensington native, he holds degrees from Thiel College and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. He last served Faith Lutheran Church in White Oak, Pa., where his ministry focused on building community centered on the Word and Sacraments and mission to the urban poor. He has served on a number of committees and boards, including the Thiel College Board of Trustees, the Council for Lutheran Campus Ministry in Greater Pittsburgh, and Synod Council. He and his wife, the Rev. Erin Evans, live in Wilkinsburg. 

Associate Pastor

The Rev. Joseph G. Murdy
412-471-8125, ext. 212

The Rev. Joseph (PJ) Murdy began serving as Associate Pastor in February 2025. Pastor Murdy brings a wealth of gifts and experience as a pastor in our synod, having served Ascension Lutheran Church in Robinson Township since his ordination in 2012. Since 2022, he has also served as a United States Army reserve Chaplain (CPT), with the 328th Combat and Operational Stress Control (COSC) unit, out of Coraopolis. Pastor Murdy is a graduate of Thiel College and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. And like our Cantor, Sister Cynthia Pock, Pastor Murdy is a member of the Order of Lutheran Franciscans. He is currently working on his dissertation for a Doctor of Ministry from United Lutheran Seminary. A native of Troy Hill, Pastor Murdy and his wife Amanda live in Mount Lebanon with their four children, McKenna, Zoey, Harper, and Jameson.

 

Coordinator of Christian Education, Youth Ministry, & Fellowship

Ms. Amy Bills
412-471-8125, ext. 220

Amy Bills began serving as Coordinator of Youth Ministry, Christian Education, and Fellowship (CYM) in February 2025. Amy is a part-time employee, working 20-25 hours per week on average, including Sunday mornings.  She has an office at the church and maintains a flexible schedule through the week depending on planned events.  Amy joins us following a 30-year career at The Bank of New York, where she worked in technology.  She grew up in New Jersey, but has called Pittsburgh home for 30 years.  She and her husband, Thad Bobula, live in Mt. Washington with their two German short-hair pointers, Auggie and Daisy.  Their daughter Katie is a full-time student at Edinboro University and a combat medic in the Army National Guard.

Sr. Cynthia A. Pock, OLF, AAGO
(412) 471-8125, ext. 213

Sister Cynthia Pock currently serves as Cantor (Organist and Choral Director) for First Lutheran Church in downtown Pittsburgh. She is organist for all liturgies, conducts the adult, handbell, and youth choral ensembles, and coordinates the church’s concert series. She is a native of Pittsburgh, and holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in organ performance and music education from Carnegie Mellon University. She maintains a private piano studio in her Mt. Lebanon home, teaching students of all ages. She is active in the American Guild of Organists, having held several offices in the Pittsburgh Chapter.  Sr. Cynthia holds the Associate degree from the AGO and presents recitals and workshops in the tri-state area. Sr. Cynthia is a member of the Order of Lutheran Franciscans; she professed life vows in 2023. When not making music, she enjoys time with her three retired racing Greyhounds and two cats. She volunteers with Going Home Greyhounds, the local adoption group for retired racers.