Jeff McLain is a pastor, writer, and lifelong student of the way of Jesus. On this site (jeffmclain.com), he writes about the Lord’s Prayer, the intersections of faith and everyday life, and the quiet, resilient spirituality he often describes as the Quiet Way. Much of his writing explores the biblical invitation of 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 to lead a quiet life—a slower, more grounded approach to Christian faith in a world shaped by noise, hurry, and excess.
Through essays, reflections, and conversations, Jeff explores how prayer, Scripture, simplicity, and community shape the inner life of followers of Jesus.
Jeff McLain and the Lord’s Prayer
A central focus of Jeff McLain’s writing and research is the Lord’s Prayer. Jeff is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Kairos University, where his research examines the theological, historical, and practical implications of the Lord’s Prayer for the Church.
For Jeff, the Lord’s Prayer is more than a passage to memorize—it is a framework for understanding God, discipleship, the kingdom of God, and the daily rhythms of Christian life. Much of his writing explores how the Lord’s Prayer shapes spiritual formation, prayer practices, and the mission of the church.
Leading a Quiet Life as Spiritual Resistance
Jeff also writes about leading a quiet life—a slower, more grounded path of following Jesus in an anxious, distracted culture. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12, Jeff explores the idea of leading a quiet life as a faithful form of resistance to the noise, ambition, and excess often present in both culture and church life.
These reflections connect closely with his writing on the Lead a Quiet Life blog on Patheos.
Books, Theology, and the Life of the Mind
Jeff regularly writes about books he is reading, offering reflections on theology, spiritual formation, church life, and culture. His book reviews often explore how thoughtful reading can deepen faith, sharpen discernment, and encourage meaningful conversation about Jesus and the life of the church.
Ministry and Vocation
Jeff serves as the Director of Pastoral Ministries at Water Street Mission in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he walks alongside individuals experiencing homelessness and helps cultivate communities of care, prayer, and restoration.
He also pastors River Corner Church, a simple community of Jesus followers committed to Scripture, shared life, and prayer.
In addition to the Doctor of Ministry at Kairos University that Jeff is pursuing, Jeff holds a Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry and a Master of Arts in Global Leadership from Fuller Seminary, as well as a Master of Business Administration in Executive Leadership from City Vision University. Jeff has also completed additional studies at Eastern Mennonite University, the Vineyard Institute, and the New York Institute of Photography and holds certificates in nonprofit leadership and Christian ministry.
Life Beyond the Writing
Jeff lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with his wife Katie and their three daughters. Though the punk and hardcore scenes shaped his youth, and theology and contemplation have shaped his middle years, his dream is to grow old drinking coffee by the beach, selling T-shirts on a boardwalk, and spending more time in a hammock than he probably should—ideally with reggae playing in the background.