John Kratz

Initiative Director

Rev. John Kratz began his ministry at Williamsburg Lutheran Parish on June 1, 2025.

Pastor John and Jane met in Bradford County Pennsylvania and Pastor John worked with the Area Agency on Aging for Bradford, Sullivan, Tioga and Susquehanna counties in North Central PA and then as the Case Management Supervisor of Early Intervention Services for Bradford and Sullivan Counties, PA.

In 1992 Pastor John entered full time ministry through the United Methodist Church. For 32 years Pastor John has served large and small congregations in the Central PA region with assignments in Newport, Mt. Holly Springs, Hershey, and Chambersburg. On September 1, 2024, Pastor John accepted the position as Director of the Go Tell It IN the Mountains Initiative.* This Initiative of the Allegheny, Northwest PA, and Susquehanna Synods of the ELCA is funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment. This full-time position is to focus on helping preachers, clergy and lay, to be the best they can in compelling preaching. It also focusses on raising up a new generation of preachers and helping congregations come to worship prepared to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. His office is at the Allegheny Synod offices at 916 Hickory Street Hollidaysburg.

Pastor John and his wife Jane are blessed to have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. Rebecca and her girls, Cassidy and Rowan live in Campbelltown PA. Rebecca is a Special Education teacher. Michelle, husband Adam and daughter Shelby live in Mechanicsburg Pa. Michelle is the owner/operator of “inchstones” which specializes in early intervention services with a special emphasis in services to the hearing impaired. Steven, wife McKenna, and children John and Gracelyn live in Chambersburg PA. Steven is completing his master’s degree in counseling after serving as a United States Marine for 10 years. Breanna and her beloved dog Newt live in Wilmington Delaware. Breanna is the lead Music Therapist at Nemours Children’s Hospital. Pastor John and Jane love time together and with their children’s families.

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