02/08/2026
Pastor. Mentor. Friend. Husband. Father. Son. Jeff was all of these and more. He had a remarkable ability to meet people where they were, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
On October 30, 2025, Jeff was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive T-cell lymphoma. He faced this diagnosis with courage and faith until his passing this winter. With Jeff’s passing and the closing of the Community Church, we also want to formally share that MCFstudents as an organization at the University of Maryland will be coming to an end. This will likely be our last post.
While we grieve the loss of Pastor Jeff and the ministry, we are profoundly grateful for the journey God allowed us to walk together. MCF has been a place of growth, discipleship, and community, and its impact will continue through the lives it has touched.
We encourage you to carry forward Jeff’s legacy here at the University of Maryland. Living out your faith in college is not easy, but Jeff consistently reminded us that it is always worth it. Continue to live boldly for God, regardless of what the culture says.
Here are just a few fun facts about Jeff we hope inspire you:
💍 Met his wife Dawn while church planting and earning his master’s at Kent State; married in 1989.
🌱 Moved to Maryland in 1990 and pastored the ministry of MCF at UMD for 36 years.
🇺🇸 Deeply loved his country and believed in stepping up to serve, even running for Congress.
Closing thoughts:
In one of Pastor Jeff’s last emails to the church, he shared Psalm 23—a powerful passage to reflect on as we move forward. Those who knew him will also fondly remember his “Jeff-isms” and the picture that changed his life. Jeff would want everyone to watch this message if you haven’t already-
https://www.mcfcc.org/hope
Resources:
If you need help finding a new ministry community, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We have also listed several ministries similar to MCF in theology and practice on our website-
https://mcfstudents.org/more/
