Vision
At Gettysburg Church of the Brethren, we are guided by a mission rooted in Christ-Centered Living, a Commitment to Serving, and being a Caring Church Community. This statement reflects our dedication to living out the love of Christ in community and service.
Our current guiding thought is: See where Jesus leads your journey. We hope it speaks to the heart of anyone seeking purpose, connection, and spiritual growth.
Leadership
Ian Irvin
Senior Pastor
Ian has been involved in ministry for almost 20 years, bi-vocationally serving churches in various capacities such as Youth Pastor and Associate Pastor. He finished the Academy Certified Training System at the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center in March 2025 and currently serves the GCOB congregation as the Senior Pastor.
In addition to serving the GCOB community, Ian is the Executive Director of the Citizens Advisory Council to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and a veteran of the United States Air Force. He graduated from the Defense Language Institute – Foreign Language Center in Modern Standard Arabic, the Community College of the Air Force, Wilson College, and Penn State Dickinson School of Law. Ian is married to Alaina; they have 3 children and often host a foreign exchange student during the school year.
Don Hubbell
Reverend
Don has served in ministry for 48 years, serving in three congregations and guiding several others through part-time and interim roles. Don is a graduate of Bridgewater College and Eastern Mennonite Seminary.
Married to Vivian Bowman Hubbell for 47 years, they have raised four children and now delight in their six grandchildren. Don and Vivian love to travel, camp, and antique, as well as quiet moments at their home.
Beyond the pulpit, Don is an avid rock and mineral collector, finding beauty and inspiration in God’s creation.
Larry Swartz
Visitation
Larry is the Associate Pastor of Visitation, bringing extensive experience and a servant’s heart. He has a Bachelor’s from Delaware Valley University and a Master’s from Penn State University.
With a strong background in agriculture, he continues to grow crops and vegetables. Larry previously was an adjunct instructor and the Regional East Coast Sales Manager for Genex. Additionally, Larry runs his own auctioneer business.
Larry is married to Christine (Chris) and has two children.
Beliefs
The Bible
The Bible is God’s written word to His people. We believe in the inerrancy of scripture in the original writings.
(2 Tim 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
God
God has eternally existed in three distinct persons. God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Three persons in the same nature, but distinct in function.
(Deut. 6:4; John 17:3;)
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the eternal son of God, born of a virgin, and sent to this earth as God’s redemptive plan for salvation. Crucified on a cross and literally raised from the dead so we can have eternal life with God.
(Matthew 1:20-21; John 1:14; Colossians 2:9; 1 Peter 3:18)
Salvation
Salvation is an unearned and undeserved gift from God. The gift is provided by Jesus’ death on the cross. We receive this not by works but by faith in Jesus Christ alone.
(Romans 5:8; 1 John 5:11-12; Ephesians 2:8-9)
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit dwells in the life of every believer from the moment of salvation. He grants gifts to believers for the good of the Church. He empowers us to live the Christian life with boldness.
(John 16:7-15; John 14:26; Acts 1:8)
The Church
We believe the universal church is the Kingdom of God. It is comprised of people that have put their faith In Jesus Christ. It is not based off of membership to a local Church.
(Ephesians 1:22)
Logo
Our church logo is rich with historical and biblical symbolism that reflects GCOB’s faith and heritage.