Parishioners at the 60-year-old Monroeville Church of the Brethren have a new pastor, Oyango Burney.

The Philadelphia native accepted the position starting in January.

“I’m simply excited to be the new pastor of Monroeville Church of the Brethren,” Burney said. “Everyone has been so hospitable and helpful.”

The pastor brings with him a wealth of experience, education and enthusiasm.

Burney served in three branches of the military: Marine Corps from 1989-1995, Air Force from 2003-2009, and Army from 2012-2018. His roles included airborne, marksmanship instructor, engineer architect and human trafficking educator.

Burney attended Thomas Edison State College before transferring to Ohio Christian University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in leadership with a minor in ministry.

He also attended Clarks Summit University in Scranton before transferring to Liberty University, where he is pursuing his doctorate in education - organizational leadership.

In 2022, Burney became a volunteer chaplain at Allegheny Valley Hospital in Harrison. That same year, he also founded the nonprofit “Living Your Best Life in the Present,” which focuses on community outreach.

Burney not only hopes to serve his congregation, but the entire Monroeville community. on his to-do list is establishing a park and ride on the corner of Cottage and Center Roads for members who can’t drive themselves to church.

“I’m really trying to mesh with the community,” Burney said. He hopes to make the church not only a place for worship, but also Bible Study, tax preparation services and a flea market where the congregation can swap items.

Every Sunday at 10 a.m., the church offers an open house with coffee, donuts and fellowship.

“Community members can come for the open house and are welcome to stay for worship services at 11 a.m.,” Burney said.

Burney has been in ministry for eight years and a member of Church of the Brethren for the past three. His son Devon is a high school sophomore and is on the cross country team; his daughter Jade is in middle school and plays baritone in the band.

Founded in 1708, the Church of the Brethren is a New Testament, peace-oriented church with approximately 87,000 members in the U.S. The Monroeville branch is at at 481 Center Road.

The church will be holding a Red Cross blood drive from 12 - 5 p.m. April 11.

For additional information, visit monroevillecob.com or call 412-372-4165.