Bernie Lieving has served at Hyde Park since 1994, first as Associate Pastor, then as Executive Pastor, and since 2006 as Congregational Care Pastor. He came to Hyde Park with more than 27 years' service as a United States Army Chaplain.

Bernie attended West Virginia University, was granted the B.A. from Otterbein College (1959), the M.Div. from United Theological Seminary (1963), and the M.S. in Education from both the University of Southern California (1974) and Long Island University (1975). He conducted doctoral studies in Instructional Technology and Media at Teachers’ College, Columbia University.

Following seminary, Bernie served as pastor at Evangelical United Brethren Churches in Middletown, Ohio (1960-63) and Philippi, West Virginia (1963-1967). While pastoring in Philippi, he was the founder and first director of The Heart and Hand House, a ministry to Applachian folks that is still providing vital ministry today.

As an Army chaplain he served in combat in both Vietnam and in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. His last Army assignment was as the Commandant, United States Army Chaplain Center and School.

Bernie is currently the pastoral care contact for all ministries related to how we at Hyde Park care for ourselves and one another. These include a wide range of ministries from a men’s Monday night basketball open gym and a Tueday night exercise class to healing and intercessory prayer ministries.

He is married to Dorothy whom he has known since their childhood together in West Virginia. They are the parents of three children and the grandparents of a grandson and a granddaughter.

Full name: The Reverend Bernard H. Lieving Jr.
But Please Call Me: Bernie
Position: Congregational Care Pastor
Born where and when: St. Albans, West Virginia — July 28           

Family facts: Married to Dorothy with three children: Bernard III, Kristen and Susie live in New Mexico; Debra and Bob live in Tampa; Melisa, Paul and Luke live in Pennsylvania.

How I became a Christian: I responded to an altar call in the New Haven Evangelical United Brethren church when I was 12 that started a process that continues today.

How I ended up at Hyde Park: I called my friend Dick Martin (at the time, the minister to senior adults) about retiring from the Army, and he mentioned there was an associate pastor position open at Hyde Park. The next day Jim Harnish and I talked; the next weekend I was interviewed. The rest is history.

The most important thing I do around here is: To respond to people with a loving, caring attitude.

Favorites

Music: Country & Western; good gospel quartet.

Movie: I haven't seen a good movie lately.

TV Show: “The Vicar of Dibley” (PBS)

Food: Ice cream — the more words in the name, the better the ice cream.

Place to vacation: Bavaria, Germany

Place to eat: Thailand Restaurant

How I spend my free time: Taking care of our lawn and roses, working out, sitting on the beach with Dorothy, and reading.

Best book I’ve read recently: “The Birth Order Book” by Kevin Leman

Prized possession: Relationship with family

Person I'd most like to meet: Frederick Beuchner, author.

My vision for the future of Hyde Park Church is: That it be a place where individuals come to know the love of God in Jesus Christ and grow as disciples.

One way folks can pray for me is: That I continue to grow as a disciple of Christ.