The Reverend Joel Risser is a native of Myerstown, Pennsylvania. Joel graduated from Eastern Lebanon County High School in 1999; while in high school he was a member of the golf team, band program, concert choir, Envirothon, and Quiz Bowl. Following high school, Joel attended Temple University in Philadelphia, PA where he majored in tuba performance and minored in English. Joel accepted the call to ministry in 2004 when he enrolled in the Master of Divinity program at Lancaster Theological Seminary. While in seminary Joel served St. James United Church of Christ in Havertown, PA as Associate for Children and Youth, was an intern at Pennsylvania Council of Churches, and interned at Tabor United Church of Christ in Lebanon, PA. Joel's research and academic interests are Wisdom Literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, etc.), Psalms, and leadership development.
Joel grew up attending Myerstown United Church of Christ, where he was baptized, confirmed, and ordained. At Myerstown, Joel was active in youth fellowship, choir, church council, missions committee, taught Sunday School and filled in as choir director occasionally. While a student at Temple University, Joel attended Old First Reformed United Church of Christ in Philadelphia.
Joel is married to Jessica (Webber) Risser, a social worker at Lancaster General Hospital. They married in 2006. Jess and Joel have two dogs and two cats. In his leisure time, Joel enjoys spending time with family, reading, grilling, golf, and playing in musical groups. Joel is a enthusiastic fan of Tony Stewart, the Philadelphia Eagles, and Philadelphia Phillies. Joel is currently a member of the Lancaster British Brass Band and New Holland Band.
