Rev. Jeff Sockwell joined the Outer Banks Presbyterian Church staff as Interim Pastor in June 2024.
Jeff grew up on a small family farm in McLeansville, NC. He received his B.S. degree
from Appalachian State University, and his Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological
Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. He has served 3 churches as an installed pastor over the past 32 years, in Charleston, MS, New Bern, NC, and Lewisville, NC. Most recently he served as Transitional Minister at Bethel Presbyterian Church in McLeansville, NC. At the national level, Jeff has been engaged as a consultant for Church Campaign Services in funds development, in addition to serving as a consultant for the PCUSA Theological Education Fund. Jeff has been active in a variety of capacities at the presbytery level. He was a part-time technology / communications staff member with New Hope Presbytery for several years, as well as a certified trainer for the “Healthy Boundaries” training provided by the presbytery. He has more recently served in Salem Presbytery as a member / chair of the Executive Council, member / chair of the Commissioned Ruling Elder Committee, member of the Stewardship Committee, as well as a member of the El Buen Steering Committee.
He is married to Janet; they are in their 44th year of marriage. Janet retired from her work in special education and most recently as an associate director with the North Carolina Early Learning Network. They have two children: Sarah is a pharmacist in long-term care, and lives in Greensboro, NC; Daniel owns a website design, photography and picture framing business and lives in Elizabeth City. Janet and Jeff reside in a historic house on Main street in Elizabeth City. Jeff enjoys photography, hiking, and sea kayaking. He is passionate about all things related to coffee.