Sentinel photo by SIERRA BOLGER
Kayla Cheshier is the new youth pastor at the Lewistown Assembly of God Church.

LEWISTOWN — Kayla Cheshier might be new to youth ministry, but her role is vitally important as she has the privilege of pointing students to Jesus.

The 23-year-old Cheshier, a native of Waynesboro, Franklin County, was hired as the new youth pastor at the Lewistown Assembly of God Church, 160 Summit Drive, Lewistown, on Jan. 10, 2024.

“I have a real passion for preaching and teaching,” Cheshier explained. “As a youth minister, I’m coming in at such a crucial time in their lives. They have many influences in their lives, but they need to realize everything can be filtered through Him.

“They need to understand the influence of knowing him and how to form a relationship with him at an early age, so they can continue to rely on Him for the rest of their lives,” she added.

Growing up, Cheshier admits working in the youth ministry was not her first career choice; she wanted to be a veterinarian. She soon realized that her “giftings were in the history and English fields more so than math and science fields,” which were required to work in a medical field like veterinary sciences.

“I liked animals, so I thought (being a veterinarian) was something at which I could succeed.”

Cheshier soon realized she needed to reassess her career path and look to achieve new goals.

While praying and asking God for guidance in her choice of career fields, she found clarity. Her youth pastor enlightened her by encouraging her to enter a fine arts competition.

“I always enjoyed presenting in class, but I never enjoyed being the center of attention,” Cheshier explained. “I’m a very talkative person.

“Understanding that, I loved history and loved researching and loved theology,” she added. “I ask a lot of questions. Those things combined really made me consider that God may have me set on a path to pursue ministry. Being introduced to that outlet with the fine arts competition made me recognize my passions for teaching and preaching.”

So Cheshier decided to attend the University of Valley Forge in Phoenixville, Chester County, to discover her purpose for God’s glory, earning a bachelor’s degree in pastoral leadership in May 2023 and work in youth ministry.

“I kind of had a ‘it makes so much-sense moment,'” she said. “I was like, ‘Why didn’t I realize this before?'”

Pastor Kirk Nagel said Cheshier came to the Assembly of God Church highly recommended.

Cheshier got a taste of youth ministry work in college as she volunteered for different youth groups – Penndel Youth Network; the Grace Assembly Church in Spring City, Montgomery County; and Calvary Assembly of God Church in Waynesboro.

At Lewistown Assembly of God Church, Cheshier speaks to an average of 10 to 15 youth members each week. “That is a really nice number to start with,” she explained.

But engaging with today’s youth is not about membership numbers, it’s about reaching these members spiritually and helping them establish a connection to their faith. “I’d like to see the youth group grow and reach into the community,” she said.

“I’ve really enjoyed it so far,” she added. “It’s been a really special experience, doing something that I’ve been so passionate about for years. It’s surreal that I’m living it now. The Holy Spirit is moving there so tangibly. The congregation as well as the pastor and the board are 100 percent in support of me and they want to see the youth program grow in the future.”

For the youth members, Cheshier believes it’s paramount to keep youth group nights full of truth and fun as they learn about Jesus as well as considering the church a place where they feel comfortable and safe.

“It’s all about getting to know Jesus,” she explained. “We want the youth group to come and just be themselves. Jesus will become such a crucial part of their lives as they experience His love and learn who He is.”

I would love for the youth to find their purpose and identity in Jesus, as she has.

“I’m very excited to be in this stage of my life, and be in this youth ministry,” she added. “I’m excited to walk this path as long as the Lord has me there.”