Hey Citylight Family!
We have prayed, and God has answered our prayer! I want to introduce you to Patrick Chandler. Patrick is coming on staff starting June 3rd as our Youth Pastor overseeing and giving leadership to our Middle and High School ministries. Things to know about Patrick:
Patrick loves Jesus:
Patrick did not grow up in a Christian home and church was not part of his life. Most of his childhood and teenage years were wrapped up in athletics. His parents divorced when he was five years old. He struggled through that divorce, and it was easy for him to find his identity in athletics. Shortly before graduating high school, he decided to attend a church service where he heard the gospel. He had heard this before, but this time was different. He heard about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and realized he was separated from Christ because of his sin. Within a few weeks, God stripped from him all the things he had found identity in and brought him to a place of repentance and faith. He began a relationship with Jesus and has continued to grow in his love and affection for Christ!
Patrick love Students:
Just within a few months after becoming a Christian, God provided Patrick with an opportunity to invest in the lives of teenagers by serving in a local church. He was being discipled, grew, and learned from the pastors as he served in ministry. God put a strong desire and passion in Patrick’s heart to serve and teach the students in his life, to help them not walk the same path he had. His desire is for students to know Christ, to become disciples of Jesus, and to walk with Him for a lifetime. He wants students to know that Christ is better than anything this world has to offer.
Patrick has his MDiv from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary and has been serving in youth ministry for the last 10 years; serving as the Student Pastor for the last 7 years at his local church in Olive Branch, MS with a ministry of 150+ students. He has preached regularly and helped partner and pioneer FCA ministries in 5 local high schools in his city. Additionally, he loves to partner with parents and wants to help them as the primary disciple makers in the home.
Patrick loves his family:
Patrick met his wife Becca in college, and at the time, surrendered his life and knew he was called into full-time ministry. They have been married for 9 years and have three beautiful girls! Emma is four, Karis is three, and Bree is two. Over the last few years, they have experienced the joy of serving in student ministry by doing ministry together as a family and investing in students and their families.
Patrick loves the local church:
God has stirred in the Chandlers’ hearts a desire for something new, and after coming up on a vision trip in April, God gave them clear direction and confirmation. They loved their time in Omaha and have caught the vision of Citylight Church. Their church is sending them out with support, encouragement, and prayers to be a part of what God is doing here in Omaha. They are excited to be part of this local church, this spiritual family, and can’t wait to serve students and their families.
Patrick brings a wealth of experience with students, parents, and volunteers and is passionate about discipling students and families. What I love about Patrick is he is proactive, strategic, humble, asks great questions, loves and moves toward people, loves having students in his home, and is willing to take steps of faith.
They have sold their home in Mississippi and have already bought a home here in Omaha! Patrick officially starts June 3rd and his family will be joining him a couple weeks later in mid-June. Citylight, would you join me in welcoming Patrick and his family to Omaha? If you see them on Sunday in the coming weeks and months, say hi and welcome them into this family!
In Christ,
Phil Robinson