Pastor
The Rev. Jeffrey Young, or on most occasions Pastor Jeff, is a native of Kansas and a second generation PC(USA) pastor. Jeff grew up in the PC(USA), mostly at Overland Park Presbyterian Church where his father served, and has continued his affiliation with the denomination throughout his formation and service. It was while a member at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ottawa, KS that he felt a call from concert production into ministry. As it so happens, this was the same congregation that decades earlier had fostered a call to ministry for his father and mother. Jeff attended the University of Kansas, first in architecture before graduating with degrees in psychology and sociology. It was here, and as part of the marching band, that he met his wife Ashley. They were married in 2001. Amid several moves and changes in careers, they stayed strengthened through the support of family and plenty of congregations. Two years after the birth of their first son, Braylon, Jeff answered Jesus’ call and the family moved to Dubuque, IA where he received his master of divinity. Following graduation, Jeff taught several undergraduate courses at UD and served as pulpit supply and limited pastoral care for two rural congregations. His first call was to First United Presbyterian Church in Collinsville, IL where he served for over five years, and during which Jeff and Ashley welcomed their second son, Asher. He has served several roles with the presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, as a board member for the Collinsville Food Pantry and Collinsville Faith in Action, as well as working with other food related ministries and providing for the homeless and low-income in the community. Jeff has a heart for incarnational, relational, missional ministry that grows disciples in the church, and wholeness in the community; and welcomes all to serving and being served as the need and ability arises. Pastor Jeff continues to feel blessed at being led by Christ to serve at Christ Our King, and is excited by the potential that is in the breath of the Holy Spirit for this congregation and the greater Bel Air community.