November 28, 2025
- credford5
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
I still remember being fifteen, when a man named Rob walked into my life. Rob was my youth pastor, but he became so much more than that. He showed up for me in ways I didn’t even know I needed. He modeled what it looked like to be a husband and a father. He was fun, but he also challenged me to grow. And I always knew—without question—that he was there for me.
That season formed me.
And even after eighteen years of serving as a student pastor myself, I continue to see the incredible impact that caring adults can make in a teen’s life. Not long ago, while I was already serving at White Oak, I received a video from a student from my previous ministry who had just graduated from high school. She thanked me for the years we had spent together and shared how that season shaped the person she was becoming in Christ. I was moved—not because she remembered me, but because she recognized how God had worked in her life through being a part of a healthy student ministry.
Moments like that remind me why student ministry matters so deeply. It’s never just about games or events. It’s about helping students discover who they are in Christ—and surrounding them with people who reinforce that truth.
If I learned one thing in all my years of student ministry, it’s this:
Students want to be known, valued, and loved.
That hasn’t changed. It’s what I wanted when I was a teenager, and it’s what students still long for today. But today’s world feels overwhelming for them. Students are navigating anxiety, pressure, identity questions, and constant noise. And yet the pathway forward—toward peace, purpose, and stability—remains the same:
Helping them root their identity in Christ and surrounding them with people who reflect His love.
This generation matters deeply to God. They are not “the future of the church”—they are the church right now.
At White Oak, our prayer is that every student discovers that they are a child of the King. We want their faith to become their own—not just something their parents believe or a place they attend, but a relationship they personally pursue. Our student ministry is built around daily rhythms of following Jesus, engaging Scripture, and belonging to a community that shapes them toward full life in Him.
Our Colerain Student Ministry has been led by an incredible group of volunteers this past year, and they have done more than simply “hold things together.” They’ve poured their hearts into students. I want to especially thank Tanya Ponting and Shari Lane who have served as our point leaders during this season. Tanya & Shari, along with every volunteer who has stepped in—have been a gift to our church and to our students. We are deeply grateful.
Over at Ross, Andy Crowl, our Student Pastor, has continued to disciple students with passion, consistency, and deep care. Andy loves Jesus, loves students, and has helped build a strong foundation to grow from.
As we enter this next chapter, our heart is to see one unified student ministry expressed across two campuses.
And now we’re adding to the team.
After months of praying, talking with parents and volunteers, and listening for God’s direction, we are excited to introduce Donovan Gregory as the Student Pastor at our Colerain Campus.
From the very first conversation, something stood out. Donovan’s passion is to help students connect with Jesus:
“My heart for students is rooted in my desire for anybody and everybody to know and experience the love of Jesus.”
Donovan shared how his own youth minister shaped his life, and how that experience fuels his desire to be the same kind of presence for our students. He hopes students experience the love of Christ through what he teaches, how he leads, and the culture he helps create.
He also shared how excited he is about the team around him:
“I’m excited to be supported by a great group of volunteers and parents. And I can’t wait to build relationships with students and foster a community of faith across the student ministry.”
What I appreciate about Donovan is how real and honest he is. He’s relatable, steady, and deeply committed to what’s best for students.
We’re also thrilled to welcome his wife, Kaylee. She brings warmth, creativity, and a kind presence. Together, Donovan and Kaylee love LEGO-building nights with a movie on, attending the Renaissance Festival, vacationing at Disney World, and hosting board game nights with friends. Kaylee enjoys crocheting and scrapbooking, while Donovan plays indoor soccer and video games with close friends.
They are down-to-earth, fun, and ready to make White Oak home.
With Donovan at Colerain and Andy at Ross, we have two pastors who love Jesus, love students, and love helping young people discover full life in Him. I’m excited—and confident—that this partnership is going to build something special in the years to come.
As we begin this new season of student ministry, I want to invite you to do two things:
1. Pray for Donovan and Kaylee by name.
Pray for wisdom, strong relationships, and God’s favor as they begin this chapter.
2. Join us for the after-church reception on January 11 at our Colerain Campus.
Come meet them, welcome them, and encourage them.
Students matter deeply to God. And they matter deeply to us. I can’t wait to see what God does next.
Moving forward with faith,
Kevin
*A special message from the elders of White Oak Christian Church:
Last weekend our White Oak family affirmed elders who will be joining our elder team to shepherd, serve, and lead in 2026. Those men are Will Mueller, Bruce Maxwell, Scott Dearth, and Joe Smith. Please continue to support all elders and pray for them and their families as the serve. We look forward to these men partnering with others as they help connect people to full life in Jesus!
Kevin Smith
Colerain Campus Pastor