St. Marks United Methodist Church

About Dave Charles

DAVE CHARLES, Director of Youth Ministries (grades 6-12)

 

 

 

 

I was born and raised in the Firestone Park district of Akron, OH. That is where I first experienced Christ-centered youth activities through my neighborhood branch of The Greater Akron YMCAs.  Beginning in my 5^th grade year I served Christ and my community for 7 years in the YMCA Jr. Leader’s Club.  The doors of my heart that were opened by Christ through this organization have been life-altering. Not only was I given the opportunity to volunteer at events like Ohio Special Olympics since the age of eleven, but it also gave me the direction to work with children and youth at a young age.

 

Immediately after high school I began to pursue my degree in Child Development. As an adult I took my education and experience back to Akron YMCAs where I divided my time for nine years between several branches and camps. During that time I served as Camp Counselor, Leader’s Club Advisor, Building Manager, Assistant Program Director and finally, Director of Day Camp and Childcare. This array of experience gave me the opportunity to work with all ages of youth from birth thru young adults.

 

I first began working at St. Marks in 1998 as the Full-time Child Care Provider. In June of 2001, after much prayer, I accepted the position of Children’s Education Coordinator. Since that time I have served in an ever-evolving role with several title changes. Currently I am blessed to steward the ministries for youth in grades 6-12. Essentially my job is to connect youth with Christ and have fun doing it. Thank you Lord!

 

Currently I am striving toward a degree in Family Ministry. I have begun the inquiry process for candidacy to ordination in the West Ohio Conference. My Candidacy Guide is Rev. Jerry Lewis from Mt. Cory, OH. I look forward to working with him to discover God’s path for my family and me.

 

My wife Heidi and I have three boys Loren (8), Avery (6) and Henry (3) and two dogs named Cubby and Taffy. My interests include reading, watching sports, and coaching soccer.