Our Staff
Meet our dedicated team
Our Team
Meet the dedicated individuals who serve our church community
Clayton Kessling
Senior Pastor
Clayton has been faithfully serving our congregation since 2020, bringing wisdom, compassion, and biblical teaching to our community.
Chuck Dills
Adminstrative Board Chair
Chuck leads our adminstrative board.
Erin Rannels
Womens Ministry
Erin serves our church with a heart for discipleship and community building.
David Rannels
Worship Director
David leads our worship ministry with passion and excellence, bringing over 15 years of experience in church music.
Pastor Clayton was born in State College and grew up in Port Matilda area all of his life. He attended State College Area High School where he graduated in 2010. He attended Davis College in Johnson City, NY where he received a, associates degree in Biblical Theology as well as a bachelors degree in Pastoral Ministries in 2018. After graduation, he was a youth Pastor in Philipsburg until God called him to serve as the lead Pastor at Halfmoon Christian Fellowship Church.
Ministry Philosophy
Pastor Clayton believes in expository preaching, pastoral care, and community engagement. His heart is to see people grow in their relationship with Christ and serve others with love.
Areas of Focus
- Biblical preaching and teaching
- Pastoral counseling and care
- Leadership development
- Community outreach initiatives
- Vision direction for the church
Personal Life
Pastor Clayton is married to Alicia, and they have three children. He was born in State College and grew up in Port Matilda.
After graduating from State College Area High School in 2010, he attended Davis College in Johnson City, NY where he received an associate degree in Biblical Theology followed by a bachelor degree in Pastoral Ministries in 2018.
Returning to Pennsylvania, Clayton became a Youth Pastor in Philipsburg until God called him to serve at Halfmoon Christian Fellowship Church.
Contact Pastor Clayton for pastoral care, counseling, or to discuss the vision and direction of our church.
Chuck joined our staff in 2020 after serving in youth ministry for over 8 years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministry from Example Christian University and is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity.
Ministry Focus
- Leading weekly youth services and Bible studies
- Mentoring youth leaders and volunteers
- Organizing youth retreats and mission trips
- Providing pastoral care for youth and their families
Vision for Youth
Chuck is passionate about creating an engaging environment where young people can:
- Experience authentic community
- Grow in their faith
- Develop leadership skills
- Serve others through missions and outreach
Contact Chuck to learn more about our youth ministry or to get involved as a volunteer.
Erin serves in our Womens Ministry, providing vision for our congregation. She is passionate about biblical teaching and community outreach.
Ministry Areas
- Discipleship and mentoring
- Community outreach programs
- Staff development
Vision for the Church
Erin envisions a church that:
- Builds authentic relationships
- Provides biblical teaching and discipleship
- Supports people in all life stages
- Encourages service and outreach
Background
Before joining our staff, Erin served in various ministry roles. She is married to David and they have two children.
Contact Erin for church involvement information.
David joined our staff in 2018, bringing a wealth of experience in worship leadership and music education. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Example University and has completed advanced studies in worship ministry.
Areas of Leadership
- Planning and leading worship services
- Directing the church choir
- Mentoring worship team members
- Organizing special music events
- Overseeing technical production
Musical Background
David is proficient in multiple instruments including piano, guitar, and voice. He has written several worship songs and continues to contribute to our church’s musical repertoire.
Vision for Worship
David believes in creating a worship environment that:
- Honors God with excellence
- Encourages participation from all generations
- Holds traditional styles
- Develops new worship leaders
Contact David to learn more about our worship ministry or to schedule an audition for the worship team.
Need to Contact a Staff Member?
Our Staff are here to serve you and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to any of our team members directly or contact our main office.