Fostering Faith

Tim Roberts is a youth pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Clay Center, KS. He has grown the youth group tremendously during his time at the church and greatly impacted middle and high school students. His impact has not just been on their faith but on many other things too. Last year the class of 2027 lost two students to suicide. These events were very hard for the students and community to cope with, but Roberts was by their side through the whole grieving process. He was there whenever someone was upset and needed a shoulder to cry on. One of the students who passed away had attended the church where Roberts was a youth pastor. Roberts had helped the student center his life around Christ the summer before his death.

Roberts moved to Clay Center in May of 2020 after being hired as the youth pastor for the local Presbyterian church. “I chose Clay Center because a good friend directed me to Clay Center and I came to visit. I then spent time every day in prayer before making my decision to move,” he said.

Roberts said he got into ministry because of multiple people but specifically John Dunning. Dunning is a campus minister at RUF (Reformed University Fellowship). “He does not see competition,” Roberts said. “He does not feel like he needs to be the best in ministry and wants everyone to do their best even if it overshadows someone else.”

Although he is not from Clay Center, Roberts said he enjoys the slower-paced lifestyle compared to larger cities. “It feels like you can breathe,” he said. “I like knowing everyone and everyone knowing me and running into people in the grocery store.”

Roberts has had a large impact on the whole community. Many students look up to him and feel comfortable going to him when they are struggling and need someone for advice. His presence in Clay Center has created fellowship, unity, and intentionality.