Alum named executive director of Youth for Christ
FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Bluffton Youth for Christ (YFC) of Adams, Blackford, Grant, Jay and Wells counties announced Monday, April 16, 2012, the appointment of Tony Chaney as executive director. YFC currently ministers to students in nine area high schools, eight junior high schools and at the Red Barn, an outreach-based program in Upland. Life Matters Counseling is also an active ministry of YFC. Chaney is a 2003 psychology graduate of Huntington University and a graduate of HU's youth ministry leadership program. YFC is a non-denominational, community-based organization with 14 full-time staff, two part-time staff and many volunteers who lead weekly programs in leadership development, Bible study, alcohol and drug prevention, abstinence training, character development and community service/mission trips. Approximately 1,200 area students participate annually.
In announcing the appointment, Chris Harvey, chairman of the YFC board's search committee, stated, "The Board and employees of BiGJAWs YFC are excited not only for Tony Chaney, but also for the students, parents, and school employees in the five counties we are charged to serve. Tony's love for Jesus, his passion for the students he serves, and his vision of what YFC can become will serve us all well. The Board of Directors is excited for the supporters of BiGJAWs YFC to meet and experience first-hand Tony's passion and vision."
In announcing the appointment, Chris Harvey, chairman of the YFC board's search committee, stated, "The board was unanimous in its decision after interviewing a number of very qualified candidates. We are thrilled that Tony accepted this position and look forward to working with him to grow the ministry of YFC in all five of our counties."
Chaney began his career working for 10 years in a number of engineering and management positions at PHD, Inc. in Fort Wayne. In 1997, he was a member of the original team that planted Life Community Church in Bluffton. One year later, he joined the ministry team as youth pastor, later becoming a Life-Stage pastor and then the lead pastor until 2006. Chaney joined YFC in 2007, and for the past five years has served as the campus life director at Norwell High School.
On accepting the position, Chaney said "I believe so much in the mission of Youth for Christ. Our partnership with local churches, sharp focus, unique emphasis on relational presence, and diversely gifted ministry team brings the life-saving message of Jesus Christ to thousands of teens in our communities. Lives are being transformed, and I'm humbled by the opportunity to serve in this new capacity."
He is a graduate of Huntington University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, and from Indiana Wesleyan University with an Associate of Science degree in business administration.
Chaney and his wife, Angie, reside in Bluffton with their four children: Haley, a junior at Taylor University; Eden, a freshman at Bethel College; Laken, a sophomore at Norwell High School; and Brason, a first grader at Lancaster Elementary school. They attend Hope Missionary Church in Bluffton.
YFC's mission is to reach young people everywhere, working together with the local church and other like-minded partners to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus who lead by their godliness in lifestyle, devotion to prayer and the Word of God, passion for sharing the love of Christ and commitment to social involvement.
Adams, Jay, Wells area YFC was launched in 1991 as a spin-off of the Fort Wayne area YFC. Blackford and Grant counties merged with the chapter in July of 2007. Past executive directors of YFC locally are Mo Hodge, Dave Fox and John Wanner. The YFC national movement began in 1944 under the prominent leadership of Billy Graham.
Chaney can be contacted at the YFC office, 1515 Sutton Circle Drive, Bluffton, (260) 824-1330, or tony@bigjawsyfc.org. For further information, please access www.bigjawsyfc.org.
