Our Youth Advisors

As an advisor for the Buffalo Valley Church of the Brethren youth ministry, we are particularly concerned with providing a safe and nurturing environment for the youth that attend our events. You can be rest assured that our advisors have gone through safe place training and are eager to attend training to further their knowledge in working with youth. As of late, we engaged in a training session on helping hurting kids and families in crisis. Our mission as advisors is to speak God's truth into the life of students and provide avenues to grow in faith, including our Sunday morning worship and Sunday school ministries.  We strive to maintain a "no youth left out" policy and our doors are always open and our phone and emails available for conversations you feel led to have. There are various stages we are each in throughout our lives and together we journey together for wholeness and meaning, seeking to fulfill God's calling in our lives. Feel welcome to contact us at any time. It is our desire that you will find comfort and encouragement in any and all interactions with our advisors.

BVCOB Youth Advisors

Pastor Matt Christ is the youth pastor at Buffalo Valley Church of the Brethren. He is married to his best friend, Denise for 10+ years and has two children, Abby and Bubba, and a precious prison ministry child named LJ. His heart is truly for engaging youth in loving others, loving God and making the Bible come alive in their lives. Needs abound in our community and the world around us and it's Pastor Matt's desire to see youth using their gifts to serve the King. Denise enjoys quality time with the family and loves providing a youth favorite - FOOD.  Matt and Denise both see the youth today as the generation of change. Currently, Pastor Matt is working toward his Master of Divinity at Evangelical Theological Seminary in Myerstown, PA with a focus on youth ministry. The family enjoys game nights, walks, and spending time at their cabin along Penns Creek, as well as family devotion time. In particular, Pastor Matt enjoys archery hunting, fishing, kayaking, volleyball, worship, and being in God's creation. Please feel free to contact him on his cell at 570-246-8196 with any questions regarding ministry with students.

Tammy Rosancrans is married to Frank for 10+ years and has a passion for service to the Sr High youth. Whether baking, picking up youth, or spending time listening, Tammy is committed to seeing Sr High youth grow in their relationships with Christ. She enjoys spending time with her husband and her Lhasa Apsos. She also serves as our Sunday School Director in the youth department and volunteers on Wednesday nights for the IGNITE Student Ministries. If you need to talk, Tammy is willing to listen and offer Godly advice.  Tammy serves as a beautician at Best Kept Secret Studio and Salon in Lewisburg.

Eric and Kristy Heintzelmanare married 10+ years and have three children; Alex, Briahna, and Cody. Alex and Briahna are part of our Jr High ministry and Cody enjoys our children's ministry. Eric works at Wood Mode and Kristy works as a beautician at Best Kept Secret and Salon. Together they enjoy the outdoors and being a family that serves others. They serve in the Jr High ministry with lots of energy and a desire to see youth grow in their relationship with God and each other. Kristy and Eric have served as Sunday School teachers and Kristy also serves as the worship team leader and Eric serves as a sound tech and wherever needed.

Duane and Nancy Keefer are married 10+ years and have two children, Braden and Jessica, both part of our Jr High ministry. They serve in the Jr High ministry as advisors. Their passion is to see youth excited about God and play a key role in teaching Sunday school and serving where they are needed. Duane leads a worship team at the church and is employed at Playworld. Together they enjoy spending time in the out of doors and time as a family.