Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenny Cheshier.
Kenny, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began as the interim youth minister at Cliff Temple Baptist Church in December of 1999. I received a degree in radio/tv/film from The University of Texas in 1997 and my dream was to be a film director. God had other plans in store for me though (thankfully). Growing up, I had little interest in church or in going to my church’s youth group, which is why being a youth minister for this long often makes me laugh. After fighting God for many years I agreed to become the interim youth minister, which transitioned into the full time youth pastor position in 2003. Cliff Temple Baptist is near WH Adamson High School and the Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff. Even though I’ve done many other jobs at our church since 1999, students have always been my passion. Our students are in grades 6-12 and nothing gives me more enjoyment than seeing them grow in their walk with Christ and watching them make a difference in our world (the ways they make a difference are too many to mention here). Our youth group is also very diverse, both racially and socioeconomically. I’m so thankful God has brought us all together from different walks of life so that we can learn from each other. Being at our church this long (almost 19 years) has allowed me opportunities to be a part of their lives as go through middle and high school, as they graduate, get a job, go off to college, get married, and being there for the birth of their children (which makes me feel old). I’ve had many people over the years that have volunteered with me in our program and I’m eternally grateful to all of them for helping these young people succeed. Trust me, I didn’t do this alone. God and so many others have allowed me the blessing of continuing in this journey with teenagers.
Has it been a smooth road?
While it’s a joy, the road isn’t always smooth. Some of the struggles have consisted in helping students when they have lost a loved one. Another challenge is helping teenagers who struggle with depression or suicidal tendencies. Other times it’s helping students who are bullied, helping some find a job during high school and upon graduation, etc.., it’s also hard to see teenagers so busy and trying to help them slow down. They want to make a difference, they just feel at times that they don’t know how or don’t have the time. Many also get down on themselves because they feel like they have to excel in everything (school/grades and extracurricular activities) to make their parents or grandparents love them.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Our church, Cliff Temple Baptist, has been here in Oak Cliff serving the community for 120 years. I specialize in working with teenagers and senior adults at our church, but our church as a whole does so much more. I am most proud of our church for all they do in our community. In my opinion, churches can get in the trap of just focusing on themselves. Cliff Temple is the very opposite. We have Mission Oak Cliff in our building that helps people with emergency food, clothing, and job skills classes. We have partnerships with organizations like Promise House, a local agency that helps homeless teens. We have connections with James Bowie elementary, WH Adamson High school, and many other schools in Oak Cliff. We also partner with The Well Community, which helps those struggling with mental illness in Oak Cliff. It’s an honor to be a small part of a church that does so much good.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
This is a great city! I feel our city needs churches to step up and help where there is a need. Churches (of all faiths and denominations) must work together for the good of the city. If we see a need, we are responsible.
Contact Info:
- Address: Cliff Temple Baptist Church
125 Sunset Avenue
Dallas, TX 75208 - Website: www.clifftemple.org
- Phone: 214-942-8601
- Email: kenny@clifftemple.org
- Instagram: cliff_temple
- Facebook: clifftemplebaptistchurch
- Twitter: cliff_temple
Image Credit:
In the personal photo, I’m the one in the very back with the horns up and wearing the yellow shirt
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
