convo with KR Mele

KR Mele

Grew up in Springdale PA in a non-Christian home. His father was involved in organized crime and his mother never showed him the love that he needed as a child. His father was in the hospital from a result all of his habits, at this time the church approached his parents and told them that only the church and God could help their lives and marriage. Today they have been married 50 years and are both serving the lord now. He graduated with a degree in business management from Penn State University. After graduation he worked at a Kay jewelers and fitness center. During this time he was living for the lord and a pastor from a local church ended up asking him to come on staff as a Pastor. This Church in Sarver PA he was a Children’s pastor and a administrator for the Christian school that the church owned. His mentor at the church taught him many important lessons; among the most important was the idea of doing family devotions and maintaining a healthy personal and family lifestyle. After a very successful time ministering at his home church in Sarver, he left to take an opportunity in state college at family life. The first nine months of ministry in state college were very tough for the family because of the great situation that they had come from. The most challenging thing he faced at state college was dealing with all of the details that come a long with a new building. It was stressful for him being in charge of something so important and totally new than anything he had done. After four years at this church he was approached about planting a church. Being on staff is a difficult thing; he was able to be successful at this by being a team player and submitting to authority. So after about four years he was able to plant the church in Penns Valley about 20 miles away from state college. He started the church with about 50 people. Church Planting boot camp really helped prepare him for ministry at the church; it allowed him to nail down his vision and real purpose of the church. He believes that meeting in a church as opposed to a building allows you to STAY focused on being outward minded as a church. Light the Night has became a main ministry tool for the church to reach out to the community. This is an opportunity to take Halloween and turn it into the ultimate outreach night all across your community.