My name is Deacon Chris St. Clair, and I joined the staff at Joy in August of 2023. I was born and raised in Texas, and grew up in the ELCA church. I’ve lived all around Texas, separated by a few years in Kentucky. I’m married to Britany – a teacher in in Spartanburg, and we have two children and two dogs. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northern Kentucky University and my master’s degree from Brite Divinity School. I was ordained as a deacon in January 2017 and since then I’ve served in a variety of ministry contexts. I first worked in youth ministry in 2001 at Lutheran Hills a camp in Indiana, where I served three summers. I began working in congregations in 2003, serving 3 years at Ascension Lutheran in Louisville, KY, 3 and a half years at First Christian Church in McKinney, TX, and thirteen years at Triumphant Lutheran in San Antonio, TX. Overall, I have over 20 years working in youth ministry. As a deacon, my passions are ministering to children and families, empowering people to serve. I enjoy leading adventure trips like retreats, camps, and mission trips.