About Our Church
Mission, Vision, Values, Beliefs, Leadership, and History
Our Mission
We are determined to glorify God by sharing the gospel, making disciples, and equipping believers to put our faith in action. We come together to worship Jesus Christ, learn more about Him, grow closer to Him, and share the Word of God within our community and beyond.
Our Vision
To be a vibrant, growing community of believers who are moved by the Gospel and helping our community with the love of Christ.
Our Core Values
These principles guide everything we do as a church community
Biblical Teaching
We are committed to teaching God's Word faithfully and helping people apply it to their lives. We believe the Bible is God's inspired, inerrant Word and our ultimate authority.
Authentic Community
We believe spiritual growth happens best in community. We foster genuine relationships where people can be known, loved, and challenged to grow in their faith.
Missional Living
We believe every follower of Jesus is called to share His love with others. We equip and encourage our members to live on mission in their neighborhoods, workplaces, and beyond.
Spiritual Growth
We are committed to helping people grow in their relationship with Christ, becoming more like Him in their thoughts, words, and actions through discipleship and spiritual practices.
Spirit-Led Worship
We value authentic, heartfelt worship that glorifies God and transforms lives. We seek to create environments where people can encounter God's presence.
Servant Leadership
We believe leadership is about service, not status. We develop and empower leaders who model Christ-like humility and sacrifice as they guide others.
What We Believe
Our church adheres to these fundamental Christian beliefs
The Bible
We believe the Bible is God's Word, inspired by the Holy Spirit, without error in the original manuscripts, and the final authority for all Christian faith and life.
God
We believe in one God who exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person is fully God, yet there is one God.
Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross as the substitute for sinners, rose bodily from the grave, and ascended to heaven where He now serves as our High Priest and Advocate.
Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, regenerates believers, indwells them, and empowers them for godly living and service.
Salvation
We believe salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Good works are the necessary fruit of true faith but are not the basis of our right standing before God.
The Church
We believe the church is the body of Christ, consisting of all true believers. Its mission is to worship God, build up believers in their faith, and share the gospel with the world.
The Future
We believe in the personal, visible return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the eternal state of blessing for the righteous.
Meet Our Leadership
Our dedicated leadership team serve our congregation with commitment
Clayton Kessling
Pastor
Clayton has been faithfully serving our congregation since 2020, bringing wisdom, compassion, and biblical teaching to our community.
Evan Jodon
Adminstrative Board Chair
Evan leads our adminstrative board.
Pastor Clayton was born in State College and grew up in Port Matilda area all of his life. He attended State College Area High School where he graduated in 2010. He attended Davis College in Johnson City, NY where he received an associates degree in Biblical Theology as well as a bachelors degree in Pastoral Ministries in 2018. After graduation, he was a youth Pastor in Philipsburg until God called him to serve as the Pastor at Halfmoon Christian Fellowship Church.
Ministry Philosophy
Pastor Clayton believes in expository preaching, pastoral care, and community engagement. His heart is to see people grow in their relationship with Christ and serve others with love.
Areas of Focus
- Biblical preaching and teaching
- Pastoral counseling and care
- Leadership development
- Community outreach initiatives
- Vision direction for the church
Personal Life
Pastor Clayton is married to Alesha, and they have three children. He was born in State College and grew up in Port Matilda.
After graduating from State College Area High School in 2010, he attended Davis College in Johnson City, NY where he received an associate degree in Biblical Theology followed by a bachelor degree in Pastoral Ministries in 2018.
Returning to Pennsylvania, Clayton became a Youth Pastor in Philipsburg until God called him to serve at Halfmoon Christian Fellowship Church.
Contact Pastor Clayton for pastoral care, counseling, or to discuss the vision and direction of our church.
Evan has been serving our church family with dedication and a heart for ministry. As Administrative Board Chair, he helps guide the vision and direction of our church.
Area of Focus
- Administrative leadership and governance
- Strategic planning for church initiatives
- Supporting pastoral staff and ministry leaders
- Facilities and operations oversight
Vision for Service
Evan is passionate about creating an environment where:
- The church operates with excellence and integrity
- Ministries have the resources they need to thrive
- Our congregation can focus on worship and community
Our History
The story of how our church has grown and evolved over the years
Church Founded
A small group began meeting at Halfmoon Grange Hall.
First Organizational Meeting
Decision made to build a non-denominational church.
Groundbreaking at Current Site
Construction began with help from the congregation.
First Service Held in New Building
Marked by a vehicle parade from the Grange Hall.
Dedication
Dedication service of the church building.
Continuing to Grow
Today, we continue to grow and serve our community.