Joseph Furno

Hi, I'm Joseph Furno, and I have the joy of serving as the Student Ministries Pastor at Community Church. My role primarily involves overseeing all aspects of ministry for our middle and high school students, from sixth to twelfth grade. This includes everything from Wednesday and Sunday night programs, Sunday school, to Bible studies. My week is a blend of preparing for these events, engaging in individual discipleship, writing Bible studies, and, believe it or not, playing a mean game of dodgeball or setting up epic slip and slide kickball games. My job is wonderfully varied - if it needs doing here, it's likely part of my job description.

Connecting with Community Church is a story that's close to my heart. It all began with my time as a Student Ministries intern at the Chapel in North Canton, the church where I grew up. A serendipitous opportunity to assist in a youth retreat led me to meet some fantastic students from Community Church. Their enthusiasm and the connections we forged had a lasting impact. When the youth pastor position opened up in 2014, those very students, along with their parents, suggested I apply. Ten years later, here I am, still passionate about serving in this role.

At the core of my ministry is discipleship. My goal is to guide the students in our church and reach out to those in our community with the gospel, helping them forge a deeper connection with Jesus and integrate into a local body of believers. This mission drives everything I do, from mentoring leaders to one-on-one student discipleship, and even forming relationships with community youth who are yet to know Jesus.

Outside of church, you'll likely find me enjoying the great outdoors with my wonderful wife, Jessica, and our two adorable kids, Maisie and Charlotte. Whether it's hiking, gardening, or coaching basketball, family time is precious to me. I'm also a huge Ohio State football fan and enjoy unwinding with video games and watching "Survivor."

Speaking of recommendations, if you're looking for engaging family devotionals, check out "The Biggest Story." It's an excellent resource for families, offering both a captivating narrative of the Bible for kids and curriculum for family or Sunday school devotionals.

So, that's a little about me. I'm incredibly blessed to be part of the Community Church family and to have the opportunity to impact the lives of our younger generation. Whether we're exploring Scripture, playing sports, or just doing life together, I'm here to support and guide our students in their faith journey.