Dia Duit (God be with you), my name is Joshua Kenst. I’m a proud Pittsburgher, born and raised in the North Hills. I graduated from Thiel College located in Greenville, PA with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Youth Ministry and Theology in 2018. In 2023 I earned my Master of Arts degree
in Christian Ministry from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, recently relocated to Hickory, NC. Over the years I have been active in outdoor ministry, serving as a camp counselor at Camp Lutherlyn, where I met my Fiancé, Heidi. In addition to outdoor ministry I have gone on several mission trips to different parts of the United States and served as a missionary in Senegal, West Africa as a participant in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) Young Adults in Global Mission program.
For me, youth ministry plays an important role in a person's faith. The youth ministers and campus ministers I have had over the years made a tremendous impact in my life and faith, and I hope to steward the gift of their faith, wisdom and experience by passing it on to others. My spiritual director once said to me, “God is in your life as you live it. ” The work of youth ministry is to help young people see God in their daily lives. This is my prayer and hope.
Some fun facts about me include my love of being in nature, either hiking or kayaking. When I’m not in nature, I can be found at my dojo, practicing Aikido and Toyama Ryu Batto Do. Additionally, I am a bit of an artist and crafter. My favorite things to make for people include
walking sticks, canes, and prayer beads.
