Jan. 11. Deandre Dukes is the new director of children’s and youth ministries at Community in Christ Lutheran Church in Cornelius. A native of Georgia and graduate of Toccoa Falls college, Dukes has a degree in Christian Counseling & Psychology with a minor in Biblical Studies. He will be the first full time youth and children ministry director for the church replacing two part-time positions that were vacated last year. Deandre most recently served at a Methodist church in Monroe as youth director. Prior to that he was a camp counselor and worked at the Boys and Girls club of Toccoa.

“We are a growing church and it is vital that we provide excellent leadership for the spiritual formation of our children and youth. Deandre comes with a passion for the great commission given by Jesus that we are to make disciples of all people, teaching them to obey Jesus commands. I think he will be a gift to our congregation,” said Senior Pastor Travis Norton.

Dukes said he is “beyond eager” to begin his mission at Community in Christ.

Community in Christ Lutheran is a member of the 3.2 million-member Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  Worship services are held on Wednesdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 9:30 am and 11 am.