Youth minister's approach grounded in spending time with teens

The Rev. Casey Malley, youth pastor at First Baptist Church-California, who is shown leading prayer following the flag-raising ceremony to kick-off the 2016 Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival in September, has accepted a second term as president of the California Ministerial Alliance.
The Rev. Casey Malley, youth pastor at First Baptist Church-California, who is shown leading prayer following the flag-raising ceremony to kick-off the 2016 Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival in September, has accepted a second term as president of the California Ministerial Alliance.

CALIFORNIA, Mo. -- When only a teenager himself, the Rev. Casey Malley was leading a Bible study and coordinating after-school programs at his church in Waynesville.

Mission trips, internships and studying at Southwest Baptist University, as well as encouraging mentors, helped the youth pastor at First Baptist Church to realize his purpose.

Not fond of school, Malley said he initially was confused by a strong calling to teach. But his youth pastor at the time and a fellow youth, also called to ministry, helped him see how teaching the Bible fit his future.

Four years after arriving at his first full-time ministry position, Malley has married a local lady Austen (formerly Barr), grown the church's youth ministry and begun his second term as president of the California Ministerial Alliance.

"I love small towns," Malley said. "This is where the Lord has me and I'm really glad to be here."

Austen is a support to Malley, which helps him in his ministry, he said.

"She's definitely a big blessing," Malley said. "She helps me out - sometimes by being here (at church) and sometimes by letting me go."

The couple try to attend at least one game for each sport, age group and team for every member of the 40-plus youth group, he said.

"I can't expect them to come to things I do if I don't go to theirs," Malley said

His approach to youth ministry is founded on spending time.

"I want to get to know the students and get to their hearts so I can let them know I'm there for them and I care," Malley said.

More than half of the group that meets on Wednesday nights come from broken homes, he noted.

"I know that pain and am able to speak to that," said Malley who grew up with a single mother, who married his step-dad when he was a teenager.

"I want to help the youth navigate how tricky it is to be a teenager today," Malley said. "It can be difficult to try and keep up with what is new."

Although the ministerial alliance role has less to do with the youth he is called to serve, Malley said he was willing to step into the leadership role, when asked.

"He's quick, thoughtful and has a good character; he's not afraid to take on a leadership role or to make decisions," said the Rev. Glen Golden, vice president of the alliance.

With about 20 member churches, the local alliance provides community worship services for graduates in May, fair-goers in August and for the thankful in November. They also provide a scholarship, prepare radio devotions and rotate providing weekly services at both local nursing homes.

But what may demand the most time and attention is the benevolence program.

"Some people have complicated needs and we try to figure out how to help," Malley said.

Assisting with utility costs is the most common. But they have also helped with rent, fuel, prescriptions and other specific needs based on a case-by-case review.

The alliance also partners with other local services, like the Central Missouri Community Action, to "best help people in need," he said.

When Malley talks to or spends time with his youth, most of the time it is positive, he said. In contrast, when he meets with people seeking assistance, they are hurting.

"We try to show love to these people who need a lot of help," he said.