The Arrow Fall 2023

Reverend Chris Luper Answers the Call at Oak Hill Academy

... Team Luper is so excited to be here. Our family has been so graciously welcomed into the community ...

Imagine trying to find someone qualified and eager to pastor a church, shepherd a community of high school students from around the world, minister to the community around Mouth of Wilson, teach several college preparatory courses, and all of this while raising his family in the midst of campus. Well, as we searched for our new campus minister (who also pastors Young’s Chapel Baptist Church), we knew we needed just the right person to fill these varied roles. Someone who’d fit in. Who’d understand the culture of the church and the school and the community. Someone who liked kids, and who also loved church members and had a clear sense of calling and mission. Well, when we met Chris Luper, we knew we’d found our man. Rev. Chris Luper preached his first sermon as the Pastor of YCBC on August 13, 2023. And we couldn’t be happier. Chris was born and raised locally, and his family has deep roots in the area. In fact, when he was in high school he even worked a summer stint in the school’s maintenance department. There is no doubt that Chris Luper knows the school, the church, and the region. A graduate of Emory and Henry College where he earned his B.A. in Religion and Psychology, Chris went on to earn his M. A in Youth Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary. He then spent the next 10 years leading youth ministry in various congregations in Virgina and North Carolina. He has led numerous domestic and international mission trips, and brings a wealth of experience and passion to his new role. When the Luper’s arrived on campus earlier this summer, all of us were instantly smitten

by his beautiful family, which consists of his wife Libby, and four daughters Teaghyn (9), Anistyn (7), Hollyn (3), and Strattyn (8 months). Together, they comprise “Team Luper”. In preparation for this article, Chris said “being called to serve as the Pastor of Young’s Chapel Baptist Church and Campus Chaplain for Oak Hill Academy is one of the greatest honors of my life. I am truly humbled by the opportunity and excited for the Kingdom work that will transpire on the Hill. Team Luper is so excited to be here. Our family has been so graciously welcomed into the community and we look forward to becoming more involved.” Our school and church community is thankful for the arrival of Team Luper, and we look forward to many years of ministry with them.