Many families gathered to cheer on their children as the Friday night lights flickered to life, illuminating the football field. Jake Beard proudly stood in the stands and witnessed his students’ athletic feats with a smile. Overwhelmed by the game’s energy, Beard knew his love for the students would lead to victories on the field and a stronger connection between them and their community.
Later that school year, he found himself once again standing under the bright stadium lights as the cheers of proud families electrified the stadium. He stood beside a nervous senior, her eyes scanning the crowd for a sense of familiarity. With a quick glance and a reassuring smile, he stepped in, offering his arm.
Together, they walked across the field, her grip tight, the ache of absence hanging between them. But at that moment, as her name resounded through the speakers, he hoped the emptiness would fade, if only for a second.
Beard has always believed in showing up. Whether he’s cheering at sports games, applauding band performances, or proudly watching his seniors walk the stage at graduations, he is present. But he also shows up in places the spotlight doesn’t reach — juvenile courtrooms, emergency rooms, and schools.
When a student’s world seems to fall apart, Beard is there to support them. He comforts students facing mental health crises or grieving the loss of a loved one. Being present defines his ministry, but rather than pointing to himself as a role model, Beard said he points to Jesus.
Beard felt something tugging at him as a freshman in high school, though he didn’t fully grasp it at the time. His calling became clear during a transformative summer camp in Florida, where he felt led toward ministry.
“I felt this impression on my heart that God wanted me to minister to young people,” he recalled.
Despite not fully understanding the path ahead, Beard pursued ministry and religion at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville. By his senior year, he began working part time at Estill Springs Church of the Nazarene, which would become his home church.
After graduating, Beard became the full-time youth pastor, and for 5 1/2 years, he has been doing what he describes as “exactly what I was created to do.”
“I see my role as an opportunity to point young people to Jesus,” he said. “The church has sometimes narrowed youth ministry into something surface level, but my job is to meet students where they are and let the love of Jesus overflow into their lives.”
He believes genuine encounters with Christ can transform lives and provide a depth that typical youth activities often miss. Beard’s own youth group experience was greatly impacted by volunteer leaders who consistently nurtured his spiritual growth, even in the midst of changing youth pastors. One remarkable leader, Pastor Ben Wallace, left a lasting impression on him and inspired him to be more relatable and understanding to the students he now works with.
“He was the one who influenced me and impacted me in my walk with youth ministry and pursuing that call,” Beard explained. “There were a lot of seasons where if I didn’t have a youth pastor, those volunteer leaders were standing and making a difference in my life. I’ve been blessed with special people who loved me toward Jesus.”
Beard strives to exceed the typical expectations of a youth pastor. In addition to fun activities, he prioritizes creating a fun and engaging atmosphere while sincerely addressing the real challenges that today’s youth encounter.
As Beard walks alongside Franklin County students, he sees their struggles evolving. Many now wrestle with loneliness, anxiety, fear, and a lost sense of identity because of the prevalence of social media and societal pressures.
“I hear it in their conversations, even if they don’t directly share their struggles,” Beard said.
He combats these issues with what he calls a “holy love” that listens more than it lectures.
“Students know adults have all the advice. They aren’t looking for another lecture, but before anything, I think they just want to be heard,” he said.
By creating an open, genuine environment for conversation, Beard provides a safe space for young people to explore their faith and personal challenges.
In September, he held a small group discussion where they explored topics such as life’s purpose and areas where God’s healing could make a difference.
In addition to daily interactions, Beard creates meaningful experiences through retreats, family dinners, and youth events. Each year, he takes the youth group to Gatlinburg for a weekend retreat — limited phone service, no set schedule, just time to rest and connect.
“It’s a time for them to step away from the pace of life and just be together. Those are the moments where I see the most growth,” he said.
Outside of church, Beard is involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at North Middle School, often coaching or supporting students at various events.
“Showing up is the most important thing I do,” he said. “Whether it’s celebrating a victory or mourning a loss, being there for them is what matters.”
In today’s world, teenagers are bombarded with distractions and often feel lost, but Beard’s presence is a safe space for many.
For teenagers seeking direction, Beard offers simple advice.
“Slow your pace down, take a deep look at your life, and figure out what’s giving you life versus what’s taking it. And if you want your life to be radically changed forever, I know a guy named Jesus that you should meet.” GN
