Rob Simone

Nyack College 2001-2005
B.S. in Youth Ministry

It’s interesting to look back on my Nyack College experience and see the absolutely amazing path God has taken me on. The call to Nyack came at a major turning point in my life.

I was recovering from severe chest surgery, drastic life change, and I wasn’t sure exactly what I was going to do with my life at that point.  I had heard of Nyack College from a friend of mine and from the radio; however I thought that going away to school would be impossible. I thought my grades weren’t good enough, I’m not smart enough and it’s probably too expensive.  However, one day as I was taking a shower in my Long Island home, as I was praying I felt this sense of peace over me and I heard a voice in my head say “go away to school”. It was nothing creepy like a ghost or anything, but I had a sense that this was a possible opportunity that is worth pursuing.

Well, I pursued the goal. One thing led to another and before I knew it I was applying to Nyack, accepted to Nyack, and moving into my new dorm room. It was both exciting and scary at the same time.  For the first two years at Nyack, I ran from my calling. I knew or had a feeling that God was calling me to some sort of ministry, but I was scared and didn’t want to answer that call. I was angry at life and honestly, I didn’t think I was good enough, or spiritual enough to be in ministry. At the time, I was studying to be a high school English teacher. I enjoyed Shakespeare and enjoyed talking about various writings.  But suddenly, God intervened.

One day during my sophomore year one of my friends asked me if I wanted to help him on one of his Youth Retreats. He wanted me to be a small group leader and figured since I was studying to work with kids, I’d be a good help. I agreed and decided to help.  Well, during that retreat I met an amazing group of kids, worked with a great group of leaders who encouraged me spiritually and it was way more meaningful to teach Bible instead of Shakespeare.  Suddenly, the Bible became interesting, praying for people was fun, I had a hunger for quiet time, and reading Shakespeare became boring, compared to the Bible.  After this retreat I decided to get on track spiritually. 

Many people were asking me if I was a Youth Ministry major. To their surprise I would say I was an Education Major.  Many people felt I had a gift in this area and needed to be in Youth Ministry.  After much prayer and talking to people, I decided to make the change.  Now, I just needed to find Len Kageler and get signed up.  “Who in the world is Len Kageler?”, I thought to myself.  For two weeks of my life Len was a mystery man. I couldn’t find him anywhere. It was as if he was in this world where only Youth Ministry people could see him.  “Have you seen Len”, I would ask.  “Yea, you just missed him”, was the reply I got many times.  

Well, one snowy day, I took a walk, and I found him outside, walking to his office.  “Dr Kageler” I asked.  “Yes sir” he replied.  I introduced myself and told him I was called to Youth ministry. Len being very excited about another Youth Minister, was encouraging, uplifting, but also brutally honest. The first thing he told me was I’m signing up for a lot of pain, but it’s worth it.  He said, we take on Satan himself when we fight for teens.  I agreed and felt I was ready to take on the task.   As I entered my Junior year as a Youth Ministry Major, I didn’t know what to expect.  My very first class was Student Teaching with Len. 

Len’s first words were “This is your 3rd year as a Youth Ministry major, this is where we ruin your life”.  This was where we had to be teaching and ministering to teens.   Well God was good and provided for me a place to teach, a place to intern and some teens in my life who I will never forget.  God also used both Len Kageler and Ron Belsterling to enfold, equip and unleash me to be a youth minister (sorry if I forgot one).  Something I’ve learned is that the youth min dept trains people to be youth ministers, brings people together, and is all about the ultimate goal, bringing people to saving grace and faith in Jesus Christ.  

I am currently a Youth Pastor in Frederick Maryland and it has been an up and down road, but worth the trip. If I could give advice to future youth min majors I would say this, Choose in!!! If you’re going to be a youth pastor, encourage each other, study, and do it with all your heart. The students we reach are too precious for us not to give it all we have… and to Len and Ron and Nyack I say thank you for training me for Ministry!!!