about us.
Who We Are
CEF of Chester County is an independent, nonprofit, interdenominational, children's ministry. We are dedicated to the task of reaching children for Christ through afterschool Good News Clubs, summer camps, and training organizations and individuals who are also interested in reaching children for Christ.
Our History
In 1936, J. Irvin Overholtzer responded to God's call to win boys and girls to Christ, thus establishing the ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship. Mr. Overholtzer made the first contacts in Eastern Pennsylvania in 1937, and CEF was officially organized in Eastern Pennsylvania in 1938.
Soon after, work began in Chester County, and Chester County Child Evangelism Fellowship was officially organized in 1950.
We are thankful for the years of ministry CEF of Chester County has had to generations of boys and girls in our county through Good News Clubs, summer camps, supporting local church outreaches and programs, and other ministries.
Our Mission
Our mission is to reach boys and girls for Christ, help them grow in their faith, and establish them in local churches.
"At every step in leading a child to Christ, pray for, look for and expect the Holy Spirit to convict of sin, to reveal the truth of the Gospel and to illumine the child’s mind so he or she can grasp the saving truth."
Jesse Irvin Overholtzer - Founder of CEF
Our Team.
Hi from our team here at CEF Chester County! We are passionate about knowing and following Jesus—and helping children across Chester County do the same. We recognize that this is a spiritual work, so we pray, faithfully sow gospel seeds, wait on the Lord, and seek to walk in step with the Spirit.
Our team includes staff, board members, and ministry partners who serve together with a shared heart for the Gospel. Though our staff is small, our reach is wide because of the incredible volunteers from local churches who make this ministry possible. We value each person’s unique strengths and work together with joy, encouraging and praying for one another as we serve.
We’d love for you to join us in this mission—through prayer, volunteering, or partnership—as we help the next generation know and grow in Christ.
