For the past six years, the Rev. Dr. Charles Yoost has served as the Director of Religious Life at Lakeside Chautauqua. Following this season, Yoost will transition into a new part-time role with Lakeside as the Religious Life Outreach Coordinator. In this position, he will represent Lakeside Chautauqua at other Chautauquas and Chautauqua Trail events, as well as the Historic Camp Meeting Network. He will coordinate the National Historic Camp Meeting program at its first celebration on Aug. 7, 2025.
As liaison to The United Methodist Church Conferences, Yoost will advocate the use of Lakeside for denominational events and provide outreach to other denominational bodies. As requested, he will provide counsel to staff during this period of intentional stabilization of departments and personnel.
“My wife, Barb, and I are not saying goodbye to Lakeside,” Yoost said. “I’m just transitioning to a different role and a less intense day-to-day involvement. We’ll still be here quite a bit in the summer.”
Lakeside President/CEO Charles Allen says Yoost leaves a legacy in the Religious Life pillar.
“Rev. Dr. Charlie Yoost has been the guiding light of our spiritual journey at Lakeside,” Allen said. “His unwavering dedication and profound wisdom have enriched our community in ways that words can hardly capture. As he embarks on this new endeavor, we will remember his words, his deeds, and the countless lives he has touched. Charlie’s legacy will continue to inspire us, reminding us of the power of faith and the importance of community. On behalf of everyone at Lakeside Chautauqua, I extend our deepest gratitude for his years of service. May the next chapter of his life be filled with the same peace and joy he has brought to ours.”
Under Yoost’s leadership, the Religious Life pillar has grown in its ability to attract nationally known speakers. He has substantially increased the Religious Life pillar’s endowment and contributions to Lakeside, which now represents 14% of Lakeside’s annual revenue.
In addition to securing and hosting the Preachers of the Week, the Sunday morning Lakefront and Hoover Community Worship Services, and Religious Life Seminars, Yoost oversees the operation of God Squad, Middle Grade Madness and The “Underground” Teen Center.
He was instrumental in the development of Lakeside’s online presence with the creation of Chip Richter’s online television show, “Once Upon a Porch,” filmed in Bradley Temple.
Yoost increased Lakeside’s ecumenical footprint by adding a Roman Catholic Mass on Thursdays during the summer season. He also noted that attendance at Religious Life programs has bounced back to its pre-COVID level, which is not typical in most churches and religious institutions in America.
“Those are some of the things I am most proud of during my time here,” Yoost said.
Yoost, whose doctorate is in pastoral care and counseling, was promoted to Senior Director of Religious Life & Pastoral Care in 2021, reflecting his growing role in providing counsel to staff and the Lakeside community. In addition to his administrative work, Yoost is frequently called upon to conduct memorial services and ash placements in Chautauqua Park. He also presides at occasional Lakeside weddings.
Prior to joining the Programming Team, Yoost was a frequent guest at Lakeside. His dad was a United Methodist pastor, so he came here every year for the annual conference. In addition, Yoost served on Lakeside Institute staff for 25 years as a volunteer.
Some of his favorite activities include Lakeside Symphony Orchestra concerts, jogging along Ohio’s Most Beautiful Mile and swimming off the Dock.
“I’ve actually been coming here every year of my life,” Yoost said.
One of the best parts of his job was collaborating with other Lakeside pillar directors on combined programs like the Keynote Speakers Series and Hoover shows.
“The Programming Team is very harmonious, and I love working with them,” Yoost said. “Our collaborative programs are fairly unique, and we energize each other by working together. With the diversity of offerings, there’s always something going on and something you can get involved in.”
The new role gives Yoost time in the summer to travel and spend more time with his family, something he hasn’t been able to do over the last six years. He will be part of the Hoover Community Worship congregation rather than leading it.
“It will be a little weird,” Yoost said. “But I’m ready for somebody else to do it. The nature of the Lakeside job from Memorial Day to Labor Day is pretty confining.”
Yoost says Lakeside is a unique community and hopes that it continues to be a family destination and that it keeps the values and the qualities that make it special.
“It’s kind of a Cedar Point for the mind and the spirit,” Yoost said. “It brings intellectual, spiritual, recreational and arts together in a way that is appealing to a broad spectrum of people. It’s a safe place for children. That can’t be overemphasized and overvalued. It’s also a haven for people with special needs because people watch out for each other and people feel safe and accepted here.”
A search process will soon be underway for Yoost’s successor. Together, we will honor his compassionate leadership, many years of dedication to the mission, and his lasting Lakeside legacy at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25 on Ohio’s Most Beautiful Mile. RSVP now!
