My youth ministry journey began during the summer of 1993 when I worked for an organization that counseled juvenile offenders that were referred by their county probation officers. I served as group leader and role model and I absolutely loved it. That experience helped to prepare me for my next role at a Christian residential home for at-risk teenagers in Wisconsin. In a family setting, I mentored, counseled, and discipled adolescents with histories of delinquency, drug and alcohol abuse, emotional, sexual, and physical abuse, gang activity, behavioral disorders, and more. It was an incredibly rewarding and challenging experience, and it is where I realized my calling into youth ministry.
I have worked as a youth pastor for over 30 years and have served in small, medium, and large churches with a variety of students and adult volunteer leaders. In April of 2023, I stepped away from full-time youth ministry to pursue consulting. I am still just as passionate as I have ever been about youth ministry, however my focus is now on coaching, mentoring, and equipping youth pastors and youth workers. Throughout my years in youth ministry, I've experienced great victories and the highest of highs, and I have also worked in incredibly difficult situations where I didn't think I was going to be able to survive one more day. Honestly, I wish I would’ve had someone to coach and mentor me during those difficult times. That's exactly why I created New Shoes Youth Ministry Consulting. I care deeply about being a listening ear, providing ministry advice, and instilling confidence in youth pastors and youth leaders.
I currently live in Chaska, Minnesota with my wife Kelly. In my free time I enjoy golfing and spending time with my family.
When I was a kid, getting a new pair of shoes meant a lot to me. I felt complete and ready to face whatever lay ahead of me. In a word, I felt confident. As a Christ follower, my confidence comes from an infinitely greater source, but the symbolism still remains powerful to me. In chapter 17 of Jeremiah, the prophet contrasts trusting in man versus trusting in God, and in verse seven, he says this: “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." God is pro you, and He wants your ministry to thrive. The mission of New Shoes Youth Ministry Consulting is all about equipping youth pastors and youth leaders with the Confidence To Move Forward.
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