Noel Forlini Burt holds a PhD in Biblical Studies and Early Christianity from Drew University. She has taught at the collegiate and seminary level for the past ten years, at Baylor University, Truett Seminary, Samford University, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Baptist Seminary of Kentucky, and others. Forlini Burt believes the Old Testament is a deep well from which Jewish and Christian readers can draw in their own spiritual formation. She has a particular interest in bridging the church and the academy, helping both to encounter God through the biblical story. Noel is a certified spiritual director (Truett Seminary, 2021) and certified in spiritual formation (Upper Room Academy for Spiritual Formation, 2021). Her book, Encounters in the Dark: Identity Formation in the Jacob Story has been published through Semeia Studies (SBL Press, 2020), and her most recent book, Hope in the Wilderness, is forthcoming through Cascade Publishing this winter. 

 Instagram: @noelforlini

Dr. Ben Birdsong is a church and para-church student ministry veteran and currently serves as the Minister of Missions at Christ Church Birmingham in Birmingham, Alabama. He is also an adjunct professor teaching children, youth, and family ministries at Birmingham Theological Seminary. Ben has bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Human Resource Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a Master of Divinity degree from Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry in Ministry to Emerging Generations from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. As an author, Ben has written the devotional books Words from the Cross: 7 Statements that Will Transform Your Life, journeying through Jesus’ final moments before His death, and James: Everyday Faith. He is also a monthly contributor for parenting and family ministry content for Birmingham Christian Family magazine. Ben is married to Liz. He enjoys reading, writing, watching movies, and blogging at www.benbirdsong.com.

Instagram: @benbirdsong
Twitter: @ben_birdsong
Facebook: @birdsong.ben

Andy Blanks is a builder at heart. Whether it is a business, a book, a piece of furniture, or a sermon, Andy is most at home when he is creating. Over the past two decades, God has allowed Andy to be a part of a variety of truly dynamic organizations and initiatives. Andy is the Co-Founder of YM360 and Iron Hill Press (ironhillpress.com). And along with his wife, Brendt (Founder of shegaveitago.com), he co-hosts The Big, Full, Fun Podcast. In his downtime, he piddles around in his woodshop (builtdownhere.com). A former Marine and avid outdoorsman, Andy has authored numerous books, Bible studies, and article. He regularly speaks at events and conferences, both for adults and teenagers. He is active in his local church, teaching youth, adult, and men’s small groups regularly. Andy and Brendt were married in 2000 and have lived in Birmingham, AL ever since. They have four children, three girls and one boy.

Instagram: @andy_blanks
Twitter: @andyblanks
Facebook: @andy.blanks

Kristopher “Boz”  Boswell is the Middle School Pastor at Fellowship Bible Church in Jackson, Tennessee. He was born and raised in Northern California and was saved through faith at 23 while serving in the United States Army. Boz loves connecting with others through gaming, competitive sports, and his favorite, disc golf! His passion for ministry is evident as he makes it his mission to make Jesus’ name known through discipleship!

Instagram: @bozzieboz
Facebook: @kristopherboswell

Dr. Kenneth Bruce is passionate about preaching the gospel, making disciples, leading and loving the local church, and taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth. He preaches Christ from the Scriptures enthusiastically, evangelistically, and with clarity. As a youth ministry veteran of thirteen years, Kenneth continues to invest in the next generation of students through speaking at various camps and conferences and ministering to a group of students in Birmingham that are world changers.

Kenneth currently serves as the Senior Pastor at Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster, Alabama (where he was prior the youth pastor.) Kenneth graduated with a B.S. in Communications from the University of Kentucky in 2004, received an M.A. in Christian Education degree from Southern Seminary in 2008, and a Doctorate degree in 2015. Kenneth and his wife, Kristy, have 5 children: Noah, Adoniram, Asa, Nathan, & Ellie Ann. You can learn more about Kenneth and his church at www.gowestwood.org 

 Instagram: @kenneth.bruce.16
Twitter: @kennethbruce

Tyler serves as a student pastor on the Middle School team of Hope Community Church, a large multi-site church based in Raleigh, NC. He has been in student ministry settings, at large and small churches, since 2007. As much as Tyler loves Big 12 football and the Houston Astros, his heart belongs with his wife, Kelley, and their two boys (Zac and Elliott). 

Instagram: @silverfox_tb
Twitter: @silverfox_tb
Facebook: @Tyler.Bryan

Chris Carpenter is the Worship Arts Director at Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Chris has been in full-time ministry for 18 years, leading and developing worship teams for children, teens, and now adults. His heart and passion are to lead worship and lead people towards excellence in ministry, equipping the saints for the work of the Church. Chris and his wife, Hannah, have five children and two Sphynx cats. They currently reside in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Instagram: @tangentartist
Twitter: @tangentartist
Facebook: @tangentartist

Nick is a youth ministry veteran with over a decade of church leadership experience and a creator of tons of youth ministry resources. He currently serves as Student Pastor for First Colleyville, a large Baptist church located between Dallas and Fort Worth, TX. A Wisconsin native, Nick spent the majority of his life in Ohio, including graduating from Cedarville University. He can often be found cheering on his Indianapolis Colts, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Wisconsin Badgers (basically the sports equivalent of mediocre). Nick is married to the love of his life, Amanda, and they have two amazing boys (Hudson and Jude). 

Instagram: @clasonnick
Twitter: @hybridministry
Facebook: @nick.clason.14

Jenna Cook is the Youth and Children’s Pastor for Community Christian Fellowship in Warrenton, Virginia. She and her husband served as missionaries and house parents in multiple children’s homes, where they ministered to refugees before Jenna became a Youth and Children’s Pastor. She has created multiple ministry programs, from summer camps to weekly programming, and loves to equip other ministry leaders.

Charlie has been working with students for over 22 years in both education and ministry settings. She taught middle school for six years before answering a call into ministry. Since 2004, she has been serving in the local United Methodist Church. During her time in ministry, Charlie has coached adult volunteers to consistently lead small groups of middle school teens, organized large middle school ministry worship experiences, and lead an on-campus ministry program at her local middle school. Charlie's extensive experience with students and families, along with her Advanced Coaching Certification, gives her a unique approach to ministry. Charlie grew up in rural Illinois but has been living in metro Atlanta, GA, for the past 19 years. She and her husband, Eric, have two grown daughters who occasionally stop by to shop for food in the pantry or do laundry. Charlie has never passed a dog that she didn’t want to pet, and her most favorite thing in the world is a Swedish Fish. But only the OG red ones. You can connect with Charlie through social media on Twitter or Instagram (@charlieconder), on Facebook (@charlie.conder.3), through email charlie@thinkorange.com, and on her website www.charlieconder.com.

J. Roger Davis joined YM360 in 2015 as President and leader of all live events and experiences. Roger has been creating and giving leadership to excellent, gospel-centered ministry events and mission experiences since 1993. He’s energized with the opportunity to help people, primarily students, get the gospel and give it away. Roger also gives executive leadership to Servant Life Missions and other YM360 partnerships. His life and leadership roles have produced extensive travel domestically and in 40+ countries around the globe. Roger supports the Tennessee Vols and is a big Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Antonio Spurs fan (where he used to be a ball boy.) He and his wife, Becca (a former youth minister) live in Birmingham with their four kids: Sterling, Landry, Kinsley, and Murray and their labs General and Manning.

Instagram: @jrogerdavis
Twitter: @jrogerdavis

Dr. Jody Dean, Assistant Professor for Christian Education, Director of Mentoring Programs in Christian Education at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Dean has years of ministry experience including children, youth, collegiate, and adult ministries and specializes in church administration. He is the Regional Dean for Louisiana and Mississippi extension centers for NOBTS. His research has focused on ministry leadership specifically in the area of church administration, discipleship, and risk management. This research led him to co-author a book entitled “PROTECT.” Dr. Dean has continued to serve the local church for over twenty years in the areas of discipleship and administration. His ministerial experience has focused on age-graded ministry, discipleship, and church administration. He frequently teaches at conferences and training events in these areas in churches, regional training events, state conventions, and organizations for ministers in the local church. Dr. Dean is married to Emily and they have two children Lydia and James.

Leon is a 2018 graduate of Moody Bible Institute with a BA in youth ministry. Having served in various youth ministry roles over the last five years, he currently serves as Middle School Pastor at EastLake Church located in San Diego, California. As a Wichita, Kansas native, Leon is a huge fan of bacon cheeseburgers, PC gaming, the Kansas City Chiefs, and whoever is playing basketball against the Kansas Jayhawks. When not spending time with students or cheering on the Red Kingdom, you can find him eating cheeseburgers, hiking, and on adventures with his new bride Alyssa.

Instagram: @neonleon116
Facebook: @leon.edwards.9022

Jeremy graduated from Mississippi College in 1998 with a BA in Christian Studies. He also has an MDIV from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jeremy has served with Student Life as a Camp Director, been an interim youth pastor, and is currently on staff with Poetice, a ministry based in Choma, Zambia. He and his wife Courtney and their three children (Olivia, Jude, and Lincoln) have lived in Choma, Zambia, for the past eight years. Jeremy serves as the shepherding pastor and oversees all of the house churches and his wife oversees all of the worship. Jeremy loves to travel, is a terrible golfer, and is just beginning to camp more with his family. You can read more about Jeremy and the ministry he leads at https://poetice.org/emertfamily/ 

Instagram: @jeremyemert
Twitter: @jremert
Facebook: @jeremy.emert.5

Olivia Emert is a missionary kid who has lived and served in Zambia, Africa since 2014 with Poetice Zambia (poetice.org). She enjoys being homeschooled, photography, and writing her blog. Olivia loves seeing Jesus work in the lives of others and counts herself privileged to have been able to grow up on the mission field.

Facebook: @olivia.emert.16 

Rebecca currently serves as the Director of Girls Ministry at First Baptist Church Hendersonville, TN. She previously served at Shades Mountain Baptist Church in her home state of Alabama as a Student Ministry Girls Associate. While pursuing a degree at Samford University she spent her summers investing in students and kids serving on staff during the summer with CentriKid Camps and WinShape Camps.

Instagram: @rh_espy

Ryan Fontenot is the Founder and Lead Communicator for R.A.G.E. Ministries. R.A.G.E. (Reaching A Generation Endangered) exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus and to prepare the next generation to do the same. Since 2003, Ryan has spoken to hundreds of thousands across North America and around the globe. With a gift of passionate and creative preaching, God is using Ryan to point this generation to Jesus and equip them to reach others. He likes to say that he is a nobody, trying to tell everybody, about the Somebody who can save anybody. Ryan lives in Fort Worth, Texas, and is married to his high-school sweetheart, Heather. Together they have three children: Elyn, Inly, and Tru. 

You can connect with Ryan about his ministry on Facebook (@weareragemin), Instagram (@rageministries), Youtube (@rageministires), or online at www.rageministries.com.

Eric has an apostolic vision and is passionate about pouring into generations to come and those leading those generations.  He is the student pastor at CrossRoads Moss Bluff near Lake Charles, LA as well a leadership coach and speaker at Foshee Leadership Coaching.  His heartbeat is to serve and support the local church, wherever “local” may be and believes the words leadership and discipleship are interchangeable.  He and his wife, Holly, believe in a family on mission lifestyle and along with their two children want to see a generation changed for the gospel and change the world.  Visit ericfoshee.com to connect with him. 

Twitter: @ericdfoshee
Facebook: @fosheeleadership
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ericfoshee/

John D. Foubert, Ph.D., is Dean of the College of Education at Union University and Principal of Dr. John D. Foubert, LLC. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the Highly Qualified Expert for Sexual Assault Prevention for the U.S. Army. In 1998 Dr. Foubert founded the national nonprofit organization, One in Four (oneinfourusa.org), an organization that worked for 20 years to apply research to rape prevention programs on college campuses, in communities, and in the military.

Dr. Foubert is an interdisciplinary scholar with over 50 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Foubert has written eleven books, including seven about the prevention of sexual violence, two about managing life in college residence halls, and two about the harms of pornography. His federally funded interdisciplinary research program has produced scholarship that is featured in some of the most respected peer-reviewed journals in Education, Gender Studies, and Psychology. He was the first scholar to document a reduction in sexual violence resulting from a prevention program. Dr. Foubert has given approximately 300 professional presentations to conferences, universities, community, and military organizations worldwide. 

Dr. Foubert has testified in Congress and has been called upon by the White House and the Pentagon for his expertise in rape prevention. He consults with colleges and the military regularly about the harms of pornography and how to end sexual violence. He has been featured in media, including CNN, NPR, The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and U.S. News and World Report. Due to his religious faith as a follower of Jesus, Dr. Foubert often speaks at Christian colleges and in churches about the harms of pornography, preventing sexual violence, trauma-informed responses to Title IX violations, and PTSD. He remains in high demand for secular private and public institutions as well.

Follow him or send him a direct message via Twitter @JohnFoubert. You can also find more of his work at www.johnfoubert.com or email him at john.foubert@gmail.com.

Melanie has dedicated the past twenty years to student ministry, using her youth ministry degree from Liberty University in a variety of ways. She enjoys listening to students share their story over a good cup of coffee. When she isn’t serving her local church, you can find her teaching middle school English, or hanging out with her husband and two favorite teenage children.

A student ministry veteran of over 15 years, Josh currently serves as the high school and college pastor at Christ Community Church, a large multi-site church located in the Chicago-land area, where he's been on staff for nine years. Josh finds a lot of joy in equipping volunteers, discipling students, and presenting Scripture in relevant ways to the young people he pastors. In addition to ministry, he loves fishing, cold brew coffee, building Legos with his 2 boys (Titus and Roman), repping the 49ers, and eating sushi with his beautiful bride, Mackenzie. Josh and Mackenzie have another boy on the way so stay tuned for the name reveal!

Instagram: @joshua_haight7
Twitter: @josh_haight7
Facebook: @joshhaight07

Chris Hargrove has been in youth ministry for over ten years and has a huge passion for seeing students grow in their relationship with Christ and connecting with other youth workers. Currently serving as the Arden Campus Student Pastor for Biltmore Church, a multi - site church in Asheville, NC. He is married to his awesome wife who homeschools their 2 daughters. When he’s not busy beating a student, leader, or senior pastor in ping pong, you can probably catch him trying to quote “The Office.” You can connect with Chris on Instagram and Twitter at @HargroveChris.

Brian serves as Creative Director for YM360. Brian was born and raised in the Philippines as a Missionary Kid. A graduate of Samford University, Brian has actually used his theatre degree in every aspect of his career. Brian has served over 18 years in Children's Ministry and Worship Ministry capacities. In addition, Brian founded and directed an extra-curricular theatre program at Bethel University in TN. In that role, he spent 11 years directing and producing broadway style musical productions, plays, theatre camps, community theatre events, concerts, and all things performance. He loves Alabama football, Pixar movies, and traveling! Married to his wife Rhonda, they have 2 adopted daughters. 

You can keep up with Brian and all he has going on on Instagram and Facebook (@jbhill13) or email him at Brian@YM360.com

Brian has been working full-time with families since 1993 as a Youth Pastor, Camp Director, School Administrator, and most recently as the Director of 360Family in Memphis, TN. He has had the privilege of speaking at more than 300 conferences and countless churches, schools, camps, and military bases. He has led student and parent programs from coast to coast as well as several international locations. While Brian’s specialty is creating parenting and family events, he still speaks at multiple summer camps and D-Now events each year. Brian is a prolific writer for parenting magazines, most notably Parenting Teenagers, Homeschooling Today, and Parent Life. He has written four books: How You Always Meant to Parent, Engaging Your Teen’s World, Tech Savvy Parenting, and Raising Responsible Teens in a Digital World. Brian has been featured as a “parenting expert” (whatever that is) on more than sixty radio shows and TV programs including FOX, ABC, and NBC affiliates. Brian and his wife Mona are officially empty nesters and live in Chattanooga, TN. You can keep up with Brian and all he has going on on Instagram (@brianhousman), on Twitter (@BWHousman), and online at www.360family.org

Kate is a twenty-year veteran of student ministry and served students in many capacities over the years. Currently, she volunteers with students at First Baptist Simpsonville in South Carolina. While she spends her days in operations, her evenings are full with hanging with her small group or writing stories God placed in her heart. She’s currently working on her second YA fiction novel and searching for representation/publication for book one. Her dream is to share the Gospel through a well-written fiction novel that balances real life with a dash of fairytales. You can find Kate at kateoliviahuff.com or on Instagram (@kateoliviahuff). She loves to meet new people, so pop over and say hello!

 Instagram: @kateoliviahuff

Chad is a sales, marketing, and customer relationship management professional for a large farm and construction equipment company located outside of Grand Rapids, MI. He also serves as a principal consultant for a fundraising and volunteer recruitment solutions company that provides non-profits with the skills needed to effectively fundraise and recruit. Chad has two decades of experience working with young people inside the local church, through para-church organizations, and within social work settings. He has spent the last four years as a volunteer middle school leader at a local congregation in Grand Haven, MI where his wife, Laura, serves as the children’s ministry pastor. Chad and Laura have three children; one high schooler and two middle schoolers. You can connect with Chad through email Chad_Inman@Hotmail.com. 

Dr. R. Allen Jackson is both professor and pastor. For over half of his adult ministry life, he lived on the NOBTS campus and taught, researched, spoke itinerantly in the field of youth and collegiate ministry. Over the years, his interests expanded into other fields in Christian Education and Spiritual formation including leadership, administration, developmental psychology, and risk management. He has written extensively in adolescent, collegiate, leader training, and Bible teaching areas. In 2016, Dr. Jackson flipped the script, going from a full time professor and part time pastor to a full time pastor and part time professor. As senior pastor at Dunwoody Baptist Church in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, he leads a congregation while serving as a Ministry-based professor for NOBTS. He teaches a few classes each year and continues to advise and supervise, particularly with doctoral students. Allen and his wife (Dr. Judi Jackson) have two grown children and one grandson who really did hang the moon.

Colton Jackson is a worship leader from the Greater Cincinnati area. For 10+ years, Colton has served the local church in Ohio and Indiana as a volunteer worship musician, full-time student worship leader, Worship/Creative Arts Pastor, camp worship leader, and most recently Campus Worship Leader/Student Worship Director. His heart and passion are to lead people to authentically worship in spirit and in truth. Colton believes that worship is a gateway to experience Heaven come to Earth. Colton is happily married to his wife Tayler, and together they have two children, Canyon and Atalie. You can keep up with Colton and all he has going on on Facebook (@colton.jackson.397), Instagram (@coltonjackson1), and email at coltonjackson456@gmail.com

Kayla Jeffers is the Student Director at Grace Church in Oviedo, Florida (Orlando area). Student ministry has taken on many forms in her life - the public school system, churches, leadership organizations, and camps. Most of Kayla’s experience was developed through eight summers serving on camp teams. She started as a Bible study leader and worked her way up to Director. Through those times, God developed her leadership and communication skills, but ultimately He grew Kayla’s passion for discipling and equipping the next generation. Kayla enjoys using the gifts God has given her to create environments where students can grow closer to Jesus. She’s just doing her best to abide with Jesus and inviting others to join her on the journey.

Instagram: @kaylajeffers07
Twitter: @kalamare07
Facebook: @kayla.jeffers

Kurt Johnston has been in youth ministry since 1988 and currently leads the student ministry teams at Saddleback Church which include 14 local and 4 international campuses. In addition to his role at Saddleback, Kurt enjoys encouraging other youth workers and has created a variety of books and resources with that goal in mind. When not doing church stuff, Kurt enjoys spending time with his family, riding dirt bikes, surfing, and sitting around campfires. You can keep up with all things Kurt on both Twitter and Instagram by following @kurtjohnston.

“Strivers achieve what dreamers believe” is the phrase that has fueled the life of Pastor JaMichael D. Jordan, Sr. He is a man of many talents and gifts, but his strongest will and desire is to pour into the lives of people and to help them see the ability they have to succeed and walk in their God-given purpose. In addition to serving as Youth and Young Adult Pastor at the Mount Canaan Baptist Church, JaMichael serves on the advisory council for Glass House Collective (GHC), as a consultant with the Supreme Court for the state of GA, and has served five years as Program Director for Stop the Madness National, Inc. (a program that was centered around at-risk youth and families). JaMichael gives credit to Stop the Madness National, Inc. for allowing him to be a pioneer of change through teaching, mentoring, and leadership development. 

JaMichael is a proud 2011 graduate of the University of Memphis, where he was actively involved and served in many leadership roles, such as President of the Empowered Men of Color (EMOC), Vice-President of the Black Student Association(BSA), Orientation Guide, Memphis State Eight honoree, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He earned his certification in Pastoral Leadership from Tennessee Temple University in 2014. 

Most recently, JaMichael has become a newly published author with the release of his first book entitled Decoded: Discovering the Mystery That Is You. JaMichael is married to Amanda, who equally shares and supports his vision and passions. The two share two sons, Micah and Nason. You can connect with JaMichael through Instagram @JamichaelDJordan, his website www.JamichaelDJordan.Com, or by email at info@jamichaeldjordan.com.

Jon LaMarque is the student pastor at First Baptist in Haleyville, Alabama where he has served over ten years. He went to college at the University of Alabama, earned his Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and completed his Doctorate of Ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jon is passionate about student ministry and longs to see the next generation know Jesus and make Him known. He also enjoys watching Alabama football and basketball, Atlanta Braves baseball, and Survivor. You can find Jon on Instagram and Twitter at @jonlamarque.

Kevin is a student ministry veteran of over twenty years, a ministry coach, a cancer survivor, and a true believer in the TCU Hypnotoad. He moved to Fort Worth in 1998 to attend TCU. That’s where he met his wife, Kara, and they were married in 2002. Kevin is currently the 5th-8th grade Pastor at Christ Chapel Bible Church in Fort Worth, Texas where he oversees the preteen and student ministry across their three campuses. His heart beats to see teenagers find their identity in Jesus. When he’s not doing that, you can find him spending time with his wife, Kara, chasing after their son Knox, or practicing the art of smoking his own BBQ. You can connect with Kevin on Twitter/Instagram (@KevinLibick) or on Facebook (@klibick).

Leigh Lutz is a wife, mom, self - professed “professional church volunteer,” and a veteran high school girl s’ small group leader from Cincinnati, Ohio. She has spent the last 33 years studying God's Word in order to equip herself and others to live lives that point to Jesus. Leigh and her husband , Chris (a former professional baseball pitcher), are empty nesters with two grown children. If you ask mama Leigh ( as her small group girls call her) or any former students for h er most notable skill , they will quickly agree that s he makes a mean Buffalo Chicken Dip . It took those high school girls quite a bit of effort to teach Leigh how to use Instagram, so go give her a follow @mama_leigha1.

James Maasen has spent several years serving in youth ministry and now leads a house church in St Louis. He and his wife run For the Good Marketing, a marketing company that serves churches, nonprofits, and small businesses. James is passionate about seeing the people of Jesus grow in emotionally healthy discipleship and engage the world as the triumphant people of God. You can keep up with James through Instagram @jamesmaasen. 

 Instagram: @jamesmaasen

Jon is an avid runner, a devoted family man, a certified youth ministry coach, and a youth ministry veteran with over 16 years of experience. He has served the last decade of those youth ministry years as the Pastor of Student Ministries at Northbrook Church in Richfield, WI. Jon will tell you that he owes much of his longevity in youth ministry to the mentors and coaches he has been fortunate enough to learn from along the way. Now he enjoys walking alongside other youth pastors and helping them thrive in life and ministry. Jon and his wife Shalanna (a certified enneagram life coach) have been married for 15 years and have three children; Charity, Jace, and Joy. You can learn more about Northbrook by visiting www.northbrookchurch.org/. You can connect with Jon on Facebook @jon.mahlstedt or over Instagram @jon_mahlstedt. To learn more about the passion he and Shalanna have for coaching, visit their Instagram @youth_ministry_coaching.

Austin McCann was born and raised in Winston-Salem, NC and is a die-hard Duke Blue Devils fan. During high school God started to give him a desire and passion for full-time ministry. Austin attended Piedmont International University where God confirmed in his heart that calling. He continued his education at Liberty University School of Divinity. In 2012, Austin joined the team of Redemption Chapel located in Stow, Ohio as the Student Ministries Director and in 2019 transitioned into an Associate Pastor. Austin’s desire is to serve within the local church and build systems and programs to help people walk with Jesus. Austin and his wife Crystal have two children – Briana, who they adopted in 2017, and Zion, who they adopted in 2019.

Logan is the Student Pastor at New River Church in Lake Wylie, SC, a suburb of Charlotte. An Atlanta native and graduate of Georgia State University, Logan has been in full-time ministry for almost ten years. His experience in youth ministry ranges from serving on staffs of medium and large churches to leading large mission teams to serving with BigStuf Camps. When he isn't at the church, you can usually find Logan living it up with his wife, Leah, and their twin boys (Oliver and Everett). You can also find him cheering on or tweet-ranting about one of his Atlanta sports teams at @loganmcelroy.

Instagram: @lmcelroy1
Twitter: @loganmcelroy

Matthew McNutt has been a youth pastor for over twenty years. He is also a frequent author, speaker, and Pac-Man warrior. He and his wife, Heather, have four teenage sons and currently serve at Brandywine Valley Baptist Church in Wilmington, Delaware.

Chuck Mielke has worked with students in various settings while serving in different variations of vocational ministry over the past 20+ years. Whether it was in his time serving as a youth pastor, a counselor at a boys detention facility, or most recently as a Christian school educator and Chaplin, Chuck has helped students navigate their faith in the midst of challenging cultural shifts. As a Dad of three, he has a front-row seat to the challenges of raising kids in this postmodern culture. Chuck holds multiple degrees in Christian education, earning a Doctor of Education from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His passion is helping youth pastors connect with their students through deeper biblical engagement. He and his family live on an island in south Florida, where his wife serves as Superintendent of Christian Schools. You can keep up with Chuck by following him at @chuckmielke on Twitter.

Nick Mobley has served in student ministry for 20 years and currently serves as Family Pastor at Northside Baptist in middle TN. His passion is helping families show and share their faith from house to house. He and his wife Courtney have 3 children (Samuel, Sophia, and Asa). They love ice cream, the outdoors, and think that Dauphin Island, Alabama, is one of the coolest places to spend a vacation. You can reach Nick at nmobley@nbconline.net

 Instagram: @Nick_Mobley
Twitter: @Nick_Mobley20
Facebook: @Nick.Mobley.99

Originally from Snellville, GA, Melanie Dill Mokgatla attended Samford University in Birmingham, AL for studies in Graphic Design and Fine Art. She was called into ministry while working in Student Ministry at Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Vestavia Hills, AL. But God wasn't done "calling." Melanie was called pick up her life and move in order to make disciples of the nations. In 2010, Melanie moved to Cape Town, South Africa where she’s been actively involved in ministry ever since—specifically community ministry, children’s ministry, youth ministry, and leadership development. Melanie met her husband Andrew in Cape Town in 2016 on a blind-date (set-up by a mutual friend). A few months into the relationship, they both knew this was God's plan. Just over a year after meeting, they were married. Life changed drastically when two became one. Then one became three. This mission is now about a family that God unified - a family that dwells in Cape Town and is on mission. You can follow Melanie’s life, family, ministry, and South African journey through her website melaniemokgatla.com. 

Instagram: @melaniemokgatla

Brock Morgan is the author of twenty books including, Youth Ministry in a Post-Christian World and The Amazing Next. His most recent book, The Anxious Teen, is all about the struggle that is going on in the hearts and minds of today’s teenagers and how we might respond and be a part of bringing health and wholeness. He began his career as a youth worker over 30 years ago and has never looked back. He is a popular speaker for camps, retreats, and conferences and is the Associate Pastor at The Bridge in Chino, southern California. His happy place is on a surfboard and wherever his wife Kelsey of 28 years is. Together they have a daughter named Dancin and a puppy named C.S. Lewis.

You can keep up with Brock and all he has going on on Instagram (@realbrockmorgan), on Twitter (@brockmorgan), and online at brockmorgan.com

Mark Oestreicher (Marko) has been involved in church ministry for 40 years, particularly with teenagers and youth workers. Marko has had a broad experience working in churches in roles ranging from Junior High Pastor to Executive Pastor. For 11 years, Marko was at Youth Specialties in San Diego, an organization that trains and equips church youth workers—the last 8 of those years as president. Marko has authored or contributed to more than 70 books, and is the founding partner at The Youth Cartel, providing resources, training and coaching for church youth workers. Marko has been married to Jeannie for 37 years, and has two young adult kids, Riley and Max. 

Twitter: @markosbeard

Richard Parker has been serving as a youth pastor since 1979.  He helped start his current church, Branches, in 2015. Richard has written two devotional books for students, the student Bible study for the movie I Can Only Imagine, as well as writing many curriculum projects for YM360 and public schools. He and his wife Amy have two adult daughters and two grandchildren.

After 26 years in full-time youth ministry, Todd and his wife Lynda currently serve with Standing Stone Ministry, which exists to guide ministry leaders into healthy ministry. Together, they have created a ministry called The Youth Leader Oasis, where they offer free and confidential coaching and soul care for youth pastors and their spouses. Todd is a DYM author and the co-host of the Youth Ministry Soul Keeper Podcast. Todd and Lynda have been married for 27 years and have three children: Brianna, Caleb, and Addyson. You can find out more about these ministry resources for your own soul, or just connect with Todd on Instagram @youthleaderoasis, and on Twitter @ToddPearage, or @YMSoulKeeper.

Chad has been speaking biblical truth into students’ lives for years. He believes in the importance of relationships and seeks to get to know people when he is away from the stage. Ultimately, Chad hopes to see students moved into a deeper relationship with Christ through the power of God’s Word. In turn, those students will impact their community and world for Christ’s sake. Chad is currently the Teaching Pastor at Grace Bible Church. He is the co-host of the Hold On Podcast and is the founder of Through-line Cohort-a ministry that exists to develop communicators of the Bible. He is married to Hope and they have three sons (Shepherd, Charlie, and Alder) and a daughter (Noli).

Instagram: @chadpoe
Twitter: @chadpoe
Facebook: @chadpoe

Dani Proctor is a youth ministry veteran with 7 years of experience on full-time staff with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She currently serves high school student-athletes and coaches at 5 local campuses in the Birmingham, AL, metro area. Before coming on staff with FCA, Dani was a part of FCA as a college athlete and student leader at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Belhaven University, where she played softball and soccer. When she’s not getting coffee with a student, Dani and her husband, Ty, are either playing beach volleyball or hanging with their beagle, Riley.

Ty serves as one of the General Editors for YM360, focusing on Sermon Series and Online Articles. While serving in multiple student ministries and attending Beeson Divinity School, Ty developed a passion for teaching and preaching the Word. He is most excited to come alongside and empower youth workers with great tools for sharing the Gospel with students. Although he’s a Birmingham native, Ty attended Millsaps College in Jackson, MS (Go Majors), where he met his wife, Dani. When he's not at work, Ty is either hanging out with his beagle, Riley, cheering on the Crimson Tide, or on the sand playing beach volleyball. You can connect with Ty through Instagram (@typroctor7) and Twitter (@typroctor7)

Shane serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB). He and his wife, Kasi, reside in Rockwall, TX with their six children – Raygen, Harper, Titus, Morris, Elliot, & Glory. He has been in ministry for over 18 years as a denominational worker, church planter, lead pastor, and student pastor. Shane is also a traveling communicator, evangelist, and Bible teacher. Every year he speaks to over a hundred thousand people about the good news of Jesus Christ. He is the author of 9 Common Lies Christians Believe: And Why God’s Truth Is Infinitely Better, which is available everywhere books are sold. He has also authored many blogs and articles that have been picked up by RELEVANT, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, The Gospel Coalition, Church Leaders, The Baptist Press, and many others. He is also the co-host of the podcast, Next Gen on Mission (available on podcast platform, and is a monthly guest and contributor on the Point of View Radio Show that airs on over 300 stations nationwide. Shane and his wife, Kasi, were featured as ABC’s Nightly News “Persons of the Week” in August 2017. 

You can connect with Shane on Facebook (@shanepuritttx), Instagram/Twitter (@shane_pruitt78), Youtube (@shaneefication), or online at http://www.shanepruitt.com/.

Jake Rasmussen serves as YM360’s Director of Marketing and Sales. He helps YM360 across the board with strategy, marketing, launching new resources, and customer care. Jakes has a passion for youth ministry having previously served with Group Publishing/Simply Youth Ministry for over six years. He loves being outdoors and was once known to be a Crossfit junkie. Growing up in Arizona, he's a legitimate Arizona Wildcats fan, a rarity here in the South. Jake lives with his wife Jennifer and their four children in Birmingham.

Instagram: @jakerasmussen
Twitter: @jake_rasmussen

Kerry joined YM360 in 2021 as Director of Publishing. Prior to joining the YM360 team, he was a youth ministry veteran with 27+ years of experience serving and leading in churches of various sizes, denominations, and multi-site strategies. After nearly 3 decades immersed in all things youth ministry, Kerry is quick to tell you that he still finds immeasurable joy and life in every opportunity he has to engage teenagers and youth workers whether that be in the form of camp/retreat speaking, writing, content creating, coaching youth workers, developing young leaders, informing parents on adolescent development, church consulting, or training youth ministry teams. Born and raised in Mississippi, Kerry attended Mississippi State University, Mississippi College, and received a Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School. When asked where his allegiance lies, he won’t hesitate to tell you that he is a long-suffering yet proud cowbell-ringing MSU Bulldog (#HailState). Kerry and his wife Stefanie live in Birmingham with their two children.

Instagram: @Kray2u
Twitter: @Kray2u
Facebook: @Kray2u

Jay currently serves as the Director of Student Ministries at Hope Community Church, a large multi-site church based in Raleigh, NC. When not working with students or leading the student ministry team, you can find him drawing, woodworking, selling his creations at the local craft fair, or working on his newest hobby of smoking meats. Jay and his incredible bride of 11 years, Liz, have two children under the age of 5. 

Instagram: @reynoldsjay
Twitter: @reynoldsjay
Facebook: @jayedwardreynolds

Dave Rhodes grew up in a pastor’s home where he was reminded to always look to Jesus. The life of a disciple was modeled well by a mother and father who were committed to Christ. He has a refined voice on discipleship and mission as a speaker, writer, and consultant. Dave is the Pastor of Discipleship and Movement Initiatives at Grace Fellowship Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where he helps design pathways for people to grow in their relationship with Christ and teaches those people to become agents of change in their world. He is the co-founder of Clarity House, Younique, Wayfarer, served as the U.S. Team Leader for 3DM, and is a collaborative partner for 100 Movements, 10,000 Fathers. As a speaker, Dave continues to minister to thousands of people each year. He has written 13 books, including “Redefining Normal: An Open Invitation for Ordinary People Wanting to Become Extraordinary Disciples.” Dave is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University and Beeson Divinity. He and his wife Kim currently call the Atlanta area home with their three children, Emma, Izzy, and Frankie, who they had the privilege of adopting from Haiti. You can keep up with Dave and all he has going on through Instagram (@Dave_Rhodes_), Twitter (@Dave_Rhodes), and Facebook (@DaveRhodes2).

Chris Sasser (Sass) has served kids, students, and families in full-time church ministry for over twenty-five years. He is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Port City Community Church in Wilmington, North Carolina, overseeing the ministries for kids from birth through high school and their parents. Sass has a true passion for equipping and encouraging parents and leaders to help the next generation walk with God. He lives out this passion by serving families, churches, children’s pastors, and youth workers worldwide as a podcast host, the founder of EquipandEncourage.com, a lead consultant for Ministry Architects, and the Content and Brand Strategist for YM360’s MinistryToParents.com. Chris is married to Karin, and they have two children, CJ and Kylie. You can connect with Sass through Instagram @csasser, Facebook through @equipandencourage, on Twitter @equip_encourage, and at the website thebagsbook.com.

Jon Schaadt has been in Youth Ministry as a Pastor, Coach, and Consultant for over 25 years. He also serves as a Mental Health Coach, providing support for pastors and church communities. When he isn’t sipping coffee, reading a book, slinging at disc golf, or cooking dinner; you will find him on an adventure with his wife, Amber or singing Disney songs at the top of his lungs with his three daughters, Piper, Josie, and Elli. 

Instagram: @snapschaadt
Twitter: @schaadt_thought
Facebook: @jon.schaadt

Alex is the Student Pastor at Vineyard Cincinnati Church, a large church in suburban Cincinnati. He graduated with a BS in Pastoral Ministry and Theology from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2014 and has been serving in full-time ministry since graduating. He enjoys reading, preaching, and writing on supernatural encounters, spiritual formation, and modern church history. Alex married the love of his life, Charlotte, in 2021 and is currently working on his Master of Divinity.

Instagram: @alex.schwartz8
Twitter: @alexschwartz513
Facebook: @alexschwartz55

Kegan Shoemaker serves as the Student and College Pastor at LifePointe Church in Eustis, Florida. Before that, he served in college ministry for several years while he attained a bachelor's degree in Pastoral Leadership and a Master of Divinity degree from Liberty University. His work with evangelism classes and small groups gave him a passion for discipleship and outreach. He loves developing young ministry leaders and blogs at www.youngministryleaders.com. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife Jessica and daughter Evangeline going to parks, watching movies, and trying new food.

Dustin Stewart is the Associate Pastor and Minister of Students/Education at Ridglea Heights Baptist Church in Escatawpa, Mississippi. For 16 years he has served there and his passion for discipleship and outreach has only grown during that time. He also has a soft spot for other pastors as both his father and brother serve in ministry as well. Dustin and his wife Tabatha have three wonderful children and quite a few chickens.

Facebook: @dustin.stewart.982

Drew Tilton was a youth pastor for over a decade serving in multiple churches in and around Southern California. He now helps Christian authors, organizations, and churches complete and publish their written and creative projects through his company Asio Creative (asiocreative.com). Drew is finishing up a Doctorate of Ministry and holds a Masters in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Talbot. Drew currently lives in Chicago with his wife, Marissa.

Instagram: @asiocreative
Twitter: @asiocreative

Chris Trent is a ministry mentor, conference trainer, speaker, podcast co-host, author, and veteran youth pastor of over 30 years. Having wrapped up almost 17 years as the Middle School and Student Pastor at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, GA, Chris now pours himself into other youth pastors by serving as the Next Gen Catalyst at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. Chris is passionate about pointing teenagers to Jesus and investing in ministry leaders who are impacting the next generation for Christ. As an “old guy” in youth ministry who has experienced firsthand the true significance of mentorship and longevity, Chris is deeply committed to helping others to discover the same. Chris was the co-host for The Longer Haul Podcast (2018-2022) and is currently the co-host of The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers. Chris lives in Marietta, GA, with his wife, Wendy. They have two grown kids, Dillon and Abby. You can keep up with Chris or connect with him through email using christrent@gabaptist.org, Instagram using @christrent, Twitter using @christrent, and Facebook using facebook.com/trent.chris.

Gary Vander Wiele is a high school teacher in Houston's Bay Area and a volunteer at Clear Creek Community Church. He holds a bachelor's degree in Theology from Houston Baptist University and a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Gary and his wife, Sarah, have four kids with a fifth on the way.

Ethan is the 5th-8th Grade Pastor for the West Campus of Christ Chapel Bible Church located in and around Fort Worth, Texas. At a young age Ethan’s heart was sensitive to the gospel, and he accepted his sinfulness and need for a Savior. It has been a continued struggle in his life to make more of Him and less of me, but God gives me grace every day to give Him the glory and not myself.

Middle School is such a formidable age. This age group is special to me because it was at this age that I became a Christian. These years can set a new trajectory for their lives. We are excited to start laying a foundation of Jesus, community, growth, and mission.

Ethan met his wife in 7th grade. He “asked her out” in a Home Economics classroom that same year. They ended up being prom king and queen together in High School. Then, eleven years from the first day they met, he asked for her hand in marriage in that same Home Economics classroom. Opposites must attract because Ethan loves to hike, camp, and run while his wife loves puzzles, Pinterest, and cooking. We have three kiddos and a pup: Theodore, Ruth, Walter, and Dundee. You can connect with Ethan on Instagram (@ethanwagner) or through email EthanW@christchapelbc.org.

Brandon Wash is the Students and Families Pastor at Legacy Church in Plano, TX. He is passionate about two things for his ministry: helping students know that choosing Jesus is the best decision they could ever make, and what God has planned for our lives will always be greater than what we can dream up on our own. When he isn't hanging out with his students, you can probably find him with his wife Natalie and daughter Rylie, planning their next beach vacation or eating at their favorite taco spot.

Corey Watson serves as the Teaching Pastor-Harrison Bridge campus and Student Director at Upstate Church in Simpsonville, SC. He has served in student ministry for over a decade. Corey is an alum of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of South Carolina (Go Gamecocks!). He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry in Next Generation ministry. Corey is married to Melody, and they have 1 daughter (Anna Grace). His passion is seeing the next generation reached where they are and teaching. You can keep up with Corey and all he has going on on Instagram (@CL_Watson) Twitter (@CLWatson85), and email at cwatson@fbsimpsonville.org.

Christopher Wesley is an author, youth ministry coach, and founder of MarathonYouthMinistry.com. He currently serves as the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cockeysville, Maryland, and is the former Director of Student Ministry at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland. Chris also serves as the president of the unCUFFed Ministries Board of Directors in Baltimore, Maryland. Chris is author of Rebuilding Youth Ministry and Rebuilding Confirmation. He and his wife, Katherine, have two sons and live in Pikesville, Maryland.

Cameron Wilkins is a youth and children’s ministry veteran. He has served with two churches for twelve years and the GA Baptist Mission Board for five years as a consultant with Next Gen. He lives in West GA with his wife of 11 years, Sarah Beth, and their 6-year-old daughter, Lily Claire. Between youth camps and his daughter’s dance competitions, he makes time for a myriad of hobbies. Everything from photography, lifetime sports (all of them), D&D, instruments, video games from the early 2000s, art, and more. 

Most Impactful Books: An Unstoppable Force, The Ideal Team Player, John, The Phase Project, The Indwelling Life of Christ, and Rediscovering Discipleship. 

Most Impactful Cooking Ingredients: Sofrito, Mirepoix, Smoke, and Fire. 

Most Impactful from Pop Culture: Seinfeld (ask for his episode tier list), Anchorman, Shawshank Redemption, and Tiger Woods.

Facebook: @ccamwilkins
Instagram: @ccamwilkins
Twitter: @ccamwilkins

Greg Wilson is a Licensed Professional Counselor. He has an M.A. in Family Counseling and Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has completed additional graduate study at Dallas Theological Seminary. Greg specializes in working with families, couples, adolescents, and men. His experience working with families includes pre-marital and marital counseling for couples, as well as work with parents and teens. Greg currently provides gospel-centered biblical counseling to families, adolescents, and men at North Texas Christian Counseling in Flower Mound, Texas, where he lives with his wife and daughter. They are active covenant members of The Village Church. Greg blogs and writes for the Association of Biblical Counselors as well as the Biblical Counseling Coalition.