Leadership

Jim has been the Executive Director of Teens For Christ (TFC) since 1987, overseeing all its ministries, including the Ambassador College of Bible and Ministry, Bible Quizzing, and the Summer camp program. Jim felt called to full-time Christian ministry at age 14 and has been dedicated to youth ministry since graduating high school.
Education:
BS—Church ministries, Liberty Univ.
BS—Journalism/Physics, UW-River Falls
MAR—Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
MDiv.—Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
Jim married his wife Robyn in 1995, and they have one daughter, Abbi.

Chad is a graduate of the University of Northwestern St. Paul.  He started on staff with TFC in 1998 after volunteering for a couple of years while teaching 3rd grade.  For the first several years, Chad ran a couple of Bible clubs and acted as our missions director.  In 2006, Chad moved into the Associate Director role and now helps lead many parts of the ministry.
Chad is currently pursuing his Master's degree at UNW.
Chad and Britt have a daughter and a son. 

Jeff is the Director of all TFC Bible Clubs.
Jeff began working with TFC in 1988 and is involved in various roles, including, Directing Bible clubs, leading the Preachers of the Word (POW) trips, and coaching Bible Quizzing. Diane leads the Women of the Word (WOW) Retreats. They also teach at ACBM, and lead mission trips, TFC Camp, and many Rallies. Jeff graduated from Christ Unlimited Bible Institute in Kansas.
God used the ministry of Teens For Christ to draw Jeff to a saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Over the years, Jeff has taken the opportunities provided by God through TFC to minister to teens and young adults.
Jeff and Diane have two sons, Elisha and Noah, and three grandchildren. 

While a relatively new believer, God powerfully used the ministry of Teens For Christ in Dan's high school years: Leaders discipled him, taught him how to walk closely with the Lord, and gave him opportunities to serve the Lord and His people. This would lead to God's call into Christian Education ministry.
Faithfully teaching students God's Word is Dan's vocational calling and delight. He serves as a Bible and Ministry Instructor, Library Director, and Admissions Recruiter for Ambassador College of Bible & Ministry. He loves the privilege he has to teach and disciple Ambassador College students, as well as be involved in the broader ministry of Teens For Christ! Dan's educational background includes earning a BA in Biblical Studies and a BS in History from the University of Northwestern - St. Paul, and a MA in Biblical and Theological Studies from Knox Theological Seminary.
Dan is married to Rachel, and they have been blessed with three young children.

 Taunya came on staff in 2016 as the Registrar and Administrator of Ambassador College of Bible & Ministry. A few years after that she also became the bookkeeper for Teens For Christ. She has her B.S. in education and M.A. in Christian studies with a theology emphasis. More important to her than the educational titles are the many years she has been in ministry, most of them as a lay worker. Her passion is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus. She and her husband, Steve, have four adult children, two sons and two daughters.

Richard Yates grew up in a Christian home in Hoodsport, WA. He was baptized at twelve and, despite his ambition to become a professional football player, God redirected his path during a communion service where God deeply reached him with the fact that God gave His Son for him and helped him realize that since God loved him so much, He would lead him down the best path.  (Prov 3:5-6).
 Richard had the privilege of serving in ministry for thirty-four years, including fourteen years as a Pastor in Canada and twelve years equipping students in spiritual growth at Capital Bible Seminary.
He recently retired from Community Bible Chapel in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
His wife, Becky, a 1978 graduate of Multnomah School of the Bible, is a pianist and piano teacher with forty years of experience.  
Their daughter, Sadie Plotecher, lives with her husband in Norway, MI. Richard and Becky are excited to join The Ambassador College of Bible and ministry staff to teach young people about their Savior! 

Gabrielle previously worked for Teens for Christ for eight years, both as Assistant Bible Quiz Director and all-purpose staff member. She resigned in early 2019 when her responsibilities related to the many various TFC events and ministries became too much to balance with her full-time job of being a mom to (at that time) a preschooler, toddler, and baby. Gabrielle loved working for TFC, but felt like she couldn’t do a good job at all that was required of her, both there and in her family. This time, Gabrielle's role at TFC will be part-time and will be much narrower than it was before; her focus will be purely on running and growing Bible Quizzing. Additionally, the leadership of TFC has modified their in-person requirements to allow her to work primarily from home. All told, these changes will make this a much more feasible arrangement for her family than before.
Gabrielle is so excited to have this opportunity to take on this role and work on reaching more children, teens, and families with the best tool she know of to fill minds and hearts with the word of God.  

Sierra has worked with Teens for Christ since August of 2024. She has been involved in Teens for Christ since she started Jr. Quizzing in second grade. Sierra has had a passion for memorizing God's Word and seeks to help others memorize the Word of God as well.
Sierra came to the Lord at the age of 5 after having a conversation with her older brother, she chose to follow the Lord and was devoted to serving him. Sierra really enjoys  Bible quizzing at Teens for Christ and is really excited to serve in this area. While working, she will also be taking a few classes at Ambassador College to work towards a degree. Sierra is excited to see where the Lord will lead her during this exciting part of her journey. 

 Elisha has been with TFC since 2013, serving as the director of the Roseville and Stillwater Senior High Bible clubs. Elisha also leads multiple Teens for Christ trips throughout the year.
Elisha graduated high school with 45 college credits through PSEO at Century and completed his education at Ambassador College, which is run by TFC.
Elisha particularly enjoys coaching quizzing both locally and nationally and building relationships through Bible clubs.
Elisha's Christian journey began at age 5 in a Christian home. Initially, his faith was supported by his parents, but personal growth began when he joined a TFC Bible club. Through Bible quizzing and engaging messages, his faith deepened. While public school exposed him to challenges that are still relevant today, these experiences have helped him rely more on God. He continues to grow spiritually and seeks to support others in their faith.
Elisha and Violet have two boys.
Please pray for Elisha and Violet as they continue to minister to teens! 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Mark Beck graduated from the University of Northwestern: St. Paul in 2008, with a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies. In 2013, he began Josiah’s Gift, a ministry of memorizing the Word of God and bringing it to life through powerful recitations. Since then, he has memorized over thirteen books of the Bible and brought it to life for thousands of people. He joined Teens for Christ to bring the principles of Josiah’s Gift to a generation of teens who are already learning to love and memorize God’s word. Now he challenges and equips them to take that gift to others, bringing the Bible to life for their churches, colleges, and communities.
Mark’s wife, BriAnn, is also a graduate of Northwestern. They have four kids: Hope, Becca Joy, Courage, and Grace.

Jacob serves as the director of the New Richmond Bible Club, where he passionately cultivates spiritual growth and community engagement amongst local teens. His dedication extends to coaching and promoting Bible Quizzing in and around New Richmond, fostering a deep connection to faith in Jesus through knowledge and camaraderie. This year, Jacob has the privilege of mentoring a bright young talented teen named Sebastian, nurturing his potential as a future staff member. Additionally, Jacob is stepping into the exciting role of TFC Camp Sports Director and he is being mentored by the current sports director, Jeff Wright.
 Jacob was born into a family that went to Church every Sunday. But it wasn't until he reached the age of fourteen that the profound significance of his personal relationship with Christ truly dawned on him. In the quiet moments of reading his Bible, Jacob realized that belief alone was not enough; he needed to consciously invite Jesus Christ into his heart. At that point, Jacob asked the Lord into his heart and life. Since then Jacob's faith blossomed into a vibrant, personal commitment, transforming his life in ways he could have never imagined.
- Isaiah 40:31-

Jezron began working with TFC in 2021 and holds an Associate Degree in Ministry from Ambassador College. Raised in a Christian home, he always trusted Jesus, but his faith was profoundly strengthened during an emergency heart surgery in 8th grade. This experience deepened his belief in God's plan and control, and now he is passionate about sharing this hope with teens. He is also grateful for his supportive wife, Juli, whom he married in December 2023.
At TFC, he leads a Bible Club for teens in Red Wing, focusing on sharing the gospel and supporting their faith journey.
 Jezron would love to stay in touch with you! You can email him to join his monthly newsletter list.

Brendon was raised in a Christian home and was homeschooled his whole life. He accepted Christ at the age of 5. He has been involved in TFC since he started Jr. quizzing and has been involved in Bible Quizzing, New Richmond Bible Club, and other TFC events. He went to Ambassador College for further training and to follow God's plan for youth ministry.