Role at UYWI:
My primary responsibility at Urban Youth Workers Institute is to steward the mission – (to strengthen a new generation of global urban leaders for transformational ministry) and vision – (to form transformational relationships with 20,000 emerging ethnic leaders who will in turn reach and disciple 1,000,000 urban youth by 2010) of the organization. This gets accomplished through our very capable staff and together we leverage our gifts toward accomplishing the vision through our strategic programs. My second priority is fundraising. I am responsible to share the vision and manage key relationships with Kingdom minded Christians, foundations and churches who believe in our mission and invest generously to help us get it done. My third priority is speaking, training and managing strategic alliances on behalf of UYWI.
Education:
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Education from Biola University, a Master of Divinity Degree from Talbot School of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Leadership Development from Fuller Theological Seminary. While these are formal degrees that have helped in my own emergence and development as a leader, most of my real education for what I do here at UYWI came from three years of ministry with kids on the streets of South Los Angeles while I was in college and 13 years at church-based youth ministry here in Southern California!
How did you get here?
After 10 years of church based youth ministry I was beginning to feel a burden to help other young ethnic youth pastors grow in their youth ministry effectiveness. This dream to encourage, train and develop urban youth pastors burned within me for three years before we launched out as a ministry in January of 1993. It started as a burden for you all before I even knew your names. I just knew that you were out there and that there had to be a healthier and more intentional way to emerge as a young leader than I was afforded. So this burden and my personal pain gave way to a vision and dream for Urban Youth Workers Institute.
What's cool about your job?
The coolest part of my job is I get to meet young energetic Kingdom minded visionary leaders who want to reach the last, the lost and the least of our cities! I get so much energy from hanging out with and mentoring young urban leaders. I can’t believe I get paid to do this job!
Most Unusual Job:
While I was in High School, I worked as a river rafting guide on the Kern River, outside of Bakersfield CA, for two summers. This rafting skill and connection with the owner of the company proved to come in real handy during my youth ministry days at Grace Church. For years, my former boss allowed me to use some of the equipment to take youth out onto the river!
About Me:
I like experiencing different cultures especially through mission trips whether in Mexico or most recently Africa. I love to BBQ; my specialty is called the Santa Maria Style BBQ, which is tri-tip and chicken cooked over red oak coals. I like to lift weights, swim with my kids and camp at Bass Lake in the summer. With four kids at home, I don’t always get to pick the TV shows (Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?) that I’d like to watch, but I do enjoy watching the Lakers or Dodgers play when they’re on TV.
What tip would you give for getting the most out of UYWI events?
First of all, be a learner, personally. Everything rises and falls on leadership and you are the only one that can lead yourself. Start by being personally committed to reading books, listening to audio training (see uywi.org), etc. that will help you develop as a leader. Secondly, don’t lead or learn alone, lead through a team and take them with you and expose them to leadership training resources/urban leadership training events that will help all of you develop as young urban leaders. Of course, I am partial to our events and hope that you will come not only because the content is solid, but also because you know you will be sharpened and benefit by connecting with other like-minded youth workers who share your calling.