In every community, there are leaders who faithfully serve behind the scenes, investing their time, wisdom, and energy to ensure that youth ministry thrives and every teenager has the opportunity to encounter the gospel. This year, the National Network of Youth Ministry's Annual Network Awards celebrated these unsung heroes whose dedication transforms lives and shapes future generations.
Our theme for this year's awards was recognizing the faithful leaders who consistently equip others to thrive in ministry. These leaders are catalysts of change, empowering their networks to reach every teenager and disciple them in their faith journey.
Each award aligns with our strategic areas of focus: community resourcing, widespread prayer, youth leader discipleship, gospel sharing, and networking. These focus areas form the foundation of our mission as we work towards our vision to see every youth leader thrive in deeper connection with God and each other so that every young person is changed by the story of Jesus.
NNYM Network Leader of the Year 2024
Thrive in deeper connection with God and each other
Recipient: Dottie Hinesley
Dottie Hinesley's decades of faithful service make her a pillar in the youth ministry community. From coordinating Pearland's Baccalaureate services to connecting school-based Christian clubs, Dottie's strategic vision and prayer leadership have impacted countless lives. Her role with Accelerate Texas and "Every School Every Student" initiatives highlights her unwavering commitment to equipping youth leaders and fostering collaboration. Dottie's humility and dedication make her a true unsung hero in youth ministry.
Award: Networks for Every Community
Communities resourced and equipped to serve teenagers
Recipient: Raymond Chang
Ray Chang's commitment to fostering collaboration among youth leaders from diverse backgrounds is reshaping the future of youth ministry. His efforts have encouraged a new generation of youth leaders, bringing faith to life for over ten million young people. As President of the Asian American Christian Collaborative and Executive Director for the TENx10 Collaboration, Ray's global experiences and passion for inclusivity make him a trailblazer in equipping leaders to make faith matter in every community.
Award: Discipleship for Every Youth Leader
Every leader in a discipleship relationship
Recipient: Ryan Pramberg
Ryan Pramberg's dedication to discipleship shines brightly in Omaha, Nebraska. As co-leader of the Omaha Youth Leader Network (YLN), Ryan has fostered an environment where 50 youth leaders gather monthly to learn, connect, and equip one another. Through panels, peer-to-peer discussions, and expert-led sessions, Ryan and his team focus on seven key areas of youth ministry, from evangelism to self-care. Ryan's collaborative efforts extend across denominations and nonprofit organizations, uniting youth for revival and evangelism in their community. His unwavering passion demonstrates the transformative power of discipleship.
Award: Health for Every Network
So no youth leader ever feels alone
Recipient: Timothy Lo
Tim Lo's leadership at Chinese Bible Church in San Diego reflects his heart for holistic ministry. Through initiatives like "What I Wish My Parents Knew" seminars in partnership with the local school district, Tim equips parents to disciple their teens in their identity in Christ. He also networks Asian church leaders, builds strategic partnerships with Christian clubs, and leads local youth ministry networks. Tim's commitment to equipping leaders and families ensures that youth ministries across San Diego are vibrant and effective.
Award: Prayer for Every Campus
Covering every school and juvenile detention facility in prayer
Recipient: Tom Bachman
Tom Bachman's decades-long dedication to prayer and school adoptions have made a lasting impact across Oregon. As a Youth Alive missionary and catalyst for prayer movements, Tom has spearheaded the adoption of over 100 schools for prayer. His Facebook group serves as a vital hub for rural youth leaders to share updates and prayer requests. Tom's faithful discipleship of youth leaders and advocacy for school prayer exemplify the power of prayer to transform communities.
Award: The Gospel for Every Young Person
So every young person hears the story of Jesus
Recipient: Kevin Becht
Kevin Becht's work as Executive Director of Youth for Christ in Southern Indiana is a testament to his passion for spreading the gospel. Kevin leads a network of 20 youth leaders who support each other through prayer and engage strategically in local schools. His training initiatives and evangelistic events create opportunities for youth to hear the story of Jesus. Kevin's leadership is a shining example of what it means to bring the gospel to every teenager.
A heartfelt thanks goes to Kerry Ray, Director of Publishing at YM360, who generously presented each award winner with a $100 gift certificate to share with other youth leaders in their networks. YM360's partnership in the gospel is deeply appreciated.
As we reflect on this year's awards, we are reminded of the power of collaboration, prayer, and discipleship. These leaders embody the mission of the National Network of Youth Ministry-to connect and equip youth leaders to reach every teenager with the gospel. Their stories inspire us to continue building networks that will impact generations to come.
Thank you to every youth leader who partners with us in this vital mission. We can't wait to see how God uses you in 2025!