As we arrive at the close of another year of a lot of good ministry, hard work (mixed with a little blood, sweat, and tears along the way), we love the opportunity to pause and celebrate YOU, the youth leader. We are in this job for the sole purpose of linking arms with you, and it is our honor to support each of you as we labor together in ministry.
We also LOVE to celebrate your efforts and achievements with you. Inevitably, there are a few names that rise to the surface time and time again as we recall the advancements in your local area networks. From the hundreds of youth leader networks across the country, we are thrilled to celebrate the following standout leaders for 2023.
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Wholistic Networker of the Year
Jeremy Cole | St. Mary's, GA | Southeast
We are consistently impressed by the creative ways Jeremy encourages collaboration. Jeremy's network in Camden County, Georgia partners with a coffee shop to host gatherings, but also coordinates around Seventh Day Cycling in the local community. We celebrate your creative approach to networking leaders and encouraging them to deeper relationships with Christ and with each other.
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Multiplication Award
Joe Maldonado - Fort Lauderdale, FL | Southeast
Our team is impressed by Joe's ability to attend six network meetings each month to coach and develop new network leadership. Joe's dedication has truly blessed those network communities, evidenced by 1,000+ students making a decision for Christ in the southeast region! Thank you for consistently going above and beyond the call of duty, Joe. We applaud you as our Network Multiplier of the Year. Well done!
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Community Collaborator Award
Jerry 'Maj' Major III - Scranton, PA | Northeast Region
The number of networks that have benefitted from Maj's crisis response training is astounding. We are so grateful for this vital resource for youth workers and their communities. We are pleased to award Maj with the Community Collaborator title for 2023. Thank you, Maj, for employing your experience and sharing your knowledge as you guide other youth workers towards preparedness to lead through crisis.
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50 Years of Youth Ministry Award
Ron Marrs - Portland, OR | Northwest Region
Our team unanimously voted to recognize the incredible achievement of fifty years of dedication to youth ministry. Affectionately referred to as "Yoda" or "Guru of Youth Ministry" in the northwest, Ron continued to be an asset to a new generation of leaders. Ron, THANK YOU for your relentless labor and leadership. We celebrate your service, faithfulness, and legacy in youth ministry. You are an inspiration to many!
Partnership Award
Isaac Parra - Merced, CA | Southwest Region
Leading a network is challenging. Creating a space where individuals from different ministries can collaborate effectively takes a special kind of leader. Throughout the year, we have appreciated Isaac's distinct leadership as he fosters partnerships between churches and para-church organizations. You are a vital resource for collaboration in your region, Isaac, and we recognize your work this year!
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Networker of the Year
Todd Pearage - Pottstown, PA | Northeast Region
Many on our team have had the pleasure of partnering with Todd at various events throughout the year, and we continue to be deeply impressed by his care for youth workers. We couldn't be more pleased to celebrate Todd's natural gift of networking. THANK YOU, Todd, for your tireless work to encourage, support, and resource so many leaders in their ministry with young people. Congratulations to the Networker of the Year!
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All of us at National Network of Youth Ministries want you to know that your work is seen, appreciated, and applauded. Thank you for your investment in the Kingdom, and CONGRATULATIONS!