North Carolina Coordinator: A Heart for the Next Generation
Helping leaders stay full so they can faithfully pour into students.
After years in student ministry, I've seen firsthand that when a leader is healthy, connected, and encouraged—it changes everything. That's why I'm stepping into this role with National Network of Youth Ministries (NNYM), to invest in the leaders who are investing in students every week.
Across North Carolina, the opportunity is massive:
- ~1,800–2,000 middle and high schools
- ~800,000–900,000 students in those schools
- ~50,000–60,000 teachers influencing them daily
- ~15,000–20,000 churches
[All data is rough estimates for the state of NC]
That's not just numbers—that's real students, real families, and real stories.
I believe deeply that stronger connections between leaders will lead to stronger ministry to students. My passion is to help youth leaders across North Carolina build those connections, stay encouraged, and ultimately see the next generation come to know and follow Jesus.
The Vision & Mission Behind Reaching North Carolina
Because no leader should do this alone, and every student matters.
I've spent decades in student ministry, and one thing is clear:
when leaders are supported, ministry flourishes.
That's why I'm serving with the NNYM, an organization committed to seeing youth leaders thrive.
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.
Our Mission:
To create collaborative spaces for youth leaders to be personally encouraged, professionally equipped, and spiritually strengthened.
Here in North Carolina, that mission becomes incredibly personal.
I don't just want to see ministry happen—I want to see leaders thrive and the lives of students changed.
That means:
Leaders who are connected, not isolated
Leaders who are equipped, not guessing
Leaders who are encouraged, not burned out
Because when leaders are healthy, students are impacted.
My heart is to equip, partner with, and encourage every youth worker and next gen leader across North Carolina—helping them build meaningful relationships, grow in their calling, and stay rooted in Christ as they lead the next generation.
This is about more than programs or events.
It's about people—leaders faithfully showing up week after week, pouring into students who are searching for truth, identity, and hope.
Partner With Rhys & Help Youth Leaders Thrive
Your partnership helps make this possible.
Together, we can:
- Strengthen, equip and connect youth leaders across the state
- Create spaces for growth, collaboration, and encouragement
- Help ensure every student has access to the life-changing message of Jesus
Become a ministry partner.
The most impactful ways you can partner with this mission is through prayer and financial support. Your generosity fuels the work happening across North Carolina—helping create gatherings for leaders, provide resources and training, and build meaningful connections that keep leaders encouraged and equipped. Whether it's a one-time gift or ongoing monthly support, you're directly investing in leaders who are pouring into the next generation every single week.
Should you want to send a check, write "Searles" on the memo line and send it to:
NNYM
PO Box 501748
San Diego, CA 92150
Stay Connected With Us On Our Journey
Not ready to give just yet? I'd still love to stay connected. Join our newsletter below or let's chat. Call, text or email: (615) 499-2764 or rhys@nnym.org
By signing up for our email newsletter, you'll get updates on what God is doing across North Carolina, stories of impact, and ways you can pray for youth leaders and students. It's a simple way to stay in the loop and be part of the mission.
National Network of Youth Ministries
Since 1981, NNYM has convened people who care about young people. We create collaborative spaces for youth leaders to be personally encouraged, professionally equipped and spiritually strengthened for faithful and effective ministry with the next generation.
NNYM is a registered 501(c)(3) charity. All gifts are tax-deductible. Federal Tax ID: 33-0082789.