About Us

Our Mission

The Ministry Leadership Center equips leaders and faith communities for transformational ministry so future generations embody Christ’s love in the world.

Statement of Faith

We believe in one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; in Jesus Christ, God incarnate, whose death and resurrection make possible the reconciliation of God and humanity; the Holy Spirit dwelling in every believer and in the church; the Bible to be the inspired, authoritative Word of God; affirming the church as the most faithful expression of the body of Christ on earth and unity of all believers in Christ; in the priesthood of believers, that all disciples of Jesus Christ are called to share in his ministry here on earth.

The Ministry Leadership Center is an ecumenical organization and does not make doctrinal statements beyond our Statement of Faith. Instead, we choose to openly balance the theological variances of mainline Protestant Christians by living out the widely-accepted Reformation statement, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.”

Values

As a Christ-centered community rooted in hope, we uplift these core values.

Belonging

When all stakeholders are valued, connected, and celebrated, we believe this leads to greater well-being. We honor the full humanity of all people and reject all causes of harm or discrimination.

Collaboration

We foster collaborative relationships that are grounded in humility, respect, and accountability to strengthen our mutual growth.

Diversity

We cultivate a diverse community where varied backgrounds, beliefs, and voices enhance our collective understanding of faith.

Equity

We believe in equity for all individuals and faith communities. We work against systemic inequalities through the redistribution of power, prioritizing underserved groups, and creating environments where everyone can thrive.

Growth

Through continual learning, adapting, and evolving, we inspire leadership that responds to constant changes in the world.

Our History

1999

In December of 1999, while attending seminary, Dietrich “Deech” Kirk had a pivotal conversation with a classmate who expressed frustration over the lack of practical training for youth ministry leaders. Inspired by this conversation, Deech mapped out a vision for an institute that would provide both specialized theological education and hands-on training for youth ministry leaders.

2000-2005

Deech continued to pray about his vision while serving as the youth minister at Brentwood United Methodist Church in Tennessee. Meanwhile, at First Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Mark DeVries had a vision for a similar program. In 2004, Deech and Mark connected. Together, their churches provided the initial seed funding to launch a youth ministry training program.

2006

On February 27, 2006, the Center for Youth Ministry Training (CYMT) was founded. Later that year, Deech met Steve Schneeberger, who founded the Youth Ministry Institute (YMI) in Orlando, Florida, after observing the lack of training for youth ministry leaders in that region. CYMT and YMI became sister organizations, encouraging each other and sharing learnings.

2009

In 2009, CYMT partnered with Memphis Theological Seminary to offer a Master of Arts in Youth Ministry (MAYM). In 2016, CYMT expanded to Texas and collaborated with Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary to offer a MAYM degree.

2014-2017

Over the years, the Lilly Endowment Inc. generously invested in several new initiatives from CYMT. Among the key outcomes were the development of Holy Disruptions, a curriculum that engages young people in theological reflection, and the launch of the Ministry Transformation Lab, which helps faith communities develop innovative ministries.

2018-2024

CYMT’s mission expanded beyond youth ministry to equip leaders in children’s, college, and family ministries. At the same time, CYMT’s efforts to equip faith communities for innovative ministry grew. CYMT began producing resources to support senior leaders and partnering with various denominations to distribute these tools across the U.S.

2024

CYMT had the privilege of merging the Ministry Leadership Initiative, founded by Matt Vaughan in 2014, and integrating programs from the Youth Ministry Institute, founded by Steve Schneeberger. The same year, a major investment from the Lilly Endowment Inc. provided funding for expanding CYMT’s work at the intersection of young people, theology, and service.

2025

As our vision and impact continued to expand, CYMT officially rebranded as the Ministry Leadership Center. This strategic change reflects our mission to equip leaders in all types of ministry roles, across diverse contexts, empowering them to transform their communities.

Meet the Team

BIO

Nick is an alumni of our Graduate Program. He served youth and families at Heartsong United Methodist Church for 11 years. He has a degree in Sociology from the University of Memphis. While there, he became passionate about helping people find the sweet spot where their passions and what God is up to in the world intersect.

nick@ministryleadership.org
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Nick Guerra

Graduate Program Director

BIO

Jessica has a Bachelor’s in Policy, Planning, and Development with a concentration in Nonprofit and Social Innovation from the University of Southern California. She also has a Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from USC, as well as experience working as an academic program administrator.

jessica@ministryleadership.org
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Jessica Hernaiz

Academic Coordinator

BIO

Kris has over 35 years of experience in ministry. She has experience serving in youth ministry at the local, conference, jurisdictional, and national level of the United Methodist Church. Kris served as the Director for Young People in Mission for 13 years and served on the ministry team with Breakthru for 26 years.

kris@ministryleadership.org
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Kris Konsowitz

Coaching Director

BIO

Terence is an accomplished public theologian, educator, and social impact strategist who strives to co-create change. He has worked with organizations such as Bread for the World, Children’s Defense Fund, and the Poor People’s Campaign. Terence holds degrees in Business Administration, Education, and Religion.

terence@ministryleadership.org
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Rev. Terence L. Mayo

Chief Academic Officer & Community Ministry Director

BIO

Christina has been involved in youth ministry for 20 years and is an alum of our Graduate Program. She graduated from the University of Texas, San Antonio with a B.S. in Health. Christina loves devoting her time to youth ministry and listening to the needs of young people.

christinamoore@ministryleadership.org
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Christina Moore

Program & Resource Coordinator

BIO

Matt holds a B.A. in Architecture from the University of Kansas and an M.A. in Youth Ministry from Southwestern College. Matt was also the founding director of Ministry Leadership Initiative, a non-profit training organization based in Kansas City. He previously served two churches in youth ministry for over 17 years.

matt@ministryleadership.org
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Matt Vaughan

Director of Ministry Leadership Initiatives

BIO

Stephen has served in churches since 1998 and has also served as a lead consultant with Ministry Architects since 2009. He has his undergraduate from Samford University where he majored in Religion and his Masters of Divinity from McAfee School of Theology. Stephen is a conference speaker, youth ministry consultant, and author.

stephen@ministryleadership.org
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Stephen Ingram

Chief Strategic Officer

BIO

Meghan holds a Bachelor of Journalism, a Master of Sustainable Development and Applied Sociology, and a Master of Divinity with a specialization in community engagement. She has served rural, urban, and suburban settings in the areas of pastoral leadership, ministry development, youth ministry, and community engagement.

meghan@ministryleadership.org
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Meghan Hatcher

Senior Director of Ministry Strategies

BIO

Andrew Mochrie is an alum of our Graduate Program. He has served in congregational youth ministry for over a decade in Georgia, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, and North Carolina. He and his wife EJ live in Western North Carolina with their two children, Iris and Edmund.

andrewmochrie@ministryleadership.org
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Andrew Mochrie

Service & Theology Director

BIO

Lindsey has served in youth ministry for over 20 years. She has a passion for including student voices in decision-making at the congregational level and helping students explore the role they play in the diverse tapestry that is God’s kingdom. As an Enneagram 5, Lindsey is always learning and is a bit of a jack of all trades.

lindsey@ministryleadership.org
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Lindsey Johnson

Ministry Strategies Associate Director

BIO

Alissa resides in Tennessee with her husband and three children. She holds an MBA from Marshall University and has a background in recruiting, marketing, business development, and events. A lifelong member of the Disciples of Christ Church, she is passionate about important social issues and creating meaningful relationships.

alissa@ministryleadership.org
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Alissa Hornbuckle

Recruiting Director

BIO

Brian has over 20 years of youth ministry experience and currently serves as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. He holds a Master of Ministry with a focus on organizational culture, team-based leadership, change, conflict, and peace-making from Warner University. He also studied Christian Education at Asbury Theological Seminary.

brian@ministryleadership.org
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Rev. Brian Lawson

Strategic Content & Engagement Director

BIO

Kirsten is currently an Associate Pastor at Radius Church, where she leads the student ministry. She has over 23 years of ministry experience and was ordained in 2022. In addition to her pastoral role, Kirsten has a background in social work, focusing on supporting students and families. She is a graduate of Asbury University.

kirsten@ministryleadership.org
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Rev. Kirsten Knox

Senior Director of Ministry Connections

BIO

Dietrich “Deech” Kirk has been in youth ministry for over 25 years. He is the author of Raising Teens in an Almost Christian World: A Parent’s Guide, and a co-author of Now What? Next Steps in Your New Life with Christ. Deech has a Master of Art in Religion from Memphis Theological Seminary.

deech@ministryleadership.org
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Rev. Dietrich Kirk

President & CEO

BIO

Corrie graduated from Auburn University and has worked in both the public and nonprofit accounting fields. She currently lives in Franklin, Tennessee with her husband, Joe, and their two sons, Jack and Ben.

finance@ministryleadership.org
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Corrie Summerville

Finance Director

BIO

Lindsay holds a B.A. in Secondary Education from Clemson University and a Masters in Religion from Memphis Theological Seminary. She is an alum of our Graduate Program and served in youth ministry for 12 years. She loves to cheer on the Clemson Tigers, run outside, drink coffee, and spend time with her family.

lindsay@ministryleadership.org
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Lindsay Brooks

Chief Operations Director

BIO

Jess has a B.S. in Journalism from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She has 12+ years of marketing and communications experience across a variety of industries. She is passionate about mentoring at-risk youth and creating marketing campaigns that help people find solutions to their challenges.

jessicar@ministryleadership.org
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Jess Rocco

Marketing Director

BIO

Jeff is originally from Clarksville, Tennessee and holds a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. He has over 12 years of experience in nonprofit operations and fundraising. He has also served in the church as a youth minister and volunteer youth worker.

jeff@ministryleadership.org
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Jeff McCormick

Chief Development Officer

Our Impact

Faith Communities We’ve Partnered With

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Leaders We’ve Equipped for Ministry

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Lives Impacted by Our Trained Ministry Leaders

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Trusted by

We partner with ministries and individuals representing the theological views of mainline Protestant Christianity.