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.

Statement of Belonging

At the Ministry Leadership Center, we embody the radically inclusive nature of Jesus Christ and we are dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and included. Our goal is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion by embracing and uplifting all identities, fostering strong community relationships, and striving for a workforce that reflects the richness of our diverse world as God’s creation.

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. Steve founded YMI 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 innovated 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 with the Ministry Leadership Initiative, founded by Matt Vaughan in 2013, 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

Deech is the co-founder of MLC. An ordained deacon in the UMC, he holds an MA in Religion from Memphis Theological Seminary. Deech has been in youth ministry for 30+ years, serving small to large churches across TN. Also a writer and speaker, Deech enjoys helping young people discover their vocation and equipping leaders for ministry. Deech enjoys traveling with family, sports, and fantasy books.

On Sabbatical till 8/1/26.

Rev. Dietrich Kirk

President and Chief Executive Officer

BIO

Lindsay (she/her) holds a B.A. in Secondary Ed. from Clemson University and is a graduate of the MLC program with a MA in Religion from Memphis Theological Seminary. She served in youth ministry for 12 years at medium and large UMC churches in suburbs outside of Atlanta, GA and Nashville, TN. She loves to cheer on the Clemson Tigers, drink coffee, and spend time with her family.

lindsay@ministryleadership.org
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Lindsay Brooks

Chief Operations Officer

BIO

Stephen (he/him) holds a BA in Religion from Samford University and MDiv from McAfee School of Theology. A ministry veteran & consultant, Stephen has served in the PCUSA and UMC denominations and is a national consultant for Episcopal, UCC, DOC, and Lutheran churches. He is also an author (Organic Student Ministry, Extraordinary God, and Hollow Faith) and national conference speaker. He is a foodie, an Alabama fan, and loves his family.

stephen@ministryleadership.org
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Stephen Ingram

Chief Strategy Officer

BIO

Terence (he/him) has 20+ years of experience in learning & development, practical theology, and program leadership. A Steinhardt PhD fellow at NYU, he leads culturally sustaining, trauma-informed theological education programs that support holistic leadership and whole-family well-being in urban communities. With a Master's in Divinity and Education, he strategically designs with a keen eye toward spiritual formation as social formation.
terence@ministryleadership.org
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Rev. Terence L. Mayo

Chief Academic Officer & Community Ministry Director

BIO

Jeff (he/him) has a BA from Lambuth University and a MDiv from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. He has served in urban churches and nonprofits including time as both a paid and volunteer youth minister and roles in nonprofit operations and fundraising. He serves as a lay leader in his local UMC church.

jeff@ministryleadership.org
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Jeff McCormick

Chief Development Officer

BIO

Meghan (she/her) has served rural, urban, and suburban congregations ranging in size from 19 to 4,000 across four denominations in Missouri, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. With an MS in Sustainable Development & Applied Sociology and an MDIV, she’s experienced as a pastor, innovator, youth minister, church planter, and community organizer. Meghan is active in lay leadership and often leads worship at her UCC/DOC church in Austin.
meghan@ministryleadership.org
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Meghan Hatcher

Sr. Director of Ministry Strategies

BIO

Kirsten brings 24+ years on staff in small and large UMC, Non-Denom. churches, and community ministry. While serving in the local church, she’s spent 15 years equipping faith communities through training, consulting, and resources. Ordained in 2022, she now serves as an Equipping Pastor. Kirsten is passionate about creating safe spaces and helping all people discover their God-given value. She holds a B.A. from Asbury and is an MLC alum.

kirsten@ministryleadership.org
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Rev. Kirsten Jones

Sr. Director of Leadership Formation

BIO

Brian (he/him) is a UMC pastor with 20+ years of experience in congregational ministry, including working with young people and serving as a senior pastor. He has also dedicated nearly a decade to leadership development in the Church through educational nonprofits. As a husband, father, and artist, Brian earned a BS and M.Min. from Warner University, focusing on organizational culture, and studied Christian Education at Asbury Theological Seminary.
brian@ministryleadership.org
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Rev. Brian Lawson

Sr. Director of Strategic Engagement

BIO

Sara Tillema holds an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary and is ordained in the PC(USA). With experience in college and outdoor ministry settings across CA, NV, and NJ, she loves walking alongside young people as they explore life’s big questions and discover how faith and passion can spark meaningful change in our world. An experienced coach and curriculum writer, Sara is also completing a PhD in Religious Studies at UC Davis.

sara@ministryleadership.org
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Rev. Sara Tillema

Sr. Director of Next Gen Grants & Research

BIO

Shae (she/her) holds a BA in Economics and an MA in Neuroeconomics from the University of Southern California, with graduate research in global psychology, culture, religion, and anthropology at Sophia University in Tokyo. With international experience across the U.S. and Japan, she specializes in cultivating community-centric organizations and guiding nonprofits in shaping narratives that build trust, purpose, and connection.
shae@ministryleadership.org
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Shae Aremu

Graphic Design & Digital Communications Coordinator

BIO

Becca brings 15+ years of experience in children’s, youth, and adult ministry. A graduate of MLC, she holds an MA in Youth Ministry from Memphis Theological Seminary and a BMED from Birmingham-Southern College. Becca has written curriculum and led small groups in small, mid-size, and large UMC churches across the Southeast. She’s passionate about equipping youth workers for meaningful ministry.

becca@ministryleadership.org
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Becca Bibee

Youth Ministry Resource Director

BIO

Maresi (she/her) brings a BMEd, coaching, writing, and administrative skills, as well as over 20 years experience in a small UMC to MLC. In her past role as a Family Minister in Florida, she developed faith formation opportunities for babies through senior adults. Working with churches and job applicants to facilitate high quality, long lasting ministry is Maresi’s favorite job, second only to being a mom of 3 kids and 2 dogs.

maresi@ministryleadership.org
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Maresi Brown

Staffing & Recruitment Coordinator

BIO

Darrah earned her BA in Broadcast Journalism from Marshall University, spending a decade reporting and anchoring local news. She’s managed both a budget meal planning and book reviewing website, runs her elementary PTO, and volunteers at the school and public libraries. A lifelong member of the Disciples of Christ church in West Virginia, she and her husband are passionate about raising their three kids with open, empathetic hearts & minds.
darrah@ministryleadership.org
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Darrah Cain

Next Gen Resource Coordinator

BIO

Erin (she/her) is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (DoC) and has been serving in family ministry roles in DoC, PC(USA) and UMC congregations for over 20 years, from rural Indiana to Atlanta GA. Erin has four children and lives in Richmond VA with some of those children and her wife, Emily. Erin earned her MDIV from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis and her DEdMin from Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta.

erin@ministryleadership.org
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Rev. Dr. Erin reed cooper

Children’s Ministry Program Director

BIO

Nick (he/him) holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Memphis and is a graduate of the MLC program with an MA in Youth Ministry. He served youth and families for 11 years at Heartsong UMC in suburban Memphis, TN. A ministry coach passionate about discernment, Nick also enjoys Memphis sports, grilling, and time with family.

nick@ministryleadership.org
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Nick Guerra

Graduate Program Director

BIO

Jessica received a BS in Policy, Planning, and Development and a MEd in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from the University of Southern California. Jessica has experience working in urban contexts as an academic program administrator. Her mission is to expand access to higher education for underserved communities. She enjoys leading worship and spending time with family.

jessica@ministryleadership.org
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Jessica Hernaiz

Academic Coordinator

BIO

Alissa holds an MBA from Marshall University (Go Herd!) with professional experience in marketing, product development, and recruiting. A lifelong member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), she has worked with children, youth, and college ministries in WV, NC, and TN. Alissa is passionate about the transformational ministry that church camps offer youth, as well as urban ministries and missions.
alissa@ministryleadership.org
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Alissa Hornbuckle

Recruiting Director

BIO

Lindsey (she/her) has served in local church ministry and camp ministries for over 20 years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Leadership and Administration. Lindsey is passionate about the health and well-being of ministry leaders and creating healthy church cultures. She currently serves at her UMC church in Smyrna, TN as a worship leader and occasional preacher.
lindsey@ministryleadership.org
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Lindsey Johnson

Ministry Strategies Associate Director

BIO

Kris (she/her) holds a BA in Humanities from Penn State University, and certifications in youth ministry and family ministry from Perkins School of Youth Ministry and Princeton Seminary. Kris has served in the UMC across suburban and urban settings in the Southeast in mid-size and large church congregations. Kris has served on various levels of leadership in the UMC. Kris brings empathy and compassion to those called to serve in ministry.

kris@ministryleadership.org
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Kris Konsowitz

Coaching Director

BIO

Andrew holds an MA in Youth Ministry through MLC and Memphis Theological Seminary and a BA in Rhetoric from GCSU. He previously served in youth ministry in the UMC in Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina in small to large congregations. Andrew is passionate about the intersection of youth, service, and theology. When not doing that, he loves spending time with his family, being outdoors, reading, traveling, and watching soccer.

andrewmochrie@ministryleadership.org
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Andrew Mochrie

Theology & Service Director

BIO

Christina (she/her) holds a B.S. from the University of Texas at San Antonio and an M.A.Y.M. from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She has served in both urban and rural churches in the San Antonio, area, focusing on youth ministry in small congregational settings. Christina enjoys coaching and building relationships with the residents currently in the program.

christina@ministryleadership.org
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Christina Moore

Leadership Formation Associate Director

BIO

Corrie holds a B.S. in Accounting from Auburn University. She has experience working in both public accounting and nonprofit accounting. Corrie loves having the opportunity to use her education and gifts to help the ministry at Ministry Leadership Center. She lives in the Nashville area with her husband and two boys. She loves spending time with family and friends as well as cheering on her Auburn Tigers.

finance@ministryleadership.org
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Corrie Summerville

Finance Director

Meet the Board

BIO

Raúl's past work experience includes extensive work in the UMC: Pastor in Nashville TN, Treasurer of the SE Jurisdictional Conference, Business Manager of Lake Junaluska Assembly in NC , CFO at the General Board of Higher Ed and Ministry, Director of Administrative Services in the CA-NV Annual Conference, and work at the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits in Illinois. Raul has served on 10+ Boards over the past 25 years and is currently retired.

Raúl Alegria

BIO

Sister Sara holds a BA in Language and World Business from UT Knoxville and a MAYM from MLC. Sara has served in CYF ministry for over 15 years, now as a Deacon in the ELCA. She has lived out her calling by working in public schools, refugee resettlement, rural, suburban, and multicultural churches, and writing/editing for multiple publishers. Outside of work Sara’s family enjoys volunteering with their local non-profit youth theater.

Sister Sara Galyon

BIO

Whit holds a degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and serves as a financial planner in Nashville. Shaped by personal experience across financial extremes, he is committed to helping others find clarity, stability, and purpose in their financial lives. Whit serves in children and youth ministry at his church, where he helps equip the next generation of leaders.

Whit Hagan

BIO

Tony Liu (he/him) holds a BS in Computer Science from the University of Kansas. As an ordained Elder and Deacon of PC(USA), he served in Youth Ministry, Music Ministry, Adult Faith Formation, Computer Ministry, and Elder/Trustee of the Village Presbyterian Church, Prairie Village, KS. He was the Ward 3 City Councilmember of Fairway, KS and retired IBM Executive Architect.

Tony Liu

BIO

Kelly (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Florida State University and as a MLC alumna has a MA in Youth Ministry from Memphis Theological Seminary. Kelly has served churches in Florida, Alabama, and Kentucky in children’s and youth ministry as well as ordained pastoral ministry. Kelly lives in northern Kentucky, just outside of Cincinnati. OH with her husband James and their dog, Bean.

Kelly Mongoven

BIO

Laura (she/her) holds a BA from Indiana University and an MDIV from Wesley Theological Seminary. As an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, she's recently served in suburban congregations in the Baltimore Washington Annual Conferences after serving 12 years in seminary administration. Recent work has been focused on congregational turnaround. Beyond the local church, she coaches with a focus on fundraising and leadership.

Rev. Dr. Laura Norvell

BIO

William (he/him) holds a Master of Arts in Youth Ministry from Memphis Theological Seminary. With experience in urban settings across Tennessee, he’s served in nonprofit and church-based organizations for over a decade. William is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is passionate about fostering empowerment, inclusion, and authentic connection.

William Parker

BIO

Aaron holds a B.S. from Bradley University, a Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary, and is a priest in the Episcopal Church. With experience in both rural and urban contexts, Aaron has served across the U.S. Currently he serves as Canon for Ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio and serves as co-convener of the Advisory Group on Church Planting for the Episcopal Church. Aaron lives in Cincinnati with his wife Trina'.

The Rev. Canon Aaron M. Rogers

BIO

Rick holds an MBA from Baker University. After 40 years of driving success in sales leadership, marketing, and operations, Rick recently retired from the corporate world. He now dedicates his expertise to the community, and has served eight years on boards focused on youth leader education and contributes as a lay leader at the Church of the Resurrection UMC.

Rick Walter

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.