Youth For Christ USA Announces New CEO and President, Jacob Bland, and Celebration of Dan Wolgemuth’s 16 Years of Service!
The Youth For Christ USA, National Board of Trustees has named Jacob Bland the youth ministry’s 10th president and CEO, effective June 1, 2021. Jake’s appointment arrives on the heels of Dan Wolgemuth’s announcement of his retirement as YFC president and CEO, after 16 years of dedicated service.
The Board of Trustees unanimously selected Bland after reviewing 230 applications for the president/CEO position, which resulted in eight candidates and ultimately, two potential candidates with outstanding qualifications.
Currently YFC’s chief of staff to the CEO, Jake will assume the new leadership role on June 1, 2021. Jake has been involved with YFC for 23 years – first serving as a high school student in a YFC music group, then as a volunteer and was consistently promoted up through the ranks over two decades.
When asked about his hope and plan for the future of YFC, Jake stated, “There are 11-19 year olds who are facing crises like never before. I believe God has uniquely positioned YFC to help uncover God’s story of hope in the next generation.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants, now at a critical convergence point: A 77-year history of innovative youth ministry; combined with thousands of creative, diverse, and faithful volunteers who are building relationships with kids who need hope.
“The Gospel of Christ is as powerful and as effective as ever. Kids need to know that the God of the universe loves them, that He Cares for them, and that He wants to offer them eternal and abundant life through His son Jesus.
“I pray that our YFC leaders will first keep falling in love with Jesus as our Savior and King—faithfully following Him in every aspect of our lives. As a result, I hope we become the kind of leaders through whom God will use to reach a million kids every year.
“The rallying cry – at least for the year ahead – will be about developing faithful leaders in a Christ-centered culture. Then, we will pray for, and work towards growth. To reach one million kids annually, it will take over 200,000 volunteers who care deeply about the spiritual condition of youth, so youth know that they’re never alone.”
As Dan passes the baton to Jake, there is a sentimental atmosphere around Youth For Christ, mixed with an air of excitement, as these two men have both devoted themselves to the youth ministry of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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