Dr. Ron Hunter Jr. authored and helped author four books—The DNA of D6: Building Blocks of Generational Discipleship, Recalibrate: A New Measure for Family Ministry, Youth Ministry in the 21st Century: Five Views, and Toy Box Leadership: Leadership Lessons From the Toys You Loved as a Child. Since 2002, Ron has served as the CEO of Randall House (publisher of D6 Curriculum, D6Plus, and the D6 Podcast). As co-founder and director of the D6 Conference, he still claims his favorite titles are husband, father, and grandaddy.
Zack Talbert
Zack has been the Student Ministry Pastor at Crossroads Bible Church since December 2020, after he and his family prayed had been praying about a move to the PNW for several years. Previously, Zack was a Student Ministries Pastor at Atascadero Bible Church, in California, where he oversaw Student Ministries and taught multiple college classes in worldview and apologetics. Zack was a public-school history teacher for six years before transitioning to vocational ministry. He holds a master’s degree in Christian Apologetics from Talbot Seminary, and he is currently working on a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership through Northwest University. He has a heart to help young people work through their doubts and facilitates a youth group environment where no question is off-limits. He is passionate about reaching the unchurched and the dechurched, equipping leaders, and teaching God’s Word in a fun and engaging way. He is married to his wife Alexa, and they have two sons, Caspian and Griffin. In his spare time, Zack loves board games, reading, biking, basketball, and enjoying great coffee and stories with friends.
Jacob Eckeberger
Jacob’s favorite humans are middle schoolers and the youth workers who care for them. He’s been equipping youth workers through interdenominational organizations for over 15-years and was drawn to the YouthWorks team because of their shared passion for developing teenagers and supporting the youth workers surrounding them. Outside of YouthWorks, He and his wife Katie stay busy as itinerate worship leaders and wrangling their 3-year old son/dinosaur Owen.
Erica Schimelpfenig
Erica began at YouthWorks in 2000 as a summer site staff. Erica has since worked in a variety of roles such as a Recruiting Associate, Regional Director, and was the Director of Recruiting until she stepped into the Director of Missions role in 2008. Erica and her husband Cody stay busy with their three kids, Jonah, Cana, and Mercy. They live in North Minneapolis where they enjoy exploring Theodore Wirth Park, hanging out with friends, and creating new adventures.
Chuck Hagele
Chuck is the CEO of Project Patch which provides residential care for teens with emotional and behavioral problems. This Christian ministry also provides family retreats to help families discover their purpose. Chuck presents and writes extensively on teen technology issues including pornography, video game addiction, and
social media struggles.