Jake has been working in youth ministry for ten years and is a Licensed Minister. Currently, he is the Youth Pastor at Grace Community Church in New Canaan, CT and the US Representative for We Love Our Youth Worker. He also serves with REACH Youth New England doing Regional Training, Communications and Website Management and serves as the CT state coordinator for the National Network of Youth Ministries. He is also a certified trainer for Jesus Focused Youth Ministry. He is a graduate of Gordon College and has a B.A. in Youth Ministry and a minor in Biblical and Theological Studies. Jake has been published in Youth Worker Journal, NNYM.com, YouthMinistry.com and Relevant Magazine both in print and online. He is also a Featured Contributor to SermonCentral.com. Jake has a huge passion for reaching youth with the Gospel of Christ and specifically has a heart to reach youth and their families in New England. Growing up in Thompson, CT and Worcester, MA he understands the complexity and culture of New England and wants to see God and this upcoming generation make a difference in the world for Christ. He has been married to Melissa (an artist whose work can be seen at www.melissakircher.com) for six years. Together, they write a blog on marriage and relationships called The Holymess of Marriage.