Reaching young people in the Grand Forks Area

Our Focus

Introducing young people to Jesus at pivotal moments

YFC is a movement that reaches young people everywhere with the hope of Christ. We work with the local church and other like-minded partners to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus who lead by their godliness in lifestyle, devotion to the Word of God and prayer, passion for sharing the love of Christ, and commitment to social involvement.

30 Years and counting Serving the Grand Forks Area!

Our pursuit: relational ministry rooted in Christ’s truth. 
His truth about community, empathy, and kingdom-inspired diversity guides our
 work and shapes our communities.

Jacob Bland, YFC USA President & CEO

"This is our pivotal moment to serve the church"

This is our pivotal moment to serve the church by creatively re-imagining youth ministry yet again. I believe the cultural conditions are right for us to experience the greatest youth revival our generation has ever seen. God has given us the right team to do this—and His hand is clearly on our mission.

Sean Patterson, Director, Grand Forks Area YFC

"Our mission has never been more vital and important"

Our mission has never been more vital and important. The next generation must know, grow and mature as followers of Jesus Christ.

Constance, GFA YFC High School Campus Life

"I could feel and hear the rushing wind as I gave my life to Christ"

"I could feel and hear the rushing wind as I gave my life to Christ," Constance exclaimed. YFC Camp changes everything. I am glad that I went to camp this year!

Meet the Board of Directors

We're so excited to be able to nurture the lives of young people!

Our chapter board works diligently to ensure we are leading the ministry in a positive direction to reach young people in our area. This group of well qualified individuals from our community comes alongside our team through counsel, strategy, and accountability.

Michael Steien, Chair
matt@grandforksyfc.com

Billie Kellar, Vice Chair
billie@grandforksyfc.com

Dan Olson, Treasurer
dan@grandforksyfc.com

Richel Weiss, Secretary
richel@grandforksyfc.com

Landon Stoner, At Large

Sean Patterson

Director

Sean is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1992 Sean began a 20-year career in the United States Air Force as a logistics readiness officer. It was during this time Sean learned all the necessary skills to lead YFC even if he didn't know it yet. In February 2013 he received his calling to youth ministry. Since, Sean has been instrumental in reaching youth with the gospel of Jesus Christ and expanding ministry at new locations, collaborating with the County to start a Juvenile Justice Ministry, and providing vision for the start of a new teen center less than a block from a local high school. He and Judy have been married for 25 years. They have three children Hayden, Crosby, and Cullen.

Chelsea McCreary

Campus Life Director

Hi, my name is Chelsea McCreary, and I am originally from the Grenora, ND area! I am the Director of the Grand Forks Area Youth For Christ (YFC) Campus Life Ministry. I lead our volunteers who have a passion for reaching today's teens with the love and hope of Jesus Christ as well as am a missionary pursuing young people with the love of Gospel that lives inside of me. YFC gives me a vessel to combine my passions for stewardship of faith, people, and the outdoors through its year-round relationship building with teens and seasonal trips and events (backpacking, camping, skiing, hiking, etc.) that all revolve around faith. I am newly married to my wonderful husband, Matthew McCreary, who is a Strength and Conditioning coach at Sanford Power. We met during my time at UND where I graduated with a BS in Fish and Wildlife Biology and a minor in athletic coaching.

Michael Steien

Valley Middle School Ministry Site Lead

Hi, my name is Michael Steien, and I was born in Grand Forks (ND) and raised in Karlstad (MN)! I am the youngest of four children to Mitch and Michele Steien. After graduating with a bachelor's degree from UND in May 2020, I started working at Black Gold Farms as a Business Analyst in the I.T. department. I believe as Christians we are called to share our faith with others and continually create disciples of Jesus. Youth For Christ has provided me a way to do that. I volunteer as a middle school campus life leader at Valley Middle School where I lead a weekly club for students after school on Thursdays.

Temofeh “Mofe” Esenamunjor

Valley Middle School Ministry Leader

Dave Dinkel

Bookkeeper

Einer Langelett

Area High School Ministry Leader

Bio forthcoming...

Miranda Weiss

CORE Ministry Leader

Bio forthcoming...

Jonnie Sharp

Red River High School Ministry Leader

Bio forthcoming...

Kara Kerr

Thompson Public School Ministry Leader

Bio forthcoming...

Konrad Casler

Red River High School Ministry Leader

Bio forthcoming...

Michelle Gurley

Area High School Ministry Leader

Bio forthcoming...

Michelle Hahn

The Lighthouse Open Hours Ministry Leader

Bio forthcoming...

Our Team

City Life Young people

Partner with YFC

Be a part of reaching the next generation