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.
29 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.
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.
Richel Weiss, Chair
richel@grandforksyfc.com
Billie Kellar, Vice Chair
billie@grandforksyfc.com
Dan Olson, Treasurer
dan@grandforksyfc.com
Matthew Steien, Secretary
matthew@grandforksyfc.com
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.
Shelly Cullen
Thompson Ministry Site Lead
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
Skylar Niebuhr
Valley Middle School Ministry Leader
Hi, my name is Skylar Niebuhr, and I am originally from south-central Minnesota! While in Minnesota, I was heavily involved with leading youth in my community as a camp counselor through the Prairie River Camp (a Youth For Christ Camp). When God called me up to Grand Forks for college at UND for nursing, I knew I wanted to stay involved with Youth For Christ (YFC). After reaching out to the GFA YFC chapter, I quickly became a volunteer leader in the middle school campus life! I believe both this degree and my work with youth is preparing me for a life living and ministering for His glory.
Dave Dinkel
Bookkeeper
Einer Langelett
Area High School Ministry Leader
Bio forthcoming...
Miranda Weiss
CORE Ministry Leader
Bio forthcoming...
Mariah Gubbels
Areah High School Ministry Leader
Bio forthcoming...
Our Team
Partner with YFC