By Erik Cave, Director of NextGen Ministries, PacNWC
Enjoy this written or 10-minute video interview with J.D. Tuell, the new Youth Pastor at Crossroads Community Church in Yelm, WA. J.D. went above and beyond to do both a written and video interview. Read or watch on to learn about how he was a miracle baby, his ministry background, his old and new personal philosophies, and why he is passionate about board games.
Follow J.D. on his Facebook Profile
Reach out to J.D. at jdtuell@gmail.com to encourage him or to get on his encouraging text list
What is your personal and ministry background?
My personal background was that I grew up in a non-denominational Christian home of two parents that are awesome. I am the youngest of three kids. I am very close to my family in which we have amazing vacations as well as the tough conversations that are needed. I have always been loud and excited about life. My biggest personal background is that I was born a miracle baby, I have been diagnosed with Congenital- Adrenal Hypo Plasia. I rely on Jesus and medication every day for energy and life. I give glory to God for all that I do and recognize I need Jesus more and more each day.
My ministry background begins way back in High School, My Senior Year in which I was involved in two Youth Groups during High School. But I believe ministry started this year because in these two churches there were two brand new Youth Pastors that occurred at the same time. Because I was the oldest male the only Senior Male in both Youth Groups, I was beginning to be asked the hard questions of faith by peers and younger. I was a leader and helper in the Youth Group for worship at times as well as whatever was needed. I am 2 on the enneagram and so I just love to help wherever I was needed and this mentality along with Now I believe I am called to be a part of the ministry and particularly Youth Ministry. I have done a YWAM DTS. I love missions and outreach to the world. I have done ministry in 3 other countries. And now I am working slowly on my master’s degree in ministry.
What are you passionate about in ministry right now?
I am passionate about ministry right now to be in the word and devoted to Jesus in all I do. With that, I am passionate about Youth and their lives and where God is taking them today. I am passionate about public speaking/ giving sermons, and messages, and preparing the Word for Students. I am passionate about meeting students where they are at. I am passionate about meeting families where they are at and encouraging people. Overall, I am excited and love serving the church and encouraging all people where they are at in life and encouraging them with scripture, and praying for them to continue to have Jesus in their life.
How can we be praying for you?
You can pray for my schooling. I am really having an exhausting time with this class this summer. I would also ask for prayers for overall energy and new excitement for the students. Along with Grace for myself.
5 Things You Didn’t Know about J.D.:
1. What is your personal philosophy? I chose this question to share with you how my philosophy so life has changed and adapted over time. My first personal philosophy was “Life Sucks! Then you die!” What I meant by this was, that life on this earth is temporary, it does not mean anything, it is pointless like a broken pencil, then you die and get to be with Jesus forever… It was a term to recognize that I am small as a human and God is Big. God is all we need. But over time I have found a lot of flaws in this philosophy so I have changed it.
My new personal philosophy is: Faith is the driving force of identity which gives me my direction and assurance of what God is doing in my life for the sake of the Kingdom of God. My Philosophy now is: Be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with you, So step out in faith that will lead me and the people around me into the promised land. Be bold, confident, and strong in Jesus who will carry my life into completion we day.
2. How do you define success? The definition of success I was taught growing up comes from John Wooden’s Definition of Success. If you do not know John Wooden He holds the record for most wins in any sport throughout all history of college for sure and beyond I believe. His definition is that success=peace of mind, which can be attained only through self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you’re capable. Which I agree with but have tweaked a little bit now later in life.
I would define success as: Peace and discernment knowing you made the best effort to allow God to work in your life and through surrender, knowing that you are living your full potential through the power of Jesus to make you into your full capability.
3. Tell us something that might surprise us about you. I love “deep” conversations about life and hard real conversations while playing board games and amidst the fun of life. I believe they are good for the soul, good for the community, and encouraging. Hard conversations about race and faith. The conversations about Sin occur throughout life. And Conversations about Salvation are all topic ideas of what I enjoy talking about daily if possible.
4. What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome in your life thus far? The greatest challenge I have had in life so far is School, as well as recognizing churches can be harmful and dangerous, and knowing that being faithful to Jesus is all that matters not “the Church”.
5. What is the one thing you cannot resist? The invitation to play board games. haha. I love competition and thriving for my best for the community and games. My favorite games are Settlers of Catan as well as Chess. But really any game I will learn and play. I simply just love the thrill and excitement! I love how the game brings people together and the joy that is found in life.