It was created from a vision of the District Superintendent Scott Shaw and Assistant District Superintendent Brent Deakins. Through prayer and conversations, the concept for Lead Young took shape throughout 2022.
Lead Young is a ministry of the Intermountain District.
Kenton Lee is serving as the first Director of Lead Young. He is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene with experience in church planting, nonprofit management, and serving in local ministries. He used to be young, but now is an old 40 and loves being a husband and a father.
About Us
100 Young Leaders
The vision of Lead Young is to engage, equip, and empower 100 young leaders on the Intermountain District.
The leaders on the Intermountain District believe there is a leadership void across all areas of ministry. At the same time, there is more opportunity due to the growth in Idaho, Oregon, and Utah.
We believe that young adults are the missing piece and can provide fresh leadership to launch new ministries, revitalize old congregations, and create brand-new ways of sharing the love of Jesus.
About Us
9 Month Leadership Development Program
We invite any and all young adults (ages 18-35) to apply to be a part of the Lead Young 10 Month Leadership Development Program. This is a life-changing program that will help young adults navigate personal development and clarify God’s call on their lives. Here are several key elements of the program:
- Program runs from August through April
- For both ministry leaders and lay leaders
- Monthly mentorship from awesome leaders around the District
- Participate in two leadership courses at NNU
- Monthly coaching from experienced leaders
Interested in next year’s cohort?
Email Kenton Lee at kentonarthurlee@gmail.com
2024-25 Lead Young Cohort
Hi, I'm Abby Curry! I'm a teacher (currently 6th grade ELA) who has grown up most of her life in Nampa. My husband and I attend Fairview Church of the Nazarene and are enjoying leading the youth group there as we are pursuing calls to ministry! I've recently been reminded that God's will for my life is an extension of and living out of the faith that I already have, and I'm excited to be a part of Lead Young to help me continue to dig into not only my current call, but into how God will continue to lead me through every new adventure, however that looks.
Hello All! My Name is Amy Bolton. I am a born and raised Idaho girl. I have lived in Gooding, Idaho the entirety of my life. I have attended the Desert Hills Community Church of the Nazarene since I was 14. I am 31 years old with a loving husband, 4 children and 2 grandchildren. Yes I know it seems super young to be a MiMi but you've got to love the life of a blended family. Although biologically I fall into the "Young Adult" category life has thrown some curves which have pushed me farther in life than one would have expected. The biggest one was becoming a mom at 17 yrs old during my senior year of high school. This I have found to be a blessing though as I feel I am able to connect with a wider network of people through all generations. I have my AA in Psychology and I am a Licensed Cosmetologist/Cosmetology Instructor. I am also currently in the roll of Secretary/Treasurer/Sound booth Technician/Worship Leader of our church. You've got to love the small church life! (Actually I do TRULY LOVE IT!) I am excited to be involved in the second cohort of the Lead Young Program. This opportunity has fallen into my lap unexpectedly and I truly believe it is God leading me here. I am excited to find out what He has in store for my life and my journey as a Worship Leader! If you have made it to the end of my long winded bio you are truly the hero 🙂 Thanks for listening!
Hi I'm Emma from Rocky Mountain Ministries in Pocatello, and the coffee obsessed coffee bar manager there! I'm a mom of 1 small and rambunctious girl, but in my free time I like to volunteer at RMM. Together with my husband Jackson, we lead the youth group at RMM. And in what spare time there is left, I also lead our Young Adults group 18:29, with my sister Kaylee.
Hi my name is Katie Vaughn and I attend Lakeview Nazarene. I enjoy following the NFL and am a huge Green Bay Packers fan. I love spending time with my friends and family.
My name is Mauce Dufoe and I was raised in the church. A couple years ago I went through some times of doubt and I left Christianity but I came back shortly after and now I want to commit myself to Yahweh.
Hello! I am Adam Curry, I am a pastor's son and am pursuing a career in youth ministry. I am 27 years old and have been married to my lovely wife Abby for two years now! I have all the passion and energy for ministry, despite my disability, and am eager to start LeadYoung.
I am Arjane. I am a Registered Nurse and from the Philippines, and was a sponsored child under Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. I have a wonderful husband and son and we go to Parma Church of the Nazarene. I love arts, crafts, food, and music!
Hello! My name is Faith Henry and I am the associate and worship pastor at Euclid Church of the Nazarene in Boise. I grew up in the Nazarene church in Twin Falls, felt called to ministry my senior year of high school, and have been trying to faithfully pursue that calling since then. I love music, coffee with friends, baking, and going on little adventures. I am looking forward to what God will do through Lead Young this year!
I’m Keanna Hampton. I am a sophomore at Northwest Nazarene University majoring in accounting with a minor in criminal justice (the goal to be a forensic accountant). I have grown up in the Nazarene church my entire life as my dad is a pastor. As a pastors kid, I moved around a lot. I grew up in Sheridan, Wyoming and moved to Nampa in 2017 and now attend Marsing Nazarene where my dad pastors. I enjoy my time outdoors whether that be fishing, hunting, etc.
Hello! My name is Melina Funk. My husband, son, and I attend Tree City Church. I am exploring the ways God is calling me to minister to His children through disability & inclusion advocacy.
My name is Alec Bowman and I attend the Harney Church of the Nazarene. I enjoy writing and filming fiction, as well as voice acting. I love to act and direct in short films and stories. I’m currently looking for that opportunity to use my talents to serve Christ in my life.
I am a pastor’s kid who serves at Parma Nazarene as a youth and children’s pastor. I am a biology nerd that can talk forever about God’s creation. I love to go on backpacking trips along with fishing and hiking.
My name is Jacob Means, I am 26 years old. I'm a California transplant (sorry). I grew up in a Christian household, but my faith really became my own in early 2019. Now I really want to see the growth of the church as a whole, following and teaching the truth of the Bible. I've spent the last 15 years running A/V tech for churches, but I feel God leading me in a completely new direction, which I hope to explore during my time with Lead Young. I am excited to be entering into the Lead Young program with my wife who I hope to go into ministry with.
Hi, I'm Kelby. I come from Eagle River, AK, and serve as a local pastor at Parma Church of the Nazarene, along with my wife and son. We are currently in the process of becoming missionaries with the Church of the Nazarene. I am currently enrolled in the Master of Arts program for Missional Leadership at NNU. My hobbies include reading, music, and games.
Hello! My name is Tanner Hill, and I am the youth and worship pastor at Kuna Naz. I just got married to my amazing wife Caroline. I love talking and teaching about the Bible, playing any instrument I can get my hands on, and playing practically any game.
Hi, my name is Alex Drinnon. I am a Nampa native, born and raised. I attend Valley Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Meridian and work as a Systems Administrator with Mission Aviation Fellowship. I have been blessed with opportunities to travel to several foreign countries and even live overseas for almost a year.
I am interested in many things, but computers and aviation are near the top of my list. Lego and making music are also some of my lifelong hobbies. I enjoy being outdoors, whether it’s running, biking, hiking, or camping. Photography is another passion of mine, as I delight in capturing the beauty of God’s creation and the intricate details of His design.
I am excited about Lead Young and look forward to being more equipped to serve the Lord in all aspects of my life!
I am interested in many things, but computers and aviation are near the top of my list. Lego and making music are also some of my lifelong hobbies. I enjoy being outdoors, whether it’s running, biking, hiking, or camping. Photography is another passion of mine, as I delight in capturing the beauty of God’s creation and the intricate details of His design.
I am excited about Lead Young and look forward to being more equipped to serve the Lord in all aspects of my life!
Hi my name Emily Means! I grew up in Wyoming and moved to Idaho after college. I accepted Christ in college and have been on a journey ever since. I am hoping to go into ministry. I love animals, mostly cats. I am entering the program with my spouse. I am looking forward to what God will teach me in these next ten months.
My name is Joey Veliz. I grew up in Yakima, Washington, and am now a Nampa resident. I work/pastor at Breaking Chains Academy of Development in Nampa. I witness God's love restoring lives and the North Nampa community here. I am passionate that we see God most as we choose to love in the midst of chaos and pain. I am married and have two dogs. Looking forward to what Lead Young will bring.
Hi everyone! I am a stay-at-home mom in Emmett, ID, with a heart after Jesus, and am so excited to see where this program takes us, both individually and collectively. Writing and singing/worshipping are my favorite pastimes and are when I feel most closely connected to God and with others.
About Us
Summit
Don’t miss the biggest Young Adult Event of the year!
Celebrate graduating Lead Young participants and kick off applications for next year. Join in worship with Morgan & Shannon Seward. If you attend just one event a year, make it this!
Hello, Pastors and Leaders!
Hope you are having a great day and week and start to 2025! Thanks for all you do to work with your church. I am excited to share a cool opportunity for you and the young adults in your congregation called The Summit. This is the biggest event of the year for young adults on the Intermountain District.
My name is Kenton Lee, and I am the Director of a young adult (18-35) program through the district called Lead Young. Our mission is to spiritually ignite young adults for growth and service. We do that through our annual leadership cohort. And we also do that through small events and activities.
I am reaching out to you because we have a great event happening this April that also features our leadership cohort – and we want every young adult in your church to know about it and feel very invited. This is the third time we are putting on The Summit. It is a can’t-miss event for young adults. We are doing it a little differently this year and we are going on a roadtrip! We will be heading to five locations around the District to host The Summit. We are excited to gather in smaller settings with young adults, enjoy connecting with each other, and sharing more about the Lead Young program. This is the biggest event of the year for young adults on the Intermountain District.
Monday (April 7) – – Salt Lake City, UT – – Location TBD – – 7PM to 8:30PM
Tuesday (April 8) – – Pocatello, ID – – Rocky Mountain Ministries – – 7PM to 8:30PM
Wednesday (April 9) – – Nampa, ID – – Lakeview Nazarene – – 7PM to 8:30PM
Thursday (April 10) – – Boise, ID – – Tree City Nazarene – – 7PM to 8:30PM
Friday (April 11) – – Ontario, OR – – Ontario First Church – – 7PM to 8:30PM
We would love for any young adults in your congregation to join us for The Summit happening in your area. Can you use this poster and help spread the word about it? This is the biggest event of the year for young adults on the Intermountain District. ….can you tell we are excited about it??? 🙂
If you have any questions or need anything (especially if you need a digital version of this poster) – just send me an email or a text (Kenton Lee – 208.989.8867 or kentonarthurlee@gmail.com). Watch out for more communication from the Lead Young team about The Summit. We are so excited about it!
Thanks a ton!
Best,
Kenton Lee
Director, Lead Young
