John Mulholland.

I can only describe John as deep and dirty.  Here’s what I mean.  John doesn’t mind climbing the hard questions.  And he doesn’t mind dragging you up the mountain as he climbs.  I love that.  He gets his hands dirty dealing with real issues of real life for real Christians.  I read his blog….and mostly I just feel like a spiritual idiot.  He digs deep – and slings a little dirt while digging.  He’s raw and honest and embraces who he is in Christ – even if it doesn’t jive with who others THINK he should be.  I love that – and I love the challenge he brings.

You can be challenged at SYMC – but only if you register.  Connect with John (if you dare) on Facebook.

The ‘Real Stories’ series is written by Darren Sutton.  Connect with him on Twitter or Facebook.

Kerensa Huffman.

“Just keep swimming.  Just keep swimming.”  Remember that little song from ‘Finding Nemo?’  Nemo’s dad (youth workers) was struggling to carry-on.  The journey – and the mission – were overbearing.  He was losing heart – and losing faith.  Enter Dory (Kerensa!!) with just the right amount of encouragement to help the sea-weary dad embrace the challenge and complete the mission.

Kerensa is the consumate encourager.  She’s always reminding us to look for praises among the prayer requests.  She wants people to know how valued they are.  And she’s great at that!!

The folks of SYMC – both the professionals and the volunteers – value YOU!  Register today and get a discounted registration – but expect a bonus of encouragement.  And while you await the conference kick-off, find Kerensa on Facebook.  (By the way- you’ll see a great photo on her timeline of some of the best youth leaders in the country who await your arrival in Louisville!)

The ‘Real Stories’ series is written by Darren Sutton.  Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Matty McCage.

There it is.  I told you there’d be more than one for him.  Here’s the thing.  Matty will say anything.  He’ll say things that will make you laugh.  His words will sometimes make you blush.  Occasionally, he’ll tick you off. But the words I treasure most from Matty are his words of challenge…never tendered with mercy, but filtered through that spiritual gift he tries so hard to hide!  :)

In the last year, I was making a transition in my church.  It was a difficult transition that required some truth-telling.  In true ‘people-pleasing-confrontation-avoiding’ fashion, I was finding all kinds of reasons but the real one to share as my ‘public persona.’  As Matty and I were discussing this, he straight up called me a liar.  Now let me just say – although I really like to be the ‘good cop’ in a conversation, I have no issues being the one who ‘tells it like it is’ (they don’t call me the Youth Ministry Drill Sergeant for nothin’!)  I don’t like to shrink beneath a veil of subtlety or ambiguity.

When Matty verbally slapped me upside the head using my own technique, I was truly stunned….almost speechless, which rarely happens to me.  I tried to talk around the truth and massage the conversation – but Matty was undeterred. And I realized in short order that I would not be able to pull the proverbial wool over his heart-seeing eyes.

He wasn’t mean – he was merciful.  He challenged me to lean into who I was.  He pushed back just enough to remind me that leading isn’t always easy or convenient.  He reminded me that truth should win.

I will never forget that day.

Do you have people in your life who remind you who you are?  You can - register today for SYMC.  And be sure to meet Matty.  He’ll probably be in the bookstore or at the registration counter.  If not, you can catch him on Facebook or Twitter.

The ‘Real Stories’ series is written by Darren Sutton.  Read Darren’s blog, Facebook statuses, and Twitter updates.

David John Perez.

Do you call him David?  Do you call him John?  Just call him friend.  I do.

DJ is one of the hippest guys I know.  He ratchets out fresh beats and has ridiculous dj skills (as in ‘disc jockey’ – not his initials!  Maybe I need to ask him which came first!)

But the most notable characteristic David exhibits is a passion for Jesus.  He has the most honest, humble heart for obedience I think I’ve ever encountered.  He loves his family.  He loves his church.  He loves his teenagers.  But mostly, he just loves Jesus.

He’s also a status-comedian, Top Chef wannabe, and caring friend.

You’ll know all of this first-hand when you register for SYMC.  (And hurry, you can still get a discounted registration for a few more days!)  You can also know this by stalking DJ on Facebook or Twitter.

The ‘Real Stories’ series is written by Darren Sutton.  Follow his blog at everyonescalledtoyouthministry.com or connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.

Justin Boling.

Matthew 9:35 - He sat down and summoned the Twelve. “So you want first place? Then take the last place. Be the servant of all.”

In my book, Justin handily takes first place by bringing up the rear!    In fact, over the past few months, I’ve had several occasions where I needed Justin’s help.  He dropped everything.  Solved my issue.  Smiled while doing it.

He finds joy in serving.  I find great joy in him!

Meet him at this year’s SYMC - or connect with him on Facebook or Twitter.

The ‘Real Stories’ series is written by Darren Sutton.  Catch up with other stuff he writes at everyonescalledtoyouthministry.com.  Or look into his eyes at Facebook or Twitter.

Bill Freund.

I don’t know how he pronounces his last name – but I pronounce it ‘friend.’  I’ve never seen Bill without a smile on his face.  He’s never spoken anything but encouragement to him (most definitely his spiritual gift.)  Last year, I had the privilege of meeting his wife, Jean, when they attended an SYMC Connect Group I was co-leading with my wife, Katie.  Jean shares his name and his gift!  I imagine if we lived closer to one another, our families would spend a lot of time hanging out together.

Bill loves people and Jesus.  And I’m so glad he loves me.  A friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Meet Bill when you register for SYMC.  Get to know him better on Facebook or through Twitter.

The ‘Real Stories’ series is written by Darren Sutton.  You can find other stuff he writes at everyonescalledtoyouthministry.com.  Get to know Darren better at Facebook or Twitter.

Joe Marinich.

Joe is a truth-teller.  You know the kind I mean – no sugar coating.  He’ll tell you you’re an idiot to your face.  He’ll argue with you if he thinks he’s right.  He embraces debate.

He’ll also admit it when he’s wrong.  He’ll defend the honor of teenagers.  He’ll give you the shirt off his back.

Joe is a student missionary of sorts.  He runs an after-school program building TRUE relationships over video-game wars with kids who would never cross the threshhold of our faith factories. He works for the passion of Jesus and teenagers…and not much else…like most missionaries.

I love Joe!  You can meet him when you register for SYMC!  Or you can connect with him on Facebook.

The ‘Real Stories’ series is written by Darren Sutton.  More stories and other youth ministry tidbits can be found at everyonescalledtoyouthministry.com.  You can know Darren better through Facebook and Twitter.