Chris Abel, pastor of Students and Young Adults at Resurrection, is a United Methodist Elder from the Missouri Conference who describes himself as a "Pastor Creative-type Adventurer." A former atheist turned passionate follower of Christ, he completed his seminary education in Washington, D.C. Before coming to Resurrection, Chris was a campus pastor at a Methodist church near St. Louis, MO.

Taylor Ogden Thomas serves in rezlife student ministries as the Youth Minister of Care and Discipleship. Her life is full and busy being mom to 3 young boys, and she considers it a joy to care for teenagers and families. Football and laughing are her favs too!

I am the Director of Middle School Ministries at Resurrection Leawood! Many of you have probably met or seen me around Resurrection in the last 6 years. I am the father of two boys and the grateful husband to my Dentist wife, Lindsay. We live in a 120-year-old home that we are constantly renovating. It is on 10 acres with a dog, cat, goats, and chickens—OH MY!!

My family and I started attending Resurrection in the VIBE service. We have been active in that community serving in the worship band, attending small groups and serving where needed. When our oldest boy started 6th grade, I started volunteering in Rezlife. I have had a passion for youth ministry for over 20 years and have served as volunteer and ministry staff in many different capacities in my life.

I have also traveled the country as a musician, and served on over 40 mission trips. Currently, I own a photo/video production company.

You will normally find me working on the farm, taking photos, paddle boarding, trying to fix my Bronco, playing music, coaching my kids' endeavors or driving a sweet mini van! I love Jesus and how he works through all of us, to do amazing, powerful, creative things.

My passion in youth ministry is empowering others to use their gifts to serve. With that in mind, I look forward to meeting everyone and helping you plug in and recognize you’re needed. You can run, you can hide, but God has something amazing for you to do. I am here to help nudge you in that direction, and train you to succeed. You are special, you are loved, and you are needed to make a difference in this world through our students.

May we be a community that lives without fear, loves others, and serves the world.

Ashley Morgan Kirk, High School Pastor at rezlife Leawood, is a newly ordained United Methodist Elder from the Missouri Conference.

After seven years of formal higher education in religion, including a Bachelor's in Religion from Greenville University and a Master of Divinity from Emory University, she says that being a pastor has finally helped her understand that you can't figure out God. Her high curiosity about God began her junior year of high school, and hasn't stopped since. Along the way, she's felt challenged by God to move from a thinking-based faith, to a balanced pursuit of God with both head and heart.

Ashley loves to walk alongside high school students in some of the most formative years of their lives.

Deborah likes to refer to herself as a party planner for Jesus. She plans events for students in 6th - 12th grade, everything thing from retreats, mission trips, camps and other fun events.

If you want to get connected and volunteer with youth, she's the person. She gets people plugged in to volunteer for all of the events, behind the scenes activities, and hanging out with youth each week.

Deborah has been on staff in this role 10 plus years. She's married and his two daughters and one grandson. Favorite verse is Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, do it from the heart for the Lord and not for people.

Darci serves part-time as a Coordinating Assistant in rezlife Student Ministries. She basically is the “eyes and ears” of the department.

Darci helps support the weekly youth group programs and assists in the development of all rezlife retreats, events and mission trips.

Shalom!

As I get older I try to be who I needed when I was younger. It helps me relate to students. I believe in building community with our students. It is a community that builds upon a foundation of Jesus Christ's values in life. I believe in guiding students as they wrestle with their thoughts and feelings about God. It is my hope that each student roots themselves in faith so that they may understand God more fully.

Students will learn about loving our neighbors from me. I also invite students to experience and serve a diverse humanity created by God with me. I believe every student is a vessel for expressing God's love in the world.

Peace.