The Youth For Christ (YFC, www.yfc.net), National Board of Trustees has named Jacob Bland the youth ministry’s 10th president and CEO, effective June 1, 2021.
“The Lord led us to someone from our own YFC family — someone who truly has served YFC with a genuine call to Jesus,” said Board Chairman Barry Huebner. “It was a unanimous decision to select Jake Bland. The members of our board believe that Jake will carry out YFC’s mission in a time when strong and godly leadership is needed more than ever.”
Currently, Bland is the YFC Chief of Staff to the CEO. In addition to his current role, Bland was also the President/CEO for the YFC Foundation (2018-present); Vice President, Development and Marketing YFC USA (2014-2020); Associate Vice President, Marketing, YFC USA (2012-2014); National Director, Digital Innovation, YFC USA (2010-2012) and a Ministry Site Director, YFC Chapter in Peoria, Illinois (2004-2010).
When asked about his hope and plan for the future of YFC, Bland stated, “There are 11–19-year-olds who are facing crises like never before. I believe God has uniquely positioned YFC to help uncover God’s story of hope in the next generation.
“The rallying cry will be about developing faithful leaders in a Christ-centered culture. Then, we will pray for, and work towards growth. To reach one million kids annually, it will take over 200,000 volunteers who care deeply about the spiritual condition of youth, so youth know that they’re never alone.”
Youth For Christ has been a pillar of missional ministry since 1944, when the Rev. Billy Graham served as YFC’s first full-time staff member. Since then, Youth For Christ has continued to be both a rural and urban ministry on mission, and it is always about the message of Jesus. YFC reaches young people everywhere, working together 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. Youth For Christ operates in over 100 nations and has more than 160 chapters that impact communities across America.
