Keith Leverentz (from May 2004 Newsletter)  (some info outdated)

Keith Leverentz, director of the Youth Ministries program, has filled several different roles since he came to Emmaus in 1984. He started as Director of the Christian Service program, then moved into teaching Christian Education. Later he served as Registrar until 1997 when he was tapped to develop the Youth Ministries major. Keith has gladly and capably served in each role but it is evident that he loves working with young people and the YM program is a natural fit for him.

Keith grew up in the Minneapolis, MN area where his family attended Longfellow Gospel Chapel. He was saved at age 9 at Koronis Bible Camp. He received his B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota in 1968, the same year he married Betty, whom he had met at Storybook Lodge. Keith and Betty moved to Worthington, MN where he taught 6^th grade for 17 years. They became involved in the ministries of the assembly and also in Youth For Christ clubs.

Keith and Betty have 3 grown, married children, all EBC alumni (as are their spouses):  KT and Christy (Medhurst), Karen and Kyle Clarkson, and Benji and Abby (Speckman). They have one granddaughter and another grandchild on the way. Keith and Betty attend Great Adventure Church where Keith serves as an elder and disciples younger believers. 

Keith expects to complete his Masters degree in Religious Education from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary this summer. He doesn’t have a lot of free time but he does enjoy doing woodworking projects in his workshop. Most of his projects are of the refinishing and repairing kind, but he has been known to tackle larger, impressive projects as well, including building his own home here in Dubuque.

Keith’s goal for the students who graduate from the YM program is that “they would be equipped to lead volunteers to minister to young people whether in a local church, or in another youth ministry.”