Rev. Joel Lusz
Reverend Joel Lusz is our Youth Minister. The responsibility of the Youth Minister is to oversee the Spiritual development of 6th through 12th graders of Suntree United Methodist Church. His duties include, but are not limited to:
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Middle school ministry (EDGE)
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High school ministry (LOFT)
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Family ministry
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Adult leadership development
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Student leadership development
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Ministry teams
Additional duties include fundraising, summer camp, mission trips, retreats, Sunday School teacher, youth web page, preacher, speaker, counselor, van driver, balloon blower upper and the person who answers the frequently asked question "are you going to be a real minister some day?"
Joel was married to his wife Angie in January of 1994 and they have "two beautiful daughters" Koral and Willow. Some of his hobbies include playing guitar, beach volleyball, basketball, football, running, golf, fishing, swimming and collecting baseball cards. He once biked 700 miles through Colorado over 11 mountain passes in 12 days! He is also the ultimate fan of the Green Bay Packers "America's real team" (his words, not mine) and has some of the turf from their playing field. Other fun facts include riding the original "Flipper" and acing Adam Johnson, AVP pro beach volleyball superstar!
Joel graduated from Taylor University in 1981 with a degree in Psychology and Communications in Theatre Arts. He received his Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 1990. He is an Institute Graduate and a Certified Trainer of Trainers from the National Institute of Youth Ministry.
His experience with Youth started as:
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Young Life Senior Leader in St. Augustine, FL.
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Drug Education Specialist, St. Augustine, FL, 1982-1983
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Summer Youth Intern, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1985
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SPRINT Short Term Missions, Bolivia, South America, 1986
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Young Life Area Director, Lake Forest, IL, 1983-1986
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Young Life Partnership, Seacrest Church, Delray Beach, FL
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Minister to Youth, Seacrest Church, Delray Beach, FL, 1986-1988
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Athletic Director, Men's Basketball Coach, Women's Volleyball Coach, Northwestern Bible College, Essex Fells, NJ
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Adjunct Professor of Psychology, County College of Morris, Randolph, NJ
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Family and Adolescent Counselor, Metropolitan Youth For Christ Counseling Center, Wayne, NJ, 1989-1990
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Minister to Youth, United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach, FL, 1990-1993
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"Say Yes to Life" School Assembly Director/Speaker, KGMS 97.1FM Contemporary Christian Radio Station
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Minister to Youth and Families, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Tucson, AZ, 1993-1995
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Pastor to Students, Palm Beach Community Church, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 1996-present
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Youth Pastor, Suntree United Methodist Church, Melbourne, FL 2000 - present
Joel is a published author, co-author and contributing author to several books, including his own recently released book Just Shoot Me, using your video camera in your youth ministry, Zondervan Publishing. He has also been a speaker at several different conventions and seminars. He is also Founder and President of Video Nonsense Ministries, Inc. A ministry which provides churches and youth ministers with video and book resources.