Celebrating the First Faithful Futures Fund Recipient: Chad VanDosen

Every day across the country, leaders devote themselves to young people with a kind of steady, faithfulness that rarely draws attention. These leaders shape lives, build trust, and carry hope into places where young people gather. The Faithful Futures Fund exists to honor exactly that kind of work.

Today we celebrate our first recipient: Chad VanDosen, Executive Director of Southwest Michigan Youth for Christ.

His nominator described a leader who develops staff with intention, builds programs that give teens a place to belong, and lives out a commitment to helping young people become followers of Jesus. The nomination highlighted his dedication, his consistency, and the kind of leadership that calls out potential in others.

When I reached out to Chad with the news, he responded with the humility and clarity that mark his work. He also offered a brief reflection for this announcement. His words speak for themselves:

“Young people are the future—and while that’s true, it’s important that we reach the next generation right now. Walking alongside them is crucial because every student needs a caring adult who sees their potential and calls it out. When we invest in them intentionally, we help shape their choices, their confidence, the trajectory of their lives, and—most importantly for me—their walk with Jesus.” -Chad VanDosen, Executive Director, Southwest Michigan YFC

That vision shows up in his leadership at Southwest Michigan Youth for Christ, where he and his team walk with teens in schools and communities throughout the region. Their work reflects what our research at Future of Faith continues to reveal: young people thrive when they encounter adults who listen, encourage, and stay present over time.

Leaders like Chad show us what possibility looks like when care meets purpose. I am grateful for his ministry and the example he sets for all of us.

Chad and youth from Southwest Michigan YFC

The Faithful Futures Fund recognizes leaders like Chad with a $250 gift. If you know someone who lives this kind of calling I would love to hear about them. You can nominate a leader you admire, whether they serve in a church, a nonprofit, a school, or anywhere young people gather.

Learn more about the Faithful Futures Fund—and about the research behind my book Faithful Futures: Sacred Tools for Engaging Younger Generations—at faithfulfuturesbook.com.