Overland Park Campus: On Sunday morning our students meet at 10:30 AM in the LightHouse.
South KC Campus: On Sunday mornings our students meet at the 9:00 AM Sunday School hour. Middle and high school students meet in the High School youth room which is the building across the parking lot from the main church.
Weekly programming for students 6th-12th grade is also offered during the week at both campuses- check out GROUPS below.
College-Aged Students Living Out the Gospel of the Kingdom Since 1971
Colonial Summer Staffers are college-aged students who are dedicated to the Kingdom of God and have a heart to serve within youth ministry. We hire between 15-20 people every year who minister in all four quadrants of our student-ministry dept (wornall middle and high, quivira middle and high) as well as our College ministry. They live together in the church, serve together in the ministry, and worship together in community. In the mornings they are ‘poured-into’ (through bible studies, seminars, spiritual disciplines, and devotionals) while in the afternoons they ‘pour-out’ (through incarnational ministry with teenagers).
Growing up Michael always thought that if he was a good enough person he would make it to heaven one day. When he was 14 he realized it wasn’t about what he did or didn’t do, but what Jesus did for him on the cross, and since then he’s tried to model his life around this truth every day.
When Michael was a kid he always dreamed of going to art school and becoming a graphic designer, but when he was 17 God called him into ministry and he landed at Manhattan Christian College the following year. Michael also met his wife Krista during college and he eventually convinced her to date him and then be his better half. After graduating college with a ministry degree Michael has been involved in ministries like Young Life and a church in southwest Missouri.
Krista this spring accepted a teaching position in Grandview, MO and Michael was interviewing at a couple tech companies, when he got an exciting text from Becca Gallion about the high school guys leader position at the OP campus. Michael has been very familiar with Colonial since college and almost immediately knew that this was where God was leading him and his family through prayer and getting to know the staff and parents. Michael works with 9-12th grade guys-growing in relationship with them, reaching out to new students as well as being a part of the student staff team and focusing on ministry partners and parent involvement.
Since moving to Kansas City Michael has loved being closer to family, friends and loves spending time with his girls: Krista, their daughter Elliana, and their golden pup named Daisy. Outside of that he enjoys exploring KC and finding the best coffee shops in town, writing, watching Oklahoma football, and attempting to learn to play the guitar.
Favorite Band: Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors
Favorite color: forest green
Enneagram: 7
Favorite food: Anything from Twisted Fresh
Favorite movie: The Breakfast Club
Growing up, Alex was filled with creative wonder and a joyous spirit. She enjoyed playing with the neighborhood kids and having her hands immersed in some art project. Needless to say, her kindergarten aspiration of being a professional figure skater did not pan out.
Alex earned a double Bachelor’s in Religion & Culture and Psychology from William Jewell College with a leadership certificate in completion of Jewell’s 3-year Pryor Leadership Program. Following graduation, Alex took a position as the High School Coordinator at Jacob’s Well Church, where she worked for a year and a half. Alex’s ministry background also includes work and volunteer experience at Kanakuk Kamps (K-2), Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Kansas City K-Life, and Youthfront.
Alex sensed the Lord calling her to full-time youth ministry and when this position opened up, she was excited to apply in light of what she’d heard about Colonial from numerous people in her community. In addition to overseeing 6th-12th grade programming, Alex intentionally invests in the lives of the students at the South KC Campus. From attending sporting events to grabbing coffee with a few girls, Alex meets students in their daily lives with the hope that they will encounter Christ and experience a true relationship with God. She is passionate about mobilizing and emboldening young people to be ambassadors for Christ in their schools, among their friends, on their teams, and wherever they go.
Having played DII soccer, Alex now enjoys training female youth goalkeepers as a coach for Finesse Soccer Academy. She also keeps her hands busy with a side calligraphy/hand lettering business. Outside of work, Alex enjoys being outside, drinking coffee, playing tennis, and hanging with friends and family.
Favorite book: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Food: Cajun and Lebanese
Favorite animal(s): Dog & White Butterfly
Favorite show: So You Think You Can Dance
Dani graduated with her Masters from Friends University with a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is starting up a private practice and, in the process of building her clientele, she decided to jump on board at Colonial. Dani grew up around Colonial. Her family switched churches in sixth grade, so she transitioned into the youth group. At the time she was super shy, but somewhere along the way she busted out of her shell and never turned back. Dani was on summer staff with Colonial one summer during her college career.
She is so excited to join alongside us as we continue to make Colonial a Student Strong church. It is her greatest honor and joy to get to know the students and join them in their pursuit/discovery of who Jesus was, is, and is to come.
Molly was a curious, energetic, and loving child, always using her imagination. She grew up with an insatiable desire to nurture and care for others. Summers spent at Portage Lake Bible camp were also formative in heightening her awareness of God’s calling for her in everyday life.
Molly earned a degree in Christian Education and Ministry from Wheaton College. She also spent six months in Kitwe, Zambia working with a non-profit creating and implementing a teacher training curriculum using Jesus as the model teacher. The Pitkins came to Colonial when Molly was still in middle school. She found a home within the youth ministry and prayer team. As Overland Park’s high school youth leader, Molly loves creating spaces where students can encounter God through teaching and community.
Exploring nature through biking and hiking is one of Molly’s favorite things. She also delights in capturing meaningful moments through photography and art projects. Molly loves finding reasons to celebrate even the littlest things in life.
Favorite Movie — Father of the Bride
Favorite Food — Chips, Guacamole, and Taquitos
Favorite Color — Purple
Favorite Baby Animal — Penguin
Favorite Smell — Spring Flowers
