December 13, 2010

The Assemblies of God Executive Leadership Team and Executive Presbytery have announced that Mark Entzminger, the South Dakota District Youth and Christian Education director, has been appointed as the new senior director of AG Children's Ministries.

Entzminger and his wife, Christie, are both Central Bible College graduates. They began serving as youth ministers in South Dakota in 1996, with their responsibilities expanding to include worship, choir, Christian education and children's ministries. In 2003, Mark was elected as the South Dakota District Youth and Christian Education director, where he has served ever since.

In his new role, Entzminger is charged with overseeing the AG Children's Ministries Agency, Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge (BGMC), Girls Ministries and Royal Rangers. At the same time of Entzminger's appointment, it was announced that Jay Mooney, national Youth Ministries director, was now the senior director for Youth Ministries, and Westley Bartel, director of Discipleship Ministries Agency, had been appointed senior director of Adult Ministries (Discipleship Ministries, Men's Ministries, National Women's Department, Senior Adult Ministries, Single Adult/Young Adult Ministries, Worship Resource and Consulting).

AG Assistant General Superintendent Alton Garrison, whose responsibilities include Children's Ministries, believes Entzminger is a difference maker and a strong addition to the national staff.

"Among other admirable qualities, Mark possesses the prized leadership characteristic of servanthood," Garrison says. "He's passionate about helping churches, leaders and parents reach their children for Christ. I also believe his ability to take God's calling, but not himself, seriously, will allow for incredible opportunities for team building and open communication at all levels."

"My top priority, of course, will be to implement the vision of our leaders," states Entzminger. "I also believe God has placed upon my heart to help equip churches to do more in helping parents to understand their role in reaching their kids for Christ. This is not about a lot of changes or overhauls, but a fresh perspective as we pull together the strengths of national, district and local leaders to better resource our churches."

The Entzmingers have two children, Colby (9) and Cadyn (4). He will assume his new responsibilities in Springfield on January 3, 2010.

AG News
Dan Van Veen