Our Team

Great partners help us have great impact. Whether it be groups of youth working on a sewing project, friends assisting with event management, or professionals offering their specialized skills, we are blessed to have passionate co-laborers helping us fulfill our mission.

Our Team at IYS

Our Founder

Mark Andréson

By God’s grace, Mark Andréson has served in family ministry (both in the U.S. and overseas) for over two decades and has encouraged, equipped, and empowered ministers from around the world. He is an ordained minister with degrees in biblical and theological studies and holds a Doctorate of Intercultural Studies. His dissertation entitled, Interconnected Youth Ministry: What Can North American Youth Ministries Learn from Cultural Value Orientations of the Non-Western World?, addressed contrasting cultural values and how they influence adolescent spiritual formation.

He previously served as the Director of International Mobilization at Dare 2 Share Ministries, where he spearheaded a global youth evangelism movement and co-authored, the Gospel Advancing Movement Global Guidebook. As the founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Youth Studies (IYS) he is passionate about collaborative efforts which help youth know Christ and make Him known. He feels most at home at the intersection of youth studies, intercultural studies, and strategic operations.

Mark, his wife Kim, and their son Jono live near Chicago. His kryptonite is popcorn, ice cream, & donuts! His veins flow with coffee.

Mark Andréson and family.
Growing up in a troubled home, I realized later in life the power a godly leader can have on a young life.

Volunteers

IYS better encourages, equips, and empowers global youth leaders through the efforts of generous volunteers who donate their time and talents to various areas of our ministry.

  • Administration
  • Bookkeeping
  • Financial Advice
  • Editing & Proof-Reading
  • Graphic Design
  • Event Management

“I feel very inspired and called upon to become involved…I would like to help either with fundraising or even serve on a committee to help bring this project to fruition."

Jan J. - IYS Volunteer

Our Board

IYS is blessed to have a wonderful Board of Directors who bring diverse life experiences and perspectives toward the fulfillment of the IYS vision and mission. These committed partners give financial oversight, programming guidance, and wise counsel. Together they steward the mission and vision.
  • Rev. Dr. Mark A. – President, IYS Executive Director
  • Rev. Bryan R. – Secretary, Chaplain, Retired youth educator
  • Mrs. Rosie W. – Treasurer, Primary school educator
  • Rev. Jim N. – Director, Retired pastor
  • Mrs. Kaylyn P. – Director, Primary school educator