Youth Ministries

The Mission:

Wide Open youth ministry strives to create relationships for teens 
that point them to Jesus Christ.

The Vision:

1. Loving: of God and people
2. Relational: based on trust and acceptance
3. Disciple: through the word and accountability
4. Relevant: with integrity 
 

Nearly 400 teens are involved in at least one of the weekly events that are held at the Pass

age youth building. Our plan is to minister to youth as individuals while providing a format where they can experience God as  part of a viable, unified body of Christ.

We believe each student has something unique to offer the ministry as a whole. By making it our task to help students find a place to use their gifts and abilities to minister to the Lord,  we can help teens know that God is doing something special for them, in them, and through them. One of our core missions is for students to learn and grow in ministry to Jesus, and continue to do so for the rest of their lives.



Meet the Staff

Jason York
Phone:704-295-1470 ext.235
Click here to email Jason
Jason York is the youth pastor for all students in grades 6th-12th. He is energetic and loving and totally passionate about Jesus. You never know where he is next because he's always on the move trying to get around to greet students. He might be walking around the Passage with a cute little girl on his hip(Jada), slapping everyone high five and saying WHAT'S UP or standing on a chair preaching (because it helps him think better).

When I am not at work...lovin' life and livin' fearless for Christ.
I love to...listen to my daughter laugh as my sons play with her.
I can't live without... my wife and kids.
Coolest person I ever met... my old college roommate, Toby Elmore.
Best place I've ever gone...Shell Island, Panama City Beach.
I came to know the Lord when... I was 5 after He miraculously healed me of spinal meningitis.

Tina York
Phone:704-295-1470 ext. 221
Click here to email Tina
Youth Fine Arts Director-  Tina is a women of many creative talents and much passion for her Savior.  She is responsible for all things creative at Wide Open and directs our Drama, Video, Web, and Photography teams.  She can also regularly be heard singing with the Central Sanctuary choir.  She occasionally leads worship at the Passage as well as at various services and events in and around Charlotte. 

When I am not at work... shopping, chillin' at the York compound or transporting one of my three children somewhere.
I love to... be near a body of water or go shopping.
I can't live without... coffee.
Coolest person I ever met... BeBe Winans
Best place I've ever gone... Panama City Beach or New York City.
I came to know the Lord when... I knew of the Lord at an early age, but I don't think my relationship with the Lord started until Sept. 25, 1994. I've never cried so much in my life. I begged the Lord to forgive me and save me, this time for good.

Michael Heafner
Phone 704-295-1470 ext.222
Click here to email Michael
Director of the Passage Youth Center- Michael handles all the security, usage, and upkeep of the Passage. He also manages the cafe' on Wednesday evenings. He can often be found walking around and greeting students and loves invitations to see students participate in any sporting event. Most of all, he always makes sure we are well fed!

When I am not at work ...  staying in shape.
I love to... play golf.
I can't live without...my wife and child.
Coolest person I ever met... is Jake Morton.
Best place I've ever gone... was to the OR to see my little girl being born.
I came to know the Lord when...I was nine years old in my living room with my mom.


Kati Scott
704-295-1470 ext.232
Click here to email Kati
Administrative Assistant - Youth- Kati is probably going to be the first person you speak with when contacting Wide Open Student Ministry.  She is mature beyond her years and is a first class servant of the Most High God.  She has a passion for sharing God's word through outreach and song and can regularly be seen leading worship at the Passage and around Charlotte as part of the 2007 Battle of the Bands winning duo of Sara & Kati Scott.

When I am not at work... making music or preppin' for the South Africa trip.
I love to... play the piano and sing. Spend time with my family.
I can't live without ...Jesus.(Obvious answer, but it's so true)
Coolest person I ever met...Elvis... no, just kidding.
Best place I've ever gone... Grand Cayman Islands.
I came to know the Lord when... I asked him into my heart around age 7, but at 14 I decided to follow Him.


Randy Johnson
704-295-1470 ext.231
Click here to email Randy
Youth Music Director- Randy is an anointed worship leader and songwriter.  He has a passion to see teens changed in the manifest presence of God through worship and he actively mentors our student musicians and singers to use their talents to bless the Lord.  He is also an excellent speaker who is always ready and willing to preach the Word when called upon.

When I am not at work...I'm at home playing with my kids.
I love to... play my keyboard.
I can't live without... ESPN Sportscenter.
Coolest person I ever met... Thurman Thomas.
Best place I've ever gone... Toronto.
I came to know the Lord when... I was 16.


Charryse "Resi" Johnson
704-295-1470 ext.233
Click here to email Resi
Director of Student Life-"Resi" aka "Mama Resi" is our resident house mother among other things. She directs all  small groups and our Sunday Morning Workshop Classes.  She can often be found zipping around the Passage talking and hugging on students or helping parents keep up with what's going on. Resi spends a lot of time in her car and if you blink twice she might be seen at your local plays, recitals, track meets, and any other event you have going in your life. Keep a smile on your face at all times, because there's usually a camera within her arms reach.

When I am not at work...I can be found reading, playing on my blackberry, or talking to friends.
I love to...talk on the phone!
I can't live without...my family. They make every day worth living. 
Coolest person I ever met...is my husband Randy. He is my soul mate!
Best place I've ever gone... is to France on a missions trip.
I came to know the Lord when... I was about 10 years old attending church in Atlanta. Around 13, my youth pastors (Charlton & Lisa) took me under their wings, discipled me, and helped me discover God's purpose for my life.